Iconic actress Cleo Sylvestre, who was the first black actress to play a leading role at the National Theatre, has died aged 79, her agent has confirmed

"Trailblazing" actress Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79, her agent has confirmed. Sylvestre, also known as Cleopatra Palmer, had been a feature of film, stage, television and music since the 1960s.

Cleo Sylvestre, an actress who starred in numerous TV shows and films, has died aged 79, her agent confirmed. Sylvestre was known for her roles in hit programmes Doctor Who, Grange Hill, The Bill, Till Death Do Us Part and New Tricks, while on the big screen she starred in films including Paddington and Kidulthood.

Trailblazing actress Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79, her agent has confirmed. She was the first black actress to play a leading role at the National Theatre, and to have a regular leading role in a UK soap opera, Crossroads. Sylvestre appeared in TV series including Grange Hill and the Channel 5 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small.

Former Grange Hill star Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79, her agent has confirmed. The “trailblazer” film star — also known as Cleopatra Palmer — was the first black actor to have a regular leading role in a UK soap opera and to land a leading role at the National Theatre.

GRANGE Hill star Cleo Sylvestre has died at age 79. Sylvestre had also appeared in the Channel 5 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small. She appeared in TV series including The Bill, New Tricks,