British actress Joanna Bacon, known for her memorable role in the 2003 Christmas romantic comedy “Love Actually” and her recent work on the FX series “Breeders,” died June 14 following a battle with cancer. She was 72.
Bacon’s death was announced by the Harlow Theatre Company in the United Kingdom, where she had been a member since the organization’s inception in 1978. The theater company indicated that she died following a short and brave battle against cancer. Her funeral was held July 15.
In “Love Actually,” Bacon portrayed the mother of Natalie, played by Martine McCutcheon, who falls in love with Hugh Grant’s Prime Minister character. Bacon appeared in a memorable scene where Grant’s character arrives at her door seeking to win back her daughter. The role became one of her most recognizable performances for American audiences.
More recently, Bacon starred as Jackie in the Sky One series “Breeders,” playing the mother of Martin Freeman’s character Paul across four seasons from 2020 to 2023. She appeared in 30 episodes of the comedy-drama series. Freeman praised her work, describing Bacon as a delightful person with sharp comic sensibility who was a beloved member of the show’s cast.
Born in London, Bacon initially worked in publishing before training at The Actors Institute, which inspired her career change. Her first professional acting role was as Jane in Nell Dunn’s “Steaming” at The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster. She achieved considerable success after leaving her position at Longmans Publishers to pursue acting full-time.
Throughout her career, Bacon maintained strong ties to theater, performing at prestigious venues including Hampstead Theatre, The Sheffield Crucible, Stratford East and the National Theatre. At the Harlow Theatre Company, she took on iconic roles including Portia in “The Merchant of Venice,” Maddie in “Dirty Linen” and Beverly in “Abigail’s Party,” along with various musicals and pantomimes.
On television, Bacon built an extensive resume of British productions. She appeared in two episodes of the long-running BBC soap opera “EastEnders” in 1993, playing the character Maggie. Her other television credits included “Casualty,” “Prime Suspect,” “The Bill,” “Pie in the Sky,” “Little Britain,” “A Touch of Frost” and “New Tricks.”
Her most recent television work included six episodes of the 2024 BBC mystery series “Moonflower Murders,” where she starred alongside Lesley Manville and Mark Gatiss. She was scheduled to appear in Sharon Morgan’s upcoming series “Mandy” at the time of her death.
Bacon’s film work spanned over three decades, beginning with her debut in 2001’s “Last Orders.” Her filmography included Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla,” “Easy Virtue,” and the 2016 film “A Quiet Passion,” where she starred alongside Cynthia Nixon. Her final film appearances were in 2021’s “She Will,” “Benediction” and “Mourning Sickness.”
The Harlow Theatre Company remembered Bacon for her force of nature, wit, fun, passion and natural ability as an actor. The organization noted that she continued supporting the theater throughout her career, often settling in the front row with a notebook to watch productions with a critical eye and passion for theater.
Bacon’s talent management company, The Artists Partnership, confirmed her death and described her as a remarkable talent who brought truth and brilliance to every role. The agency stated, “Joanna was not only a remarkable talent who brought truth and brilliance to every role, but also a kind and generous friend.”
After receiving her cancer diagnosis in January 2025, Bacon reflected positively on her career and life experiences. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had and the people she met throughout her career, indicating she felt fortunate to have had a brilliant life with no regrets.
At the funeral service held Tuesday, celebrant Jo Moore praised Bacon’s talent and the indelible mark she left on audiences. A tribute from one of her lifelong friends described her as a wonderful, elaborate kaleidoscope with different sections for each of her passions, noting she was both a flamboyant extrovert and an introspective loner.
Bacon appeared in 49 onscreen roles between 1991 and 2024, making her screen acting debut in episodes of “Perfect Scoundrels” and “Minders.” Her career spanned television, film and theater, establishing her as a respected character actress in British entertainment. The Harlow Theatre Company concluded their tribute by expressing that she will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
