‘Love Actually’ Actress Dies After Heartbreaking Health Battle

Actress Joanna Bacon, known most for her endearing roles in the hit film “Love Actually” and British drama “EastEnders,” died last month.

She was 72.

Bacon did not survive a “short and brave” battle with cancer, which took her life on June 14. She was six months into her treatment after being diagnosed.

Harlow Theatre Company, the U.K.-based theater company Bacon worked with throughout her career, said that funeral services had been held on July 15.

“It is with much sadness that we inform our HTC members past and present of the passing of Jo Bacon on June 14th following a short and brave battle against cancer,” the theater company said in a statement.

“Many of our members will remember Jo and her force of nature, her wit, her fun, her passion and her natural ability as an actor. She became a member of Harlow Theatre Company at its inception in 1978.”

“She appeared in many plays in iconic roles such as Portia in The Merchant of Venice, Maddie in Dirty Linen and Beverly in Abigail’s Party along with reviews, musicals and pantomimes all at the Harlow Playhouse,” the statement concluded.

The English actress spent most of her career across the pond, racking up appearances in “Casualty,” “Prime Suspect,” “The Bill” and “Little Britain.” However, it was her 2003 foray into American cinemas with “Love Actually” that cemented her popularity with U.S. rom-com moviegoers.

In the film, Bacon plays the mother of the protagonist Natalie (portrayed by actress Martine McCutcheon). In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, she stands at her daughter’s side while Hugh Grant’s character pleads at their doorstep to win her back.

Other credits to her name include “Pie in the Sky,” “Little Britain,” “A Touch of Frost,” and “New Tricks.” Her last appearance was in the 2004 documentary “Moonflower Murders,” the 2024 television series based on the mystery novel by British author Anthony Horowitz.

More recently, she partnered with “Sex and the City” actress Cynthia Nixon for the 2016 film “A Quiet Passion” as well as the hit series “Breeders,” where she plays the mother of Martin Freeman’s character, Paul.

The show, which ran from 2020 to 2023, garnered high praise for Bacon, who during her services was remembered for her inspirational aura felt by her peers.

“Jo will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. She continued to support HTC attending many of our productions,” the theater company said, per the NY Post.

Following her diagnosis earlier this year, Bacon described her life experience as “brilliant” given the many opportunities she was afforded, both in Hollywood and back home.

“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.