Jane Lapotaire, star of the stage and screen who appeared in episodes of The Crown and Downton Abbey, has died aged 81. The Royal Shakespeare Company described Lapotaire as a “truly brilliant actress” in a tribute on Thursday. On screen, Lapotaire first appeared in an episode of Sherlock Holmes in 1968, before going on to star in Casualty, Midsomer Murders and Lucan in later years. She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1974, playing Viola in Twelfth Night and Lady Macduff in Macbeth. The Royal Shakespeare Company wrote in a statement paying tribute to Lapotaire: "We are saddened to hear of the death of RSC Honorary Associate Artist, Jane Lapotaire.

Source: The Times March 14, 2026 10:46 UTC