‘EastEnders’ actor John Bardon dies, aged 75

EastEnders

actor John Bardon has passed away at the age of 75.

Bardon played Jim Branning, husband of June Brown’s Dot, on the long-running BBC soap between 1996 and 2011, though he appeared much less frequently in later years after suffering a stroke and subsequent poor health.

Over the years, the well-respected actor also made guest appearances on TV shows including Only Fools and Horses, Are You Being Served? and Dad’s Army. In 1988, he won a Laurence Olivier award for his performance in a West End revival of Kiss Me Kate.

The BBC has released a statement in tribute to Cardon, and will dedicate tonight’s episode of EastEnders to his memory.

The statement reads: “Our love and deepest sympathies are extended to Enda, his truly wonderful wife, at this very sad time. May he now rest in peace. Tonight’s episode of EastEnders is dedicated to John, who will be sorely missed by all those who knew and worked with him.”

June Brown, who played Bardon’s on-screen wife, also paid tribute to her late co-star in a statement on the soap’s website. Read it below.

“I am so sorry that John has passed away but hope that he is now at peace after seven difficult years. I shall miss him very much as I loved him dearly. My thoughts are with his devoted wife, Enda.”

Bardon is survived by his wife Enda, whom he married in 2002.