Playschool presenter and Carry On actress Julie Stevens has died at the age of 87, her daughter has confirmed.
The children’s television presenter, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, passed away on Thursday, December 5th.
Her daughter, radio presenter and podcast host Rachel New, said in a statement to the PA news agency: “Julie Stevens was known for her joyful spirit and ability to make all children feel seen. , and will be remembered for her legacy around the world.” About children’s television. ”
Born on 20 December 1936 in Prestwich, Lancashire, Stevens won a talent contest at the age of 20 and was signed to former broadcaster ABC Television Limited.
She joined the cast in 1962 as nightclub singer Venus Smith in the spy series The Avengers, helping Patrick Macnee’s character John Steed on a mission, and later played Gloria in the 1960s comedy Carry on Cleo. He was selected for the role.
In 1964, when her daughter auditioned for the children’s show Playschool, she announced that she was pregnant with her first child, Daniel.
Julie Stevens featured on Carry On Cleo (Andrew Matthews/Pennsylvania)
The popular children’s program debuted on BBC Two on 21 April 1964 and ran for 24 years until March 1988.
The show shaped the childhoods of millions of people and has inspired many hosts including Rick Jones, Brian Cant, Johnny Ball, Toni Arthur and host, actress, author and now Liberal Democrat Floella Benjamin. made him instantly famous.
Stevens is also known for the sitcoms Girls About Town, The Cabbage and the King, the older children’s series Play Away, and appeared in Holby City.
She worked for a time as a Welsh comedian and Oliver. He was the personal assistant and then manager of actor Sir Harry Secombe, and for a time lived between Provence, France and London.
She was previously married to presenter John White, but they divorced in 1974, and was married to actor and stage director Michael Hux from 1980 to 2001.
In 2016, she returned to the UK to be closer to her daughter, who said: “The last few years have been difficult for Julie, but she faced every challenge with humor and great charm.” he said.
New added: “She leaves behind two children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.”
