Category: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Date: 12.07.2005
Printable version
Veteran EastEnders actress Gretchen Franklin
passed away on Monday 11 July aged 94.
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Gretchen was one of the show's original cast members.
She played Ethel Skinner, one of soap's most popular and enduring characters.
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The news of her death has deeply saddened the cast and
crew of the show.
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Cast Tributes
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June Brown (Dot Branning)
I was hoping to celebrate her birthday last week (7
July) but she wasn't strong enough. Unfortunately she faded away on
Monday, so there wasn't time.
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She always soldiered on, never complaining. She seemed
such an indomitable person; you felt she would go on forever. I will
miss her very much.
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Wendy Richard (Pauline Fowler)
I was upset when June phoned me with the news. My first
ever scene on the lot was with Gretchen. It was blizzard conditions
and I felt like turning it in there and then, but she kept me going.
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She was such a character and made us all laugh. She
had amazing vitality even at 80. We always used to get a laugh out of
watching her and June work together. Whatever happened, Gretchen always
had the last word. She was a great professional and will be very missed.
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Pam St Clement (Pat Evans)
I was sad to hear of the death of Gretchen Franklin.
I was very fond of her. As an actress she had a rare talent. She moved
us to tears in moments of pathos and to laughter with her impeccable
comedy timing.
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Some of the scenes between her and June Brown are landmarks
in the long history of EastEnders.
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Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale)
I'll always remember her doing the can-can in the Vic.
Gretchen was an absolute acid-wit. She was always brilliant for a quip
or two and used to put us younger ones in our place.
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I learnt bundles from her. She was a lovely lady and
will be greatly missed.
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Notes to Editors
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Gretchen played Ethel Skinner from 19 February 1985
until the character's death on 7 July 2000.
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See www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders for character details.
