Grange Hill actress Gwyneth Powell, known to millions as headmistress Mrs. McClusky, has died aged 76 after undergoing major surgery for a perforated colon
- Her agent Matthew Lacey said in a statement on behalf of the family that she died “after complications following a major operation”
- The Lancashire-born actress began her acting career in 1969 after originally training to be a teacher at Goldsmith’s College in London
- Her first roles would include a cameo in legendary British police drama Z Cars and science fiction thriller The Guardians
- But it was her starring role as headmistress Mrs. McClusky in teenage school drama Grange Hill that turned her into a household name
Actress Gwyneth Powell, known to British TV viewers as headmistress Bridget McClusky in BBC series Grange Hill, has died aged 76.
Her agent Matthew Lacey said in a statement on behalf of the family that she died “after complications following a major operation for a perforated colon.”
The actress died surrounded by loved ones on August 8, with the statement adding: ‘She passed away peacefully, with her husband (Alan Leith) and niece at her bedside.
‘Gwyneth will be greatly missed by her adoring family and friends along with her many fans from multiple TV appearances.’
Tragic: Actress Gwyneth Powell, known to millions of British TV viewers as headmistress Mrs. McClusky in BBC series, has died aged 76
The Lancashire-born actress began her acting career in 1969 after originally training to be a teacher at Goldsmith’s College in London.
Her first roles would include a cameo in legendary British police drama Z Cars and science fiction thriller The Guardians, in which she starred as Claire Weston across 11 episodes.
But it was her starring role as headmistress Mrs. McClusky in teenage school drama Grange Hill that turned her into a household name.
The actress appeared in 169 episodes of the hugely popular show from 1980 – two years after its original launch – until 1991, seventeen years before its final episode would be aired by the BBC.
A popular presence on the show, Powell had asked to be written out in order to focus on other roles, among them appearances on TV staples Casualty and Heartbeat.
She would also star alongside comedian Greg Davies – himself a teacher before finding fame as an entertainer – in his Channel 4 comedy Man Down.
Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education, said: ‘We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Gwyneth Powell.
‘Her famous portrayal of Mrs McClusky is one that will be fondly remembered by all those that grew up watching Grange Hill.
‘Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.’
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