Jane Whittenshaw, who died on August 12, 2023, at the age of 54-58 (her exact birth date is not known), was a versatile and beloved actress who worked in theater, film, TV, and radio.
She was best known for her role as social worker Anita Banks in EastEnders, but she also appeared in many other shows, such as The Bill, Silent Witness, Grange Hill, Call the Midwife, The Green Wing, and Endeavour.
She was also a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company and recorded over 500 radio plays. She was praised for her talent, professionalism, and generosity by her colleagues and friends.
Early Life, Age, and Education
Jane Whittenshaw was born on August 27 in London, United Kingdom. She attended St. Saviour’s & St. Olave’s School, an Anglican girls’ school in Southwark. She developed a passion for acting and drama at an early age and joined the National Youth Theatre. She later studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she graduated in 1985. As per the sources, she was around 54-58 years old at the time of her death.
Career Highlights
After graduating from Guildhall, Whittenshaw joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she performed in various plays, such as The Merchant of Venice, As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She also worked with other theater companies, such as the National Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre, and the Almeida Theatre.
Whittenshaw made her TV debut in 1986 in the BBC series The Monocled Mutineer. She then appeared in several TV shows throughout the years, such as Casualty, Twenty Twelve, Let’s Pretend, Doctors, and Broadchurch. She gained fame for her role as Anita Banks in EastEnders, a social worker who helped several characters deal with their issues. She played the role from 1997 to 1999 and reprised it briefly in 2002.
Whittenshaw also had a successful career in radio drama. She was a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company for several stints and recorded over 500 radio plays. Some of her notable radio roles include Jane Eyre, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Pride, and Prejudice, and The Archers. She also voiced several characters in audiobooks and video games.
Whittenshaw also appeared in some films, such as Invasion, Mrs. Dalloway, and Golden Years. Her last screen role was in the All 4 comedy series I Hate You in 2022.
Marriage, Husband & Kids
Whittenshaw married Hugh, a sound engineer, on April 24, 2004. They lived in Iden, East Sussex. They did not have any children. Whittenshaw was an avid gardener and animal lover. She had several pets, including dogs, cats, and chickens.
According to the web search results, Jane Whittenshaw’s husband’s name is Hugh Kermode, who was an ELT Ryder Cup player of the year in 2017. They married on April 24, 2004, in the United Kingdom after a meeting in 1993. Hugh Kermode shared a deep bond with Jane and was with her when she passed away.
Jane Whittenshaw was a beloved and respected actor who worked in various mediums, including theatre, film, radio, and television. She was known for her roles in EastEnders, Call the Midwife, The Bill, Silent Witness, Grange Hill, Green Wing, Endeavour, and many more.
Parents & Siblings
Jane Whittenshaw is an accomplished actress known for her captivating performances in both film and television. While details about her personal life and family are not widely available, here is what is known about her parents:
- Father: Bob Whittenshaw
- Mother: Mrs. Whittenshaw
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information provided about Jane Whittenshaw’s parents beyond their names. It’s important to respect the privacy of individuals who are not public figures and may not wish their personal details to be widely known.
What Happened to Jane Whittenshaw?
Jane Whittenshaw was a British actress who worked in theatre, film, television, and radio. She was best known for her roles as Anita Banks in EastEnders and Nurse Barrington in Call the Midwife. She also appeared in many other shows, such as The Bill, Silent Witness, Grange Hill, Green Wing, and Endeavour.
She was a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company and recorded over 500 radio plays. She also performed on stage for the Royal Shakespeare Company and had roles in the films Invasion, Mrs. Dalloway, and Golden Years.
Unfortunately, Jane Whittenshaw passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Her agent confirmed that she died peacefully with her husband, Hugh, best friend Rebecca, and carers at her side. The cause of death has not been disclosed. She was a talented and versatile performer who left a lasting impression on many viewers. Her final role was in 2022 All 4 comedy series I Hate You.
Death Cause
Whittenshaw died on August 12, 2023, at her home. The cause of her death was not disclosed. Her agent announced her passing in a statement that read:
“It is with profound sadness we must announce the passing of Jane Whittenshaw, a much loved and highly respected client of over 30 years. She slipped away peacefully on Saturday last, with her husband Hugh, best friend Rebecca, and carers at her side.
As well as an esteemed client, Jane was a dear friend, who was generous to a fault and great fun to be around. She was an immensely talented actor and a voice superstar, who leaves an extraordinary legacy of over 500 radio plays, courtesy of multiple stints on the BBC Radio Rep and many independent productions.
She was a true professional, an absolute joy to work with, and loved by all who did so. We offer our sincerest condolences to Hugh and the family.”
Whittenshaw’s death was mourned by many fans and celebrities who paid tribute to her on social media. Some of them include:
- Lorelei King (@LoreleiKing), actor: “I am so sorry to hear of the death of Jane Whittenshaw. She was wonderful to work with and so talented.”
- Lucy Porter (@lucyportercomic), comedian: “So sad to hear about Jane Whittenshaw. She was brilliant in I Hate You and a lovely person to boot.”
- David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64), actor: “RIP Jane Whittenshaw. A fantastic actress and a lovely human being.”
- Tamzin Outhwaite (@mouthwaite), actor: “Heartbroken to hear about Jane Whittenshaw. She was such a joy to work with on EastEnders. A beautiful soul inside and out.”
Jane Whittenshaw Wiki/BIO
| Name | Jane Whittenshaw |
| Birth Date | August 27 |
| Birth Place | London, United Kingdom |
| Death Date | August 12, 2023 |
| Death Place | Iden, East Sussex |
| Cause of Death | Not Known |
| Age | 54-58 (estimated) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1985-2022 |
| Spouse | Hugh (m. 2004) |
| Children | None |
| Education | St. Saviour’s & St. Olave’s School Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
| janewhittenshaw | |
| jane.whittenshaw | |
| whittenshaw | |
| IMDb | nm0926506 |
| Homepage | Dreshare.com |
Facts/Trivia
- Jane Whittenshaw was born on August 27 in London, United Kingdom.
- She attended St. Saviour’s & St. Olave’s School and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
- She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1985 and performed in various plays.
- Jane Whittenshaw made her TV debut in 1986 in The Monocled Mutineer.
- Jane Whittenshaw gained fame for her role as Anita Banks in EastEnders from 1997 to 1999 and 2002.
- She was a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company and recorded over 500 radio plays.
- Jane Whittenshaw also appeared in several TV shows, such as The Bill, Silent Witness, Grange Hill, Call the Midwife, The Green Wing, and Endeavour.
- She also appeared in some films, such as Invasion, Mrs. Dalloway, and Golden Years.
- Her last screen role was in the All 4 comedy series I Hate You in 2022.
- She married Hugh, a sound engineer, on April 24, 2004. They lived in Iden, East Sussex. They did not have any children.
- Jane Whittenshaw died on August 12, 2023, at her home. The cause of her death was not disclosed.
- She was praised for her talent, professionalism, and generosity by her colleagues and friends.
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