An accomplished British actress and director named Josephine Melville passed away after collapsing backstage during a performance of Nine Night in Nottingham, know her age and husband
She was 61.
Actress Josephine Melville Dead, Cause Of Death, Obituary, Biography, Age, Family, Husband, News, Twitter
Melville passed away on Thursday night at the Nottingham Playhouse after playing Aunt Maggie, according to a statement from the theatre. Before paramedics arrived, she received emergency care from first aid professionals and a spectator, but she passed away there and then. No immediate reason was given.
There is no information on the husband of the 61 year old and her personal life.
Our dear friend, sister and fellow Blacktress has taken her ascendance.🕊
Josephine Melville has been a supporter of Blacktress since our conception. Over the past few years we have been blessed by her wisdom, positivity, joy and passion for her community.
— Blacktress UK (@blacktress_uk) October 22, 2022
Advertisement
We are deeply saddened that last night (20 Oct) the actor Josephine Melville, passed away following the performance of Nine Night, our co-production with Leeds Playhouse.
Our thoughts and deep condolences are with her family and loved ones.— Nottingham Playhouse (@NottmPlayhouse) October 21, 2022
The Words On Her Death
“The entire company, as well as the crew at both theatres, are in shock. Josephine was described in the statement as “a very great and well-liked individual, a revered and deeply recognised performer, director, producer, archivist, and writer, and a fantastic Auntie Maggie in Nine Night.
Following Melville’s passing, the play’s performances were all cancelled. She was a guest in eight episodes. In 2005, she made a second appearance in the BBC soap opera as Ellie Wright.
Melville participated in the Know Your Roots initiative last year, which held workshops and taped interviews throughout Essex in honour of and to preserve the legacy of Black women’s hair. Assistance, a short thriller from last year, was produced and directed by her.
Advertisement
What Caused The Death Of Josephine Melville?
A production of Nine Night that Josephine Melville was a part of at the Nottingham Playhouse ended with her passing.
Josephine “got quick assistance from Nottingham Playhouse first aiders and a medically qualified member of the Nine Night audience,”
“The subsequent very speedy arrival of paramedics meant she was immediately and expertly treated but regrettably she passed away at the scene,” the website continued.
The Nottingham Playhouse postponed the remaining Nine Night performances following Josephine’s unexpected death. Stephanie Sirr, the chief executive of Nottingham Playhouse, issued the following statement:
“We give Jo’s family and friends our love and regrets. We want to honour the cast of Nine Night and the entire Nottingham Playhouse crew for handling the situation with professionalism and understanding on a terribly tragic and trying evening.”