Actress Jean Boht dies aged 91
She was best known for playing Nellie Boswell in sitcom Bread
Last updated 13th Sep 2023
Jean Boht, the actress best known for playing the role of Nellie Boswell in the hit sitcom Bread, has died.
A statement from the family of Jean Boht said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we must announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday, Tuesday September 12.
“Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with the indefatigable spirit for which she was both beloved and renowned.
“She was a resident at Denville Hall, the home for members of the theatrical profession.”
The actress appeared in many TV shows such as Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Last Of The Summer Wine, Brighton Belles, Doctors, Grange Hill, Juliet Bravo and Boys From The Blackstuff.
But it was playing matriarch Nellie Boswell in Bread that she was best known.
Running from 1986 to 1991, the show was watched by more than 20 million people at its peak and Boht won a British Comedy Award for best TV comedy actress.
Born in Bebingdon in 1932, Boht began her career as a £1-a-week student at the Liverpool Playhouse and went on to join the Bristol Old Vic and Manchester Companies before returning to Liverpool to star alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins, Lynda La Plante and Sir Patrick Stewart.
Boht was married to the award-winning composer Carl Davis, who died last month.
The had two children and three grandchildren.
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