Farewell to a Beloved Screen Icon: ‘The Crown’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ Star Dies at 81

Actress Jane Lapotaire of ‘The Crown’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ Passes Away at 81

The Royal Shakespeare Company has confirmed that celebrated actress Jane Lapotaire, widely recognized for her memorable performances in The Crown and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 81.

According to the Royal Shakespeare Company, Lapotaire passed away on March 5. As reported by The Sun, a spokesperson for the organization shared a heartfelt statement: “We are saddened to hear of the death of Jane Lapotaire. A truly brilliant actress her RSC credits include Piaf, winning her TONY & Olivier awards, & Gertrude opposite Kenneth Branagh in Adrian Noble’s Hamlet.”

At this time, no official cause of death has been disclosed.

Originally named Jane Burgess, she was born on December 26, 1944, in Ipswich, England. Given up for adoption as an infant, she spent the next 12 years of her life living with a foster mother.

Discovering a profound passion for the performing arts at the age of 17, she decided to pursue acting and subsequently trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School from 1961 to 1963.

Reflecting on her early ambitions, she previously remarked, “I knew then that I wanted to act. I wanted it more than walking or breathing.”

While completing her studies, Lapotaire gained behind-the-scenes experience working as an assistant stage manager at the Ipswich Repertory Theatre. Her illustrious acting career, which would span more than six decades, officially launched in 1965 when she stepped onto the Bristol Old Vic stage to play Ruby Birtle in When We Are Married.

Lapotaire’s rise to prominence began in the 1970s, a period that saw her claiming major accolades for her theatrical talent. Her crowning stage achievement came in 1980 when she took home a Tony Award for her spectacular portrayal of the iconic French singer Edith Piaf in the play Piaf.

Television audiences also grew deeply familiar with her work, particularly her regal roles in major period dramas. She brilliantly portrayed Princess Alice of Battenberg in the third season of The Crown and took on the role of Princess Irina Kuragin in season 5 of Downton Abbey.

In the year 2000, Lapotaire faced a severe health crisis when she suffered a brain hemorrhage. Following a lengthy and challenging rehabilitation, she remarkably returned to her acting career and even authored books detailing her life’s journey.

Just weeks prior to her passing, she was honored by the King with the title of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of her lifelong contributions to drama. The investiture ceremony served as her final public appearance.

A Flood of Tributes

Following the news of her passing, tributes from fans and colleagues have flooded social media to honor the late icon.

As noted by The Sun, one admirer wrote, “Her Tony-winning Piaf was raw, vulnerable, devastating. What a remarkable artist we’ve lost.”

Another supporter shared, “She was an extraordinary talent and have always admired her versatility in every role she took on.”

A third fan specifically praised her television work, stating, “She was magnificent as Alice of Battenberg in The Crown.”

Jane Lapotaire leaves behind her son, Rowan Joffe, from her previous marriage to ex-husband Roland Joffe.

Rest in peace, Jane Lapotaire.