Trailblazing Actress Cleo Sylvestre Dies at 79

Sylvestre was the first black actress to have a leading role at the National Theatre and in a UK soap opera.

Cleo Sylvestre, also known as Cleopatra Palmer, passed away at the age of 79, her agent confirmed.
She made history as the first black actress to play a leading role at the National Theatre and in the UK soap opera 'Crossroads'.
Sylvestre's career spanned film, television, stage, and music, including roles in 'Grange Hill', 'Doctor Who', and 'Paddington'.
In 1964, she released a song with The Rolling Stones as her backing band and later performed with her blues band Honey B Mama and Friends.
Sylvestre was honored with an MBE in 2023 for her contributions to drama and charity.