The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of cherished actress Marian Diamond at the age of 89. The sad news was confirmed by her close friend and fellow actress, Miriam Margolyes, in an emotional social media post.
A Heartfelt Announcement from a Dear Friend
Miriam Margolyes revealed that Marian Diamond passed away at University College Hospital in London on Monday, January 5. In a moving tribute, Margolyes expressed her profound grief, writing: 'Alas, on my mind is the sudden death last Monday, of my dear friend, Marian Diamond, at UCH in London, aged 89.'
She recounted meeting Diamond at Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre around 1968, and their subsequent work together in radio after Margolyes joined the BBC Drama Repertory Company in 1965. Margolyes described her friend as 'one of the angels in our business,' praising her generosity, kindness, and joy for others' successes.
'She was beautiful, gentle, full of fun, wise and perceptive,' Margolyes continued. 'I feel utterly bereft: a unique spirit has been taken very suddenly away from us.' The tribute also noted that Diamond's sister, casting director Gillian Diamond, and close friend actor Hugh Dickson, both died in 2018.
A Life on Stage and Screen
Marian Diamond, who graduated from RADA in 1956, enjoyed a long and varied career across television, stage, and radio. She was best known to many for her role in the iconic Channel 4 soap opera Brookside.
Her distinctive voice became a familiar feature in British broadcasting. She narrated multiple episodes of the beloved children's storytelling programme Jackanory. In a notable performance, she voiced the ethereal Galadriel, the Lady of the Woods, in the BBC's 1981 radio series adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
Her other television credits included appearances on shows such as Doctors.
Remembering a Gentle Soul
Further tributes have highlighted Diamond's warm character and dedication beyond acting. Stage manager Paul Jackson shared his sadness, recalling a recent happy meeting in December 2024.
He noted they had been friends for 35 years and that Diamond was a great supporter of the children's show Play School and his archival work on it. 'She was a gentle soul and did much work away from acting helping people. Will be sorely missed,' Jackson wrote.
Miriam Margolyes concluded her tribute with a hope that Diamond's nephews would share funeral details, stating: 'She deserves a full house. Marian, you're held in my heart forever.' The acting community and her fans now join in remembering a talented and dearly loved performer.
