June Brown

June Muriel Brown OBE (16 February 1927 – 3 April 2022) was a celebrated English actress and author, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Dot Cotton in the BBC's long-running soap opera, EastEnders, where she captivated audiences from 1985 to 1993 and again from 1997 until her departure in 2020. Her remarkable performance earned her the Best Actress accolade at the Inside Soap Awards in 2005 and a Lifetime Achievement award at the British Soap Awards, solidifying her legacy in British television.

In recognition of her contributions to drama and charitable endeavors, Brown was honored as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours, a distinction elevated to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours of 2022. Her talent was further acknowledged when she received a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Actress in 2009, making her only the second actor to achieve such a recognition for work within a soap opera, following Jean Alexander.

In February 2020, at the remarkable age of 93, Brown announced her permanent exit from EastEnders, marking the end of an era for both her and the show. Her legacy as a pioneering figure in television continues to resonate with fans and colleagues alike.