The world of theatre and television is mourning the loss of a respected British actress who died on March 5 at the age of 81. Her death was confirmed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, while no cause of death has been publicly disclosed. Colleagues and audiences have remembered her for a career marked by versatility, emotional depth and a lasting commitment to her craft.

Only weeks before her death, she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama. She is survived by her son, Rowan Joffe, and leaves behind a body of work that continues to be remembered by audiences and fellow performers. The acclaimed actress whose career spanned generations was Jane Lapotaire.