Sylvia Syms, the EastEnders actress who tragically passed away at the beginning of last year, left over a million pounds in her will. The BAFTA-nominated star, recognised for her portrayal of Olive Woodhouse on the BBC soap from 2007 to 2010 and roles in Peak Practice and At Home with the Braithwaites, died in January 2023, aged 89, just three weeks after her birthday. Affectionately known as the Grand Dame of British Cinema, Sylvia enjoyed a successful film career spanning from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s.
Upon her death, she left an impressive £1.43 million fortune, with parts of the money being donated to acting schools and charities. The majority of the cash was left to her two children, Ben and Beatie, both of whom have pursued careers in the entertainment industry like their mother.
Details of her will have now been disclosed, revealing that Sylvia generously gifted £5,000 to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art school in London and donated £2,000 each to charities Intermission and Age UK. As reported by The Sun: "Close friend and adviser Peter Stephens and other pals chosen by her family were also offered the chance to pick a painting from her personal collection." According to the Mirror, Sylvia "died peacefully" at Denville Hall, a care home in London dedicated to those in the entertainment industry, reports the Daily Star .
The children of a beloved mother confirmed her passing in a touching statement, saying: "Our mother, Sylvia, died peacefully this morning. Sh.