Beloved sitcom star dies in house fire
EastEnders star Anna Karen has passed away at 85.
Karen died after her house in the east London suburb of Ilford was ablaze on February 22.
The actress, who was popular in the 1970s and played Olive in the UK sitcom On the Buses for four years, was the last surviving cast member of the show, which ran for seven series between 1969 and 1973.
Shane Collins, Karen’s agent who also represented her late friend Barbara Windsor, released a statement following her passing.
“It’s very sad news,” Collins said.
“But I’m happy that Anna will now be with her best mate Barbara and her beloved husband Terry Duggan.
“Anna was a great lady and a really nice person. She was a fantastic client to look after. I can’t tell you how much I liked her.
“She went through a hard time after she broke her hip a few years ago but came back to work again and appeared in EastEnders with a stick.
“Over the last couple of years she has been at home with friends popping by and her neighbours looking out for her.”
On Tuesday night at 10.20pm local time, 20 firefighters across three fire engines arrived at Karen’s home and attempted to get the blaze under control, as reported by The Sun.
Unfortunately, Karen died at the scene.
According to police, the fire was contained by 11.38pm and the cause is being investigated - though it doesn’t appear suspicious.
Tributes to the British actress have quickly emerged online from fellow actors, those who knew her, and fans.
Carol Challis, the wife of the late British actor John Challis, wrote: “So sorry to hear that Anna Karen has died. John and I met her often at conventions and she was such a lovely lady. Not fair.”
A spokesperson for EastEnders said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Anna Karen has passed away… Our love and thoughts are with Anna’s family and friends.”
Author and broadcaster Morris Bright described the actress as “the loveliest of ladies” and shared a clip of her discussing her On the Buses role.
“Devastated to hear On the Buses star, actress Anna Karen, has died in a house fire aged 85. She was the loveliest of ladies,” he wrote.
“Here she is with Reg Varney & (On the Buses) writers Ronalds Chesney & Wolfe discussing the iconic role of Olive with me back in 2002.
“Remembered with huge affection.”
Cheryl Baker, the singer from 1980s pop band Bucks Fizz, also shared a touching tribute to her “fabulous mate”.
I have just heard the awful news that my fabulous mate, #AnnaKaren has died in a house fire. What an horrific way to die, I can’t bear to think about it. I adored her - She was an absolute treasure, both on and off the screen.
— Cheryl Baker (@Cherylbaker) February 23, 2022
“I have just heard the awful news that my fabulous mate, Anna Karen has died in a house fire,” Baker wrote.
“What an horrific [sic] way to die, I can’t bear to think about it. I adored her - She was an absolute treasure, both on and off screen.”
Image: @bbceastenders (Twitter)