Tributes to Sylvia Young
Founder of London theatre school has died
Tributes are being paid to Sylvia Young
The founder of the London theatre school has died at the age of 86
Bonnie Langford has described her as inspiring and generous, while Giovanna Fletcher said her life wouldn't be what it is without her.
Her daughters Alison and Frances Ruffelle said it was with "great sadness" that they confirmed the death of their mother - who "passed away peacefully" on Wednesday, in a statement posted on the Sylvia Young Agency Instagram account.
Their statement read: "Our mum was a true visionary, she gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard.
"Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students contributed to the richness of today's theatre and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way.
"She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself. She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation's heart."
The Sylvia Young Theatre School, which was established in 1972 offering full-time and part-time courses, produced a wide range of stars from singers such as Dua Lipa and Rita Ora, to actors such as Doctor Who's Billie Piper and Nosferatu's Nicholas Hoult.
Young's daughters added: "Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who worked hard to achieve her goals, took hold of life, and lived it to the full.
"Her family were everything to her, her wonderful husband, our dad, Norman and her grandchildren Eliza, Nat, Felix and Coral plus her great grandson Rex.
"We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students. You all meant the world to her.
"We will miss her so very much."
Young was the subject of an episode of This Is Your Life in 1998, and was appointed an Officer Of The Order Of The British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for her services to the arts.
She married Norman Ruffelle in London in 1961, and is the grandmother of singer Eliza Doolittle.
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