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Dora Bryan dead: Last of the Summer Wine and Absolutely Fabulous actress dies aged 91

"It was heartbreaking but it was peaceful. She just left us," says her son Daniel

Danny Walker

Award-winning actress Dora Bryan has died aged 91, her family announced today.

The Last of the Summer Wine and Absolutely Fabulous actress passed away with her sons Daniel and William Lawton by her bedside.

Dora, who was based in Brighton, had lived at a nursing home in Hove, south east England, in the final years of her life.

Her son Daniel said: "It was heartbreaking but it was peaceful. She just left us.

"She was a tiny woman but her constitution was incredible.

"She loved being on stage, that's what she wanted. Not only did she do it, but she was good at it.

"She was a star and a mum."

Following the news Lionel Blair referred to his "good friend" Dora as "wonderful".

He posted: "So very sad to hear of the passing of my good friend Dora Bryan. She was wonderful."

Comedienne Jenny Eclair added that Dora was "hilarious".

Dora played Ros Utterthwaite in 50 episodes of Last of the Summer Wine between 2000 and 2005 and also had roles in Absolutely Fabulous and the Carry On films.

In 1999, Bryan made a special appearance in episode one of Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies.

Dora played a character called Connie. 

The actress began her stage career at a young age and during the Second World War, she joined the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) to entertain British troops who were stationed in Italy.

Known for her trademark distinctive speaking voice, she left the stage for the silver screen, and went on to star in films A Taste Of Honey (1961), MirrorMask (2005) and Apartment Zero (1988).

Bryan was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1995 for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in The Birthday Party.

The late actress was made an O.B.E. for her services to drama in 1996.

Dora was married to cricketer Bill Lawton for 54 years until his death in 2008.

In her later life Dora was confined to a wheelchair but attended an exhibition to celebrate her career at Rottingdean Museum last year.

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