Tributes have been paid to Stephanie cole, who has died aged 84.
Cole was known as both a dramatic and comic actor, appearing in countless television shows over the years. She played it straight in WW2 POW series Tenko and Coronation Street but was known to comedy fans for roles in Waiting For God and, on the radio, John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure alongside Roger Allam and Benedict Cumberbatch. She also appeared in Man Down, Open All Hours and Doc Martin. She also featured in the BBC Dr Who adventure The Abandoned.
Her agent John Grant, issued this statement. "Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television," the statement read. She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcom and drama. She will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities."
She was born in Solihull and trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Ali Carron wrote on Facebook: "I was the AFM (Assistant floor Manager) on Waiting for God many moons ago, in my early twenties. Being on the book and in rehearsals, you get close to the cast, some more than others. Steph was one of those. She looked after me, supported and encouraged me. Filled me with confidence. I was a fuck up back then and, being working-class, poo-pooed the idea of therapy. I talked to Steph, who put me in touch with someone who finds the right therapist for the individual. She gently pushed me to do it, even offered to help pay for it if my AFM wage would not allow. I found the right person for me, and it changed my life, made me a better person, made me understand myself and made me better equipped for the world and life. I will always be grateful to Stephanie Cole; I adored her."
Alex Lowe also enjoyed working with her: "I am never sure about marking a death on FB as it seems so shallow, but maybe it doesn't matter. I wanted to say how lovely and brilliant Stephanie Cole was. She agreed to do my Radio 4 series Barry's Lunch Club way back in 2016 with me, Alex Walsh Taylor and Philip Pope. We wanted a real 'school ma'amish' no nonsense battle axe and she did such a good line in that that I thought she'd be terrifying, but she was the total opposite. Warm and encouraging and brilliant in the role. So delighted to have known her and have her in the show. RIP Stephanie."
Buy Stephanie Cole's autobiography A Passionate Life here.
