Who was Joanna Bacon? Everything to know about 'EastEnders' actress as she dies of cancer at 72

Joanna Bacon, the English screen and stage actress, best known for her role in the television series EastEnders and films like Love, Actually, has died of cancer on June 14, 2025, according to Deadline.

The UK’s Harlow Theatre Company, where she had been a longtime member, announced her passing. Joanaa was best known for her role in the series Breeders, where she portrayed the mother of Martin Freeman’s character, Paul. Her funeral was held on July 15, 2025.

Joanna, also known as Jo Bacon, was 72 at the time of her death.

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UK’s Harlow Theatre Company shared the news of Bacon's death in a statement. The statement read:

''It is with much sadness that we inform our HTC members past and present of the passing of Jo Bacon on June 14th following a short and brave battle against cancer. Many of our members will remember Jo and her force of nature, her wit, her fun, her passion and her natural ability as an actor. She became a member of Harlow Theatre Company at its inception in 1978.''

The statement continued:

''She appeared in many plays in iconic roles such as Portia in The Merchant of Venice, Maddie in Dirty Linen and Beverly in Abigail’s Party along with reviews, musicals and pantomimes all at the Harlow Playhouse.''

Her other notable works include the British series Pie in the Sky, Casualty, Prime Suspect, New Tricks, and A Touch of Frost. According to Harlow Theatre Company, Jo's stage credits also included Jane in Nell Dunn's Steaming, which was performed at The Dukes Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, The Sheffield Crucible, Stratford East, and the National Theatre.

Celebrant Jo Moore delivered a tribute to Jo during her funeral service, honoring her expansive career and spirit, as reported by the Daily Mail. He said:

''Jo's talent as an actor was a gift that she shared with the world. On stage and on screen, she brought us joy, laughter, and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she reached.''

He continued:

''She was a woman of many talents and facets, and I would like to share with you a description of Jo, given by Gill, one of her lifelong friends: "Jo's life was a wonderful, elaborate, kaleidoscope with different sections for each of her passions and only Jo was at the centre and could see and enjoy the whole kaleidoscope.''

He ended the tribute by adding:

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''In many ways Jo was a contradiction – a flamboyant extrovert, a superb wit, a natural communicator and yet, at the same time, an introspective loner. We all thought we knew her so well but, in reality, we each only knew and loved one aspect of her."

Jo Bacon's final on‑screen appearance was in the drama series Moonflower Murders, which came out in 2024.

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