By Laura Parkin For Mailonline Published: 13:39 EDT, 20 September 2024 | Updated: 13:47 EDT, 20 September 2024

Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79. The trail-blazing actress became the first black woman ever to play a leading role at the National Theatre in London in 1969. She passed away on Friday morning after spending three weeks in a London hospital.In a statement released to the BBC, her agent said: ‘Much-loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a trail blazer and a true friend. ‘She will be sorely missed by so many. We ask that you respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time.’ Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79. The trail-blazing actress became the first black woman ever to play a leading role at the National Theatre in London in 1969  She passed away on Friday morning after spending three weeks in a London hospital (pictured in 2015)Sharing the news to X, her daughter, Zoe Palmer wrote: ‘Our beloved, inspirational mum crossed over this morning.”With thanks to the teams @NHSHomerton and #therlh who cared for her so brilliantly over the past three weeks. Rest in power mum, see you on the dancefloor.’ Born in London on April 19 1945 she went on to study at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. In 1964, with the help of The Rolling Stones manager and producer Andrew Loog Oldham, she released her first single, To Know Him Is to Love Him. She made her West End debut in 1967 in Wise Child before securing the lead role in The National Health two years later. Alongside her many theatre roles, Cleo also starred on Doctor Who, The Bill, and Grange Hill. In December 2022, she was awarded an MBE for her services to drama and charity in the 2023 New Years Honours. The actress married Ian Palmer in 1977 and they had three children; writer and presenter Zoë, Lucy and Rupert.

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Grange Hill star Cleo Sylvestre dies aged 79 as tributes pour in for trail-blazing actress