West End leading lady Louise Plowright has died. The acclaimed actress had been battling pancreatic cancer.
Plowright, who originated the role of Donna in Mamma Mia!, had been forced to withdraw from Wicked in 2013 when she was diagnosed with the disease.
After undergoing major surgery, the cancer recurred and a campaign was launched to raise £140,000 to pay for the star to receive a treatment – an advanced genetic vaccine – in Korea.
Stars of the London stage have been paying tribute to Plowright on Twitter:
Sending love and prayers to the family and friends of Louise Plowright. The love for this brave lady in our industry was overwhelming ❤️
— Emma Hatton (@emmahatton1) March 1, 2016
Devastated to hear Louise Plowright has passed away. What a glorious talent she was. X
— Andrew Wright (@AndrewWright5) March 1, 2016
Such heartbreaking news about wonderful Louise Plowright. RIP, lovely and brilliant lady.
— Jon Dryden Taylor (@jondrytay) March 1, 2016
Our darling Louise Plowright. Now out of pain and in a better calmer place. Sadly missed and hugely loved forever X pic.twitter.com/56lSjZsFTJ
— Belfield & Ward (@BelfieldWard) March 1, 2016