June Brown, the beloved English actress best known for her iconic role as Dot Cotton on EastEnders, has passed away at the age of 95. Her death marks the end of an era in British television, as she was one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the entertainment industry.
June Muriel Brown was born on February 16, 1927, in Needham Market, Suffolk, England. She developed a passion for acting early in life and later trained at the Old Vic Theatre School in London.
Before achieving national fame, she took on various roles in theatre and television, appearing in productions such as Coronation Street, Doctor Who, and The Bill.
Her breakthrough came in 1985 when she joined the cast of EastEnders as Dorothy “Dot” Cotton, a devoutly religious laundrette worker known for her dramatic storylines, chain-smoking habit, and unwavering belief in the power of redemption.
Dot Cotton became one of the most enduring and beloved characters in British soap opera history, a role that June played for over three decades. June Brown’s portrayal of Dot Cotton was widely praised for its depth, emotional range, and authenticity.
Her performances captivated audiences, making Dot a household name across the UK. Over the years, her character was at the center of some of EastEnders’ most memorable storylines, including her struggle with her troubled son, Nick Cotton, her strong Christian faith, and her heartbreaking farewell to her husband, Jim Branning.
June left the show in 2020 after 35 years, citing personal reasons and dissatisfaction with her character’s lack of development in later years. She was honored with a special tribute episode, acknowledging her immense contribution to the show.
June Brown passed away peacefully at her home on April 3, 2022. While her exact cause of death was not publicly disclosed, it was known that she had been dealing with age-related health issues in recent years. Her passing was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, fellow actors, and members of the entertainment industry.
Gillian Taylforth, who played Kathy Beale on EastEnders, described June as a “legend” and a “true professional.” Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) recalled her kindness and wit on set, while BBC Director-General Tim Davie called her “one of the greatest actors the UK has ever produced.”
