Renowned stage and screen actor Haydn Gwynne, known for her roles in popular series such as "The Crown" and "The Windsors," has sadly succumbed to cancer at the age of 66, according to a statement confirmed by Variety. Gwynne's passing occurred in the early hours of Friday, October 20th, after a recent cancer diagnosis.

In a heartfelt statement, Gwynne's representative conveyed the news, saying, "It is with great sadness we are sharing with you that, following her recent diagnosis with cancer, the star of stage and screen Haydn Gwynne died in hospital in the small hours of Friday 20 October, surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends." The statement went on to express gratitude to the medical staff at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals for their exceptional care during her final weeks.

Gwynne's breakthrough in television came in the late 1980s with her role in the drama series "Nice Work." She continued to make waves in the industry, starring in several British shows such as "Peak Practice," "Merseybeat," and the BBC series "Rome," where she portrayed Julius Caesar's wife, Calpurnia.

However, it was Gwynne's portrayal of the cynical journalist Alex in the comedy series "Drop the Dead Donkey" that catapulted her to wider recognition and earned her a BAFTA nomination. She later embraced a number of roles related to the royal family, including playing Camilla, the wife of King Charles, in the comedy series "The Windsors." Gwynne also appeared in Season 5 of "The Crown" as Lady Susan Hussey, one of Queen Elizabeth II's ladies-in-waiting.

Not only a distinguished actress in television, Gwynne was also highly regarded for her contributions to the theater. Notably, she played Margaret Thatcher in Peter Morgan's acclaimed play "The Audience" and portrayed Billy's dance teacher in "Billy Elliot." Her performances garnered critical acclaim and a number of Olivier nominations, including for her appearances in the 1994 run of "City of Angels," "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" in 2015, and "The Threepenny Opera" in 2017.

Recently, Gwynne was set to star in a new production of Stephen Sondheim's "Old Friends" in London. However, she withdrew from the project last month due to personal reasons, as reported by the BBC. Additionally, it has been revealed that a new season of "The Windsors" was slated to commence production this autumn.

Channel 4, the broadcasting company behind "The Windsors," also paid tribute to Gwynne, acknowledging her immense talent and presence both on and off the screen. The network described her as "a force of nature" and a remarkable comedic actor who effortlessly combined caricature and intensity, lightness and darkness. They expressed their privilege to have worked alongside Gwynne and extended their thoughts and condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Haydn Gwynne's untimely passing has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her exceptional performances and significant contributions to television and theater will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike.