It's a sad day in Soapland. EastEnders legend Roberta Taylor has sadly passed away at the age of 76. Roberta Taylor may have left the soap 24 years ago, but her character and legacy will always be remembered and adored.
With thousands of fans and costars sharing their tributes, here's everything you need to know about Taylor's career and the cause of death.
Roberta Taylor joins EastEnders
EastEnders superfans will remember her for her role as Irene Raymond. Irene joined the iconic BBC soap opera in 1997 and quickly became a fan favourite, thanks to Roberta's incredible performance as the complex character. Irene was first introduced as Terry Raymond's wife, bringing with her a whirlwind of drama, humour, and a touch of chaos.
Irene was a strong-willed person who wasn't afraid to speak her mind, often landing herself in tricky situations. Her relationship with Terry was tumultuous, marked by ups and downs that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Irene's charm and vivacity made her a beloved character in Walford. One of the most memorable storylines involving Irene was her affair with Troy Harvey, a much younger man. This story showcased Irene's impulsive side and highlighted the vulnerabilities and emotional depths that Roberta Taylor brought to the role.
Roberta Taylor had already established herself as a talented actress with a diverse career in television, theatre, and film. Her time on the series solidified her status as a household name and left a lasting impression on the show's history.
Taylor made the difficult decision to leave EastEnders in the year 2000 after three impactful years on the show. The reason behind her departure was both professional and personal. Roberta Taylor found the fast-paced filming of the soap to be exhausting and very intense. She desired to diversify her portfolio and explore more opportunities outside of Walford.
Beyond Soapland
Roberta Taylor was more than her role in EastEnders as Irene Raymond. She appeared in films such as The Witches (1990) and Beautiful People (1999), displaying her range in both dramatic and comedic roles. Her television credits include guest appearances in popular series like Doctors, Holby City, and Casualty, where she continued to showcase her ability to inhabit diverse characters.
Taylor was always highly praised for her incredible acting skills across all mediums.
How did Roberta Taylor die?
Roberta's agent, Roxanne Vacca, released a statement on Instagram stating the actress died on July 6th. "Roberta made an impact with audiences from the first moment she arrived in Albert Square with her performance as the formidable Irene Raymond," the tribute read.
Soapstar and legend Roberta battled the lung condition emphysema and succumbed to complications on July 6 after a fall which led to an infection. Her health deteriorated further when she developed pneumonia.
Dozens of tributes poured in following the star's death. Actor Nicholas Pegg posted:
"Beautiful, brilliant Roberta Taylor. Adored by millions for her roles in The Bill and EastEnders. Outstanding in Shakespeare, Inspector Morse, and all points in between. A mighty raconteur, a demon at Scrabble, and a dear friend. Thoughts are with her family and her beloved Pete."
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A lasting legacy
Roberta Taylor had a career worth celebrating. From EastEnders to The Bill, Roberta was a staple in classic British TV. For many, she was a legend and will forever be remembered through the characters she brought to life. Everyone here at SoapCentral will miss Roberta Taylor immensely.
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