Charlotte Cornwell dead: Rock Follies star has passed away aged 71 after cancer battle… a month after her half-brother John le Carré’s death
Actress Charlotte Cornwell has died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. She died on January 16.
The TV and film actress, will no doubt be best remembered for her role in BAFTA-winning TV series Rock Follies a drama about a fictional all-female pop group’s attempts to find fame.
Charlotte starred as Anna Wynd alongside Rula Lenska as Q and Julie Covington as Dee as the Little Ladies in the 70s show.
Charlotte Cornwell dead: Rock Follies star has passed away aged 71 after cancer battle… a month after her half-brother John le Carré’s death (pictured in a still from Rock Follies in 1977)
Her death comes just a month after her half-brother, spy author John le Carré – did aged 89 after falling ill with pneumonia.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy author John famously based the main character in his 1983 novel The Little Drummer Girl on Charlotte.
He had also wanted to cast his sister in the movie of his book and was disappointed when Diane Keaton played the part instead.
Charlotte once said of John: ‘I’ve always felt embarrassed about the way I fell into acting because everyone I know wanted to do it from a frighteningly early age.
Outing: Charlotte pictured at the Henry V press night at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in June 2016
Silver sirens: Pictured in Rock Follies of 77′ starring, (L-R) Rula Lenska as Q, Charlotte as Anna Wynd and Julie Covington as Dee
‘I was completely directionless until he sat me down and said “Come on, sis, what are you going to do? I think you’re creative, have you ever thought about acting”?’
In response, she decided to take up a place at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.
She went on to work with the Bristol Old Vic company and won a role as as Sally Potter in themusical Stardust.
Born in London, Charlotte was the daughter of Ronnie Cornwell, a man who served terms in jail for fraud and obtaining money by false pretences, and mother Jean.
Charlotte is survived by daughter, Nancy Cranham, 39. from her relationship with actor Kenneth Cranham.
More to follow…
Brotherly love: John le Carré, 89, died in Cornwall in December following a short battle with pneumonia