Victoria Wood Dead: Beloved Comedian, Actress And Writer Dies Aged 62

The entertainment world has lost a comedy giant.

Victoria Wood has died aged 62.

The beloved comedian, actress and writer passed away following a short battle with cancer.

Her publicist, Neil Reading, confirmed the news in a statement, which read: "The multi Bafta award-winning writer, director, actor and comedian died peacefully at her north London home with family this morning.

"The family ask for privacy at this very sad time."

The entertainment world has lost a comedy giant in Victoria Wood
The entertainment world has lost a comedy giant in Victoria Wood
Sean Dempsey/PA Archive

After starting her career in 1974 by winning the 'New Faces' talent show, Victoria established herself as a comedy star with the award-winning show ‘Victoria Wood As Seen On TV’.

As well as a stand up comic, she was a frequent collaborator with Julie Walters, Duncan Preston and Celia Imrie, and was just as funny with her pen as on stage.

She wrote and starred in BBC sitcom ‘Dinnerladies’, and adapted her 'As Seen On TV' sketch, 'Acorn Antiques', into a West End production in 2005.

One of Victoria's most famous roles was in BBC comedy 'Dinnerladies'
One of Victoria's most famous roles was in BBC comedy 'Dinnerladies'
BBC

During her career, Victoria won five Bafta Awards, two for her performance in ITV wartime drama 'Housewife, 49', which she also wrote, as well as six British Comedy Awards, including a joint Outstanding Achievement gong with Julie Walters in 2005.

She was also awarded a CBE in 2008, having previously been made an OBE in 1997.

In later years, she made fewer appearances on screen, with her last role in Sky's three-part adaptation of 'Fungus the Bogeyman', which aired over the Christmas period last year.

Julie Walters was a long-time collaborator and friend of Victoria's
Julie Walters was a long-time collaborator and friend of Victoria's
Peter Jordan/PA Archive

A number of Victoria's comedy contemporaries and celebrity fans led the tributes on social media, while Tony Hall, director general at the BBC, also said in a statement: “Victoria Wood was a woman with a stunning array of talents - a comedian, singer, songwriter, actress and director.

"People identified with her warmth and great charm. She brought people from all walks of life together and made them laugh and cry. She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her friends and family.”

Victoria was married to magician Geoffrey Durham from 1980 until their split in 2002, and she is survived by their two children, Grace and Henry.

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Victoria Wood: Her Life In Pictures

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