Actress Anna Karen sadly dies in house fire, aged 85
She appeared in shows like EastEnders and On The Buses
Last updated 23rd Feb 2022
Legendary actress Anna Karen, who is best known for her roles in On The Buses and EastEnders, has sadly passed away at the of 85, following a tragic house fire.
According to reports, firefights were called to the blaze at 10.30pm last night (Tuesday 22nd February) on Windsor Road in Ilford, East London.
A friend close to Anna's family told Mail Online: "We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna."
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Sadly, a woman has died following a house fire on Windsor Road in Ilford.
"Part of the ground floor of a mid-terrace house was damaged by fire.
"Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene."
Anna is best known for playing the role of Peggy Mitchell's sister Aunt Sal on BBC soap EastEnders, as well as her role in hit comedy show On The Buses in the 70s.
Upon hearing the tragic news, tributes flooded in for Anna online.
Rits Simons wrote: 'I just heard the awful news about the wonderful Anna Karen. Horrific and awful and so so sad. She was one of the best. Sleep well lovely Anna. Sending all my love to her family and friends ❤️'. (sic)
Cheryl Baker wrote: 'I have just heard the awful news that my fabulous mate, #AnnaKaren has died in a house fire. What an horrific way to die, I can’t bear to think about it. I adored her - She was an absolute treasure, both on and off the screen.' (sic)
Lizzy Mary Jones wrote: 'Absolutely shocked and saddened to hear that Anna Karen has gone - she was an star ⭐️ and Olive will always be one of the best characters ever ❤️'. (sic)
Chair of Elstree Studios, Morris Bright MBE, added: 'Devastated to hear On the Buses star, actress Anna Karen, has died in a house fire aged 85. She was the loveliest of ladies. Here she is with Reg Varney & OTB writers Ronalds Chesney & Wolfe discussing the iconic role of Olive with me back in 2002. Remembered with huge affection.' (sic)
Fans of the actress were also quick to send their condolences.
One wrote: 'Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of Anna Karen she was a true national treasure and such a wonderful actress . Rip beautiful lady 😢🙏', with another adding: 'RIP Anna Karen you created one of the most memorable characters from one of the best comedy’s in a time of proper humour #annakaren'. (sic)
Another wrote: 'Terribly sad news about Anna Karen. OTB is a fantastically funny show. It may not be PC (In so many ways) but that aside, nobody can deny that it, and Anna, bought joy to millions. That, along with The Rag Trade & Eastenders will forever hold her in high regard. RIP'. (sic)
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Kim Mi-soo
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George Rossi
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Peter Bogdanovich
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Sir Sidney Poitier
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Jack Dromey Labour MP
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Bob Saget
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Born in Durban in South Africa on 19th September 1936, Anna, who had an Irish father and an English mother, moved to the UK when she was 17-year-old to pursue her love for acting.
After making her debut in the film Nudist Memories in 1961, Anna went on to achieve huge things in her career, going on to appear as Olive in British sitcom On The Buses, and Aunt Sal in EastEnders.
The actress also reprised her role as Olive in The Rag Trade, as well as appearing in Carry On films.
Our thoughts are with Anna's family and friends at this sad time.