British actress and former soap star Elizabeth Kelly has died at the age of 104. Her agent confirmed the news to news outlets in the United Kingdom, revealing that she passed away peacefully.
She is probably best known for her role in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders” but had a career spanning more than four decades up until her retirement.
Elizabeth Kelly Passes Away After Long Career in Television
A BBC News report about Kelly’s death included a statement from her agent that gave more details about the death.
Revealing that she had passed away in Scarborough on 31 December, the agent continued, “Elizabeth enjoyed an illustrious career spanning many decades but is probably best known as Auntie Nellie in EastEnders.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for “EastEnders” also released a statement that reads, “Those that worked with Elizabeth at EastEnders will remember her fondly for her warmth and kindness, and our love and thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family and friends. Elizabeth Kelly created a wonderful character in Nellie Ellis, and it is with great sadness that we learn of her passing.”
Kelly began acting in the 1960s and went on to perform in many of the UK’s biggest television series. This included stints in fellow soap opera “Coronation Street” during the 1970s alongside appearances in both “The Bill” and “Where the Heart Is.”
Her most memorable role as Nellie Ellis in “EastEnders” came in the 1990s, with Kelly regularly portraying the character up until 1998 — although she did return in 2000 for a special episode that marked the death of another character.
Kelly’s Passing Comes Just Weeks After Another ‘EastEnders’ Legend
The news about Kelly’s passing comes just a few weeks after it was reported that Derek Martin had passed away. Martin was best known for his role as Charlie Slater, an “EastEnders” stalwart who appeared in the soap for decades as a black cab taxi driver.
It has since emerged that Martin’s son David Rapp, who was at his father’s side when he passed, has also sadly died. Reports in the UK indicated that he died on January 20.
BBB Talent Agency, the organization where Rapp worked, confirmed the news online. In a statement, the agency wrote, “Devastating news today. Just after losing his father. David has also passed away.”
“The gentle giant whose heart was as big as he was. I couldn’t have wished for a better friend or workmate. Rest in peace, David Rapp, you will be missed! BBB HQ will never be the same.”
They were both good working class people God Bless them God rest them