The Levenshulme born actress Gwyneth Powell, most famous for playing the Grange Hill headmistress Mrs McClusky, has died aged 76 after complications with surgery
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’.
‘She passed away peacefully, with her husband (Alan Leith) and niece at her bedside,’ the statement added.
‘Gwyneth will be greatly missed by her adoring family and friends along with her many fans from multiple TV appearances.’
She appeared in Grange Hill between 1981 and 1991 until she requested her character was written out so she could pursue other roles.
Reacting to the news, Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education: ‘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.’
Powell attended Cheadle County Grammar School for Girls, during which time she appeared to some acclaim as Fat Urs in the National Youth Theatre’s production of Ben Jonson’s Bartholemew Fair. She originally trained as a teacher at Goldsmiths, University of London, but instead chose to act in repertory theatre.
Latterly she played the role of Greg Davies’ mother Polly Davies in the Channel 4 comedy Man Down.Her other credits included Heartbeat, Holby City and Father Brown
