Former Grange Hill star Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79, her agent has confirmed.
The “trailblazer” film star — also known as Cleopatra Palmer — was the first black actor to have a regular leading role in a UK soap opera and to land a leading role at the National Theatre.
Sylvestre had starred across film, stage, television and music for nearly sixty years, playing Melanie Harper, Meg Richardson’s adopted daughter, in ITV’s Crossroads.
Her film roles have ranged from the 2014 film Paddington and 1993’s The Punk, while her TV appearances include The Bill, New Tricks, Till Death Do Us Part, Grange Hill, Doctor Who and Coronation Street.
A statement from Fulcrum Talent on Friday said: “It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Cleo Sylvestre MBE died this morning.
“Much loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a trailblazer and a true friend. She will be sorely missed by so many.
“We ask that you respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time.”
Born in Euston, north London in 1941, Sylvestre rose to prominence as singer Cleo, with the Rolling Stones backing her, on a cover of To Know Him Is To Love Him in 1964 and continued to be a musician with her blues band Honey B Mama and Friends.
Her theatre debut came in Wise Child alongside Alec Guinness, earning a nomination for Most Promising Actress, before landing more recent screen roles included ITV thriller Platform 7, and Channel 5’s revamp of All Creatures Great and Small.
In 2023, she went to Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE for services to drama and charity.