Esteemed Actress Jane Lapotaire, Star of Downton Abbey and The Crown, Dies Aged 81
The Australian arts community is mourning the loss of Jane Lapotaire, a truly brilliant and versatile actress whose impressive career spanned decades on stage and screen. Lapotaire, who graced our screens as Princess Kuragin in Downton Abbey and Princess Alice of Battenberg in The Crown, passed away at the age of 81. Her death, confirmed by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), has sent ripples of sadness through the industry.
Lapotaire’s impact on the theatrical world was profound. She achieved significant acclaim for her powerful portrayal of the iconic French singer Édith Piaf in the RSC’s 1981 production of Piaf. This seminal performance earned her both a Tony Award and an Olivier Award, cementing her status as a leading lady. Her dedication to her craft was evident in her numerous other roles with the RSC, including a memorable turn as Gertrude opposite Kenneth Branagh in Adrian Noble’s production of Hamlet. She continued her collaboration with the RSC, appearing in Greg Doran’s productions of Richard II and Henry V in more recent years.
Beyond the stage, Lapotaire captivated audiences with her performances in film and television. Her filmography includes roles in the 1996 biopic Surviving Picasso and a 2020 adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel, Rebecca. On the small screen, she was a recognisable face, bringing depth and gravitas to her characters. Her role as Princess Alice of Battenberg, Prince Philip’s estranged mother, in the third season of the acclaimed Netflix series The Crown was particularly lauded by critics and viewers alike. Fans also fondly remember her turn as Princess Kuragin in the fifth season of the beloved British drama Downton Abbey.
The Royal Shakespeare Company shared their sorrow on social media, remembering Lapotaire as “a truly brilliant actress” and highlighting her numerous achievements. The Tony Awards also paid a heartfelt tribute, sharing a clip of her acceptance speech from 1981 and stating that her “unforgettable performance in Piaf left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.”
Colleagues and friends have come forward to share their fond memories of Lapotaire. Singer-songwriter Mike Batt, who had the pleasure of producing her vocals for Piaf, described her as “delightful, and of course, superbly talented.” Actor Carol Drinkwater, who knew Lapotaire from their early days as actresses at the National Theatre, expressed her sadness, recalling Lapotaire as someone she “looked up to for the quality of her work and the feisty woman she was.”
Fans have also expressed their grief, with many taking to social media to commend her versatility and talent. Comments have ranged from praising her “great and highly versatile” acting to remembering her “mesmerising” performance as Piaf. Her final role as Princess Alice in The Crown was also singled out as a “wonderful swansong.”
Lapotaire’s career began in 1968 with her first television role in the BBC’s Sherlock Holmes series. From there, she built a prolific and diverse career, gracing both the stage and screen with her presence, and also contributing to multiple BBC radio plays.
In a poignant final public appearance just last month, Lapotaire was recognised for her significant contributions to drama, collecting a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to drama at Windsor Castle.
Jane Lapotaire is survived by her son, Rowan Joffe, a respected director and screenwriter. Her legacy as a gifted and impactful performer will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of actors and theatre enthusiasts in Australia and across the globe.
