Actress Sophiya Haque has died aged 41. She had been starring as Sylvia Morgan in Privates On Parade at the Noël Coward theatre and had been diagnosed with cancer several weeks ago.
Haque performed in the acclaimed comedy for the last time before Christmas. Her partner confirmed today she passed away peacefully in her sleep last night.
Michael Grandage and James Bierman, the Artistic Director and Executive Producer of Michael Grandage Productions, the company behind Privates On Parade, announced they would be dedicating the remainder of the run to Haque’s memory, saying: “We are devastated by Sophiya’s sudden passing. She was a true force of nature and her glorious performance as Sylvia is one that will be remembered with great joy. A spirited lady, she lived life to the full, and her presence in the theatre will be sorely missed. The company would like to dedicate the remaining performances to her memory.”
A graduate of London’s Arts Educational School, the actress began her career as a successful presenter on MTV Asia. In 2002 the Portsmouth born actress returned to the UK to appear in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams at the Apollo Victoria theatre and subsequently appeared in West End musicals The Far Pavilions and Wah Wah Girls, as well as Ghandi & Coconuts at the Arcola theatre and The Vagina Monologues at the Southbank Centre.
On screen Haque also found success, appearing in Coronation Street, popular Nickelodeon series House Of Anubis and in the hit film Wanted. She was also a DJ for The BBC Asian Network.
Stuart Piper, Managing Director of talent agency Cole Kitchenn who represented Haque, paid tribute to the actress, saying: “Sophiya was one of the most inspirational people I ever met. She was the kind of person you always want to spend time with: full of light, warmth, compassion, care and with an infectiously wicked sense of humour and I loved every minute of working with her. On stage, it was like you were watching her in close up even if you were sat at the back of the stalls such was her star presence and charisma. I am so desperately sad that she has been lost to the world at such a tragically young age, but feel blessed to have known her. Our whole team miss her greatly”.