The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art has just confirmed the death of 91-year-old Mona Hammond, who was best known for playing Blossom Jackson in EastEnders.
No cause of death was given, but the news prompted sombre tributes from West End institutions, the BBC, and her former co-stars.
All were quick to characterize her legacy as not only a gifted performer, but an important trailblazer for Black theater in the United Kingdom.
Hammond's death comes soon after other entertainers who arose in their medium's golden ages and were known to have as big of an impact while out of the spotlight as they did on stage and on screen.