Actress Jane Lapotaire, known for her appearances in the TV series The Crown and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 81, according to confirmation from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Lapotaire passed away on March 5. In a statement, the Royal Shakespeare Company expressed sadness over her death, describing her as a “truly brilliant actress.” The company highlighted some of her notable stage work, including her Tony and Olivier Award–winning performance as Edith Piaf in the play Piaf, as well as her portrayal of Gertrude opposite Kenneth Branagh in Adrian Noble’s production of Hamlet. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Born Jane Burgess on December 26, 1944, in Ipswich, she was placed for adoption as an infant and spent the first 12 years of her life with a foster mother.
Lapotaire discovered her passion for acting at 17 and later trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School between 1961 and 1963. She once said that after realizing her love for acting, she wanted it “more than walking or breathing.”
While studying, she worked as an assistant stage manager at the Ipswich Repertory Theatre. Her professional acting career began on stage in 1965 when she played Ruby Birtle in When We Are Married at the Bristol Old Vic.
She rose to prominence during the 1970s and received major recognition in 1980 when she won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in the play Piaf.
Television audiences may remember her as Princess Alice of Battenberg in season three of The Crown and as Princess Irina Kuragin in season five of Downton Abbey.
In 2000, Lapotaire suffered a serious brain hemorrhage and underwent a lengthy recovery. She eventually returned to acting and later wrote books about her life and experiences.
Just weeks before her passing, she was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle for her contributions to drama. It marked her final public appearance.
Following news of her death, many people shared tributes online, praising her talent and memorable performances. Fans especially highlighted her portrayal of Princess Alice of Battenberg in The Crown.
Lapotaire is survived by her son, Rowan Joffe, whom she had with her former husband, Roland Joffe.