“Pioneer” actress Cleo Silvestre has died at the age of 79, her representative confirmed.
Also known as Cleopatra Palmer, Silvestre has worked in film, stage, television and music since the 1960s, and was the first black actor to play Meg Richardson's adopted daughter Melanie Harper in ITV's Crossroads, becoming the first black actor to play a regular leading role in a British soap opera. She was also the first black actor to win a leading role at the National Theatre.
Sir Mick Jagger was also among those paying tribute to the late actor, with the Rolling Stones frontman writing in an Instagram story that he was “sad” to hear of the death of his “old friend” who was “the first female vocalist to sing in the Stones.”
Silvestre sang backup for the Rolling Stones in a cover of “To Know Him Is To Love Him” in 1964 as Cleo. Her mother often cooked for the band. “The Stones were always close, especially Brian[Jones]and Mick[Jagger],” she said in a PBS interview.
“We lived in a council flat with a small kitchen and she cooked meals for 15 people.”
In recent years, Silvestre has continued his work as a musician with the blues band Honey B. Mama and Friends.
Her film roles range from the 2014 film Paddington to 1993's The Punk, while her TV appearances include The Bill, New Tricks, Till Death Do Us Part, Grange Hill, Doctor Who and Coronation Street.
Fulcrum Talent released a statement on Friday saying: “It is with deep regret that we must share the sad news that Cleo Silvestre MBE passed away this morning.
“Much loved and respected by her contemporaries, she will be remembered as a pioneer and a true friend. She will be deeply missed by many.”
“We ask that you please respect her family's privacy during this difficult time.”
In 2023, she visited Buckingham Palace to be awarded an MBE for services to drama and charity.
Her recent film roles include the ITV thriller Platform 7 and the Channel 5 remake of All Creatures Great and Small.
Silvestre made his Royal Shakespeare Company debut in As You Like It last year after a long theatre career which included productions in Wise Child at Wyndham's and Under Milk Wood at the National Theatre.
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In a post on X, the RSC said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Cleo Silvestre, who played Audrey in last year's As You Like It.”
“Our hearts go out to Cleo's family and friends at this time.”
The Theatre at the Tabard in Chiswick, west London, said they were “sad to hear of his passing”, after Silvestre “graced our stage last year” and directed “a fantastic sold-out evening of blues”.
Bonnie Greer, an American-born playwright and author, wrote in X magazine that Silvestre was “one of the reasons why, from my vantage point in New York City, I believe we have the best English-speaking theatre in the country, and the best place for black women.”
She added: “I still feel that way. Thank you, Cleo!”
Ms Elizabeth Anyonwu, the UK's first sickle cell nurse specialist, said she was “devastated”.
Anyongwu shared a photo on social media of the unveiling of a statue of Silvestre, who appeared as the Jamaican-born nurse Seacole, and wrote: “My wonderful and kind friend. Among her many causes she was a huge supporter of the Mary Seacole Statue Fundraiser.”
