Overview
- Stephanie Cole died on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the age of 84, her agent John Grant announced.
- Grant said Cole had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years and the family has asked for privacy; she is reported to be survived by one daughter.
- Cole enjoyed a decades‑long career on stage and screen, winning awards for Waiting For God and earning an OBE in 2005 for services to drama and charity work.
- Her best‑known television roles included Tenko, Open All Hours (and its revival), Coronation Street and later appearances in series such as Doc Martin, and she also had major West End and touring theatre credits.
- The Alzheimer’s Society paid tribute and used the news to underline dementia as a leading cause of death in the UK, offering support via its Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.