British actress Joanna Bacon, remembered for her standout performances in “Love Actually” and the iconic BBC soap “EastEnders,” passed away on June 14 after a short illness with cancer. She was 72.
The Harlow Theatre Company, where Bacon had been an active member since its founding in 1978, confirmed her passing in the UK. Her funeral was held on July 15, attended by many of her peers and colleagues.
The company paid tribute to Bacon’s lively spirit, sharp sense of humor, boundless enthusiasm, and innate acting ability. They noted her significant contributions to several shows at the Harlow Playhouse, where she took on prominent roles such as Portia in “The Merchant of Venice,” Maddie in “Dirty Linen,” and Beverly in “Abigail’s Party.”
Bacon gained international fame for her role in the 2003 romantic comedy “Love Actually,” portraying the mother of Natalie (played by Martine McCutcheon). In one of the film’s most memorable moments, Bacon’s character greets Hugh Grant’s Prime Minister character at the door. This role remains one of her most recognized internationally.
Spanning her long television career, Bacon made appearances in numerous British series, among them “EastEnders,” “Casualty,” “Prime Suspect,” “The Bill,” “Pie in the Sky,” “Little Britain,” “A Touch of Frost,” and “New Tricks.” She played the character Maggie in two “EastEnders” episodes in 1993.
In recent years, Bacon received critical praise for her role in the FX series “Breeders,” which aired from 2020 to 2023. Over four seasons, she appeared in 30 episodes as Jackie, the mother of Martin Freeman’s character Paul. Her portrayal in the dark comedy was widely praised and quickly became a standout with fans.
Bacon’s last TV role was in 2024, when she featured in six episodes of “Moonflower Murders” alongside Lesley Manville. The Harlow Theatre Company noted that she had been slated to appear as a character in Sharon Morgan’s upcoming series “Mandy.”
Outside of television and film, Bacon maintained a devoted stage career, performing at leading venues like The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster, London’s Hampstead Theatre, The Sheffield Crucible, Stratford East, and the National Theatre. Her theater credits also included a performance in Nell Dunn’s “Steaming” at The Dukes Theatre.
After receiving her cancer diagnosis in January 2025, Bacon looked back on her life and career with gratitude, expressing thanks for the opportunities she’d been given and the people she’d met along the way, and saying that she had no regrets.
Speaking at her funeral, celebrant Jo Moore highlighted Bacon’s influence on her peers and audiences. A close friend described Bacon’s life as “a wonderful, elaborate, kaleidoscope with different sections for each of her passions,” emphasizing both her vibrant extroversion and her introspective side.
Many of Bacon’s colleagues, including Martin Freeman, came to honor her memory at the service. Another friend, Barry Bowen, remembered her for her steadfast loyalty and highlighted her work with luminaries such as Vanessa Redgrave, Peter O’Toole, Helen Mirren, Alan Bates, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and Freeman.
The Harlow Theatre Company emphasized Bacon’s dedication to local theatre, even as her career reached greater heights. She was known for attending performances, often seated in the front row with a notebook, always eager to support and encourage her fellow actors.
As her coffin was carried out at GreenAcres Epping, the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women” played in the background. An avid animal lover, especially fond of dogs, Bacon requested that donations be made to Mutts in Distress, a local animal welfare charity.
Bacon’s professional career stretched over thirty years, beginning with her first credited screen appearance in 1991. She was seen more recently in the 2016 film “A Quiet Passion” opposite Cynthia Nixon. Her passion for acting began in the 1960s and 1970s through amateur dramatic groups and ultimately led to a distinguished professional career.