British Comedy Guide

Sitcom star Doreen Mantle dies

Wednesday 9th August 2023, 5:41pm

One Foot In The Grave. Mrs. Warboys (Doreen Mantle). Credit: BBC

Doreen Mantle has died at the age of 97.

Born in South Africa on 22nd June 1926, she was best known for her role in long-running 1990s sitcom One Foot In The Grave, where she played the ever-irritating and charmingly deluded Mrs Warboys.

A statement released by her agent early this evening, it was confirmed that she died peacefully in her own home.

It read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved client and much-loved stage, screen, and radio actress Doreen Mantle, aged 97.

"She died peacefully at home. She is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren and one brother."

Other credits include a regular role in the Jennifer Saunders sitcom Jam & Jerusalem, and guest appearances in comedies as diverse as Chalk, Doc Martin, Love Soup and The Mimic.

Last seen on screen earlier this year, recalling her most famous character in documentary One Foot In The Grave: 30 Years Of Laughs, she was also a prolific actor on the stage and won an Olivier Award in 1979.

Here is a clip of Mrs Warboys greeting Victor Meldrew:

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