Yootha Joyce, best known for her role as Mildred Roper in the ITV sitcom Man About the House, died from liver failure at the age of 53. Her co-star Brian Murphy was by her bedside when she passed away in 1980.
The Wandsworth-born actress rose to fame playing Mildred, an unapologetic social climber and the frustrated wife of George Roper, played by Brian Murphy. Following the show's success, the pair starred in a spin-off, George and Mildred, which followed the on-screen couple's move to Hampton Wick.
Addiction battle revealed at inquest
Prior to her death, Joyce had struggled for years with alcoholism. During an inquest, it was revealed that she had been battling alcohol addiction for a decade and would consume up to half a bottle of brandy per day. This was linked to career concerns, failed relationships and a lack of privacy.
A pathologist confirmed that Joyce's liver was twice the size of a normal liver. Her drinking had also affected her heart and lungs, though portal cirrhosis of the liver was determined as her cause of death.
Career and personal struggles
Joyce was frequently concerned that she had become typecast as Mildred, which prevented her from securing other roles. She was equally worried about her romantic life.
From 1956 to 1969, she was married to Minder actor Glynn Edwards. Although they divorced, the two remained close friends and confidantes.
By 1975, Joyce had fallen for Terry Lee Dixon, a stage show tour manager she met while performing in a production of Boeing-Boeing. He was 20 years her junior, and their relationship received significant media attention before ending in 1978.
Final appearance remembered
While fans had no idea that Joyce's health was declining, Carry On legend Kenneth Williams remembered her final appearance on Max Bygraves' variety show. In his diary, he wrote: "She looked as though she was crying... as she got up [and left the set] one had the feeling she never intended to return."
He later added: "There was a break in her voice when she got to [the line] tomorrow may never come... she was a lady who made so many people happy and a lady who never complained," referencing the moment she sang For All We Know We May Never Meet Again with the show's host, Max.
Brian Murphy also reflected on the loss, telling the British Comedy Guide: "I don't remember reading all the episodes of Series 6. The sadness of losing Yootha had knocked the wind from our sails." The sixth and final series of George and Mildred was cancelled in 1980 following Joyce's death.
