Sylvia Young, the founder of the Sylvia Young Theatre School who helped launch the careers of numerous stars including Spice Girls' Emma Bunton and Amy Winehouse, has died at the age of 86. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side, her daughter Frances Ruffelle confirmed.
Young founded the school in 1972 in London's Paddington area, specialising in vocational and academic education for children aged 10 to 16. Over its 50-year history, the school produced a host of famous alumni, including Dua Lipa, Billie Piper, Layton Williams, Tom Fletcher, Matt Willis, Vanessa White, and Nathan Sykes.
In a statement, Frances Ruffelle, a West End star, described her mother as "a true visionary" with a "rare ability to recognise raw talent." She added, "She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success and she was an example of that herself."
Young, who referred to herself as the 'caretaker of the school', lived in the flat upstairs with her husband Norman. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.
