British actress Joanna Bacon, known for her role as Natalie's mother in the popular movie Love, Actually, passed away on June 14th after a long battle with cancer. The news was announced by the Harlow Theatre Company from the United Kingdom, which held her funeral this Tuesday.
"With deep sadness, we inform about the passing of Jo Bacon, after a short and brave battle with cancer," stated the organization. The statement highlighted Bacon's "strength, wit, humor, passion, and natural talent as an actress", who was a founding member of the Harlow Theatre Company in 1978.
"Jo will be deeply missed and fondly remembered," the company's statement details. "She continued to support HTC by attending many of our productions. She sat in the front row with a notebook, watching critically and with her passion for theater. She never forgot to praise our work. Thank you, Jo. Rest in peace, darling!" concludes the statement.
In the theatrical realm, Bacon left a significant mark. The Harlow Theatre Company highlighted her participation in numerous plays, portraying iconic roles such as Portia in The Merchant of Venice, Maddie in Dirty Linen, and Beverly in Abigail's Party. Additionally, she performed in various plays, musicals, and pantomimes at the Harlow Playhouse. Her theatrical credits in the UK also included Steaming by Nell Dunn at The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster, and roles at Hampstead Theatre, The Sheffield Crucible, Stratford East, and the National Theatre.