Meg Johnson, who was best known for her roles in shows like Emmerdale and Coronation Street, has passed away at the age of 86.
On social media, a statement from Emmerdale stated that the late actress passed away “peacefully” while “surrounded by her family.”
We regret to inform you that Meg Johnson, an actress, passed away peacefully yesterday evening while being cared for by her family, the statement read.
Meg was a wonderful woman who was kind and warm, and she always had a twinkle in her eye. Everyone who knew her will miss her dearly.
Johnson began portraying Pearl Ladderbanks on Emmerdale in 2003, and she continued to play the character until 2020, when she made her final appearance.
Prior to being cast as Eunice Gee in 1981, she had previously starred in Coronation Street, first in a few brief cameos as Brenda Holden in 1976.
Fans who enjoyed watching her portrayal of Pearl on Emmerdale over the years have left numerous tributes.
She was fantastic as Pearl and was able to deliver with the more dramatic material while also being very very funny, one person tweeted.
Sad news! Another Twitter user who was familiar with her time on Corrie wrote: Meg played Eunice Gee on the cobbles twice; she was a fantastic Eunice Gee! We’ll never forget her 1999 comeback attempt at seducing Jack Duckworth!
She played Rachel Breckle on the soap from 2011 to 2015, and former Emmerdale star Gemma Outen wrote on Instagram, “God bless her beautiful woman inside and out.” Love to the emmerdale family as well as her family. She will definitely rank alongside Shirley, Richard, Freddie, and a host of other legends.
Another person chimed in, saying, “RIP Meg, she was a great actress and was fabulous as Pearl. Always beautiful and compassionate. My thoughts are with her family, lovely lady.
Charles Foster, an English actor and Granada ITV television presenter, and Johnson were wed until Foster’s passing in February 2023.
She played opposite Victoria Wood in several episodes of her shows Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV and Victoria Wood Presents in addition to her roles in Emmerdale and Corrie.
Johnson appeared on stage in productions of Chicago, Follies, and Gypsy. From 2000 to 2003, she played Brigid McKenna in the soap opera Brookside.
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