Love Actually and EastEnders star Jo Bacon dies at 72 as tributes flood in for actress
Actor Jo Bacon, who appeared in one of Love Actually’s most memorable scenes, has died aged 72.
The performer played Natalie’s mother in the 2003 Christmas classic, greeting Hugh Grant’s Prime Minister at the door of their south London home
She is also known for several television roles, including in EastEnders. Tributes have poured in for the “brilliant” actor following her death. Martin Freeman, who worked with Bacon on the series Breeders, was among those who attended her funeral yesterday.
Bacon enjoyed an extensive career spanning television, theatre, film and ballet. She was diagnosed with cancer in January this year.
“I have had a brilliant life. I have been so lucky to do the things I have done and to have met the wonderful people I have met. I have no regrets,” she said following her diagnosis.
Her television credits included appearances in EastEnders, Casualty, The Bill, Pie in the Sky, Little Britain, A Touch of Frost and New Tricks.
She earned particular acclaim for her role as Jackie in Breeders, playing the mother of Martin Freeman’s character Paul.
Throughout her career, Bacon shared the stage and screen with some of Britain’s most celebrated actors.
Friend Barry Bowen noted at her funeral that she worked alongside “the likes of Redgrave, O’Toole, Mirren, Bates, Rickman, Grant, Firth and Freeman.”
Despite her impressive career and connections, Bowen remembered her as someone who remained “the humble person we all knew” and never resorted to name-dropping.
He praised her “unfailing loyalty to her friends” as one of her defining characteristics.
Celebrant Jo Moore spoke at the funeral about Bacon’s impact on audiences.
“Jo’s talent as an actor was a gift that she shared with the world. On stage and on screen, she brought us joy, laughter, and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she reached.”
Moore shared a description from Gill, one of Bacon’s lifelong friends: “Jo’s life was a wonderful, elaborate, kaleidoscope with different sections for each of her passions and only Jo was at the centre and could see and enjoy the whole kaleidoscope.
“In many ways Jo was a contradiction – a flamboyant extrovert, a superb wit, a natural communicator and yet, at the same time, an introspective loner.
“We all thought we knew her so well but, in reality, we each only knew and loved one aspect of her.”
Close friend Patrick Roberts recalled Bacon’s passion for life, travel and animals during the service.
It is understood the congregation responded with applause, laughter and tears as they heard anecdotes about her life and career.
Bacon began her career in the 1960s and 1970s with amateur dramatic groups in Hatfield Heath and Harlow, Essex.
Despite her professional success, she remained a devoted supporter of local theatre, regularly attending performances by the Heath Players, Harlow Ballet and at Harlow Playhouse.
Her coffin departed GreenAcres Epping to the Rolling Stones’ Honky Tonk Woman.
As a devoted animal lover, particularly of dogs, Bacon requested donations be made to Mutts in Distress, a local animal charity.