The Rolling Stones‘ frontman Mick Jagger is among a host of artists who have paid tribute to singer and actress Cleo Sylvestre who has died aged 79.
Sylvestre passed away on Friday (September 20) according to her agents, Fulcrum Talent. No cause of death has yet been released
They said in a statement (via The Metro): “It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Cleo Sylvestre MBE died this morning. Much loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a trailblazer and a true friend. She will be sorely missed by so many.”
Sylvestre had a brief singing career, releasing a version of ‘To Know Him Is To Love Him’ in 1964, which featured The Rolling Stones as her backing singers after she met the band at a blues night in Soho. She later worked as a musician with her blues band Honey B Mama And Friends.
Paying tribute to the singer on his Instagram Stories with a black-and white photograph of her with the band, Jagger said: “So sad to hear of the passing of my old friend, the actress and singer Cleo Sylvestre, the first female vocalist to sing with the Stones.”
The actor #CleoSylvestreMBE has crossed over.
She was one of the reasons that-from my vantage point in NYC-that I thought that this country has the best anglophone theatre ..and the best place to be a #BlackWoman in it.
I still think that.
Thank you, Cleo!https://t.co/HylK4LuJyH— Bonnie Greer (@Bonn1eGreer) September 20, 2024
Devastated to learn of the death of Cleo Sylvestre, my wonderful, kind friend. Amongst many activities, she was a great supporter of the Mary Seacole Statue Appeal. I cherish this 2016 photo of her dressed as Mary Seacole, at the unveiling of the memorial statue. Rest well Cleo. https://t.co/EFYj6fzc1G pic.twitter.com/s4NSJ1PbEn
— Dame Elizabeth Anionwu (@EAnionwu) September 20, 2024
Playwright and author Bonnie Greer, also paid her respects.
She wrote: “She was one of the reasons that-from my vantage point in NYC (New York City) that I thought that this country has the best anglophone theatre, and the best place to be a Black woman in it. I still think that. Thank you, Cleo!”
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, the UK’s first sickle cell nurse specialist, also said that she was “devastated” at the death of her “wonderful, kind friend”.
Born in April 1945, Sylvestre grew up and was educated in Camden, before she pursued a career in acting and made her West End debut at Wyndham’s Theatre in 1967’s Wise Child, written by Simon Gray.
She appeared in a host of TV series including Till Death Do Us Part, Doctors, Coronation Street, The Bill, New Tricks and Doctor Who, as well as a regular role in school drama Grange Hill.
Sylvestre was more recently honoured with an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to drama and charity.
You can view further tributes below:
Very sad to hear that ‘ trailblazing’ actor Cleo Sylvestre MBE has passed away.
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting her and filming a piece about her early music career this year on ARS. What a delightful lady. RIP. #antiquesroadshow @BBC_ARoadshow pic.twitter.com/XNR2Cv3k4O— Marc Allum (@Marc_Allum) September 21, 2024
Rest in peace Cleo Sylvestre 🕊❤️ pic.twitter.com/Pp0r4I2T9P
— stones girls appreciation ♡ (@stonesmuses) September 20, 2024
Sad to hear of Cleo’s passing. Our thoughts are with her family and friends #RIPCleo Trailblazing is the right word here. TV, film and stage actor Cleo Sylvestre dies aged 79 https://t.co/vISdiNV1pD
— Museum of Colour (@MuseumofColour) September 23, 2024
Among her many achievements (first Black woman to have a recurring role on a UK soap!), Cleo Sylvestre will be remembered by many as co-owner of the Rosemary Branch Theatre. She & Cecilia were *so* supportive to newbies like me who just needed a stage to try stuff out on. RIP 🩶 https://t.co/e1VdHZYB3q
— Shaun Kitchener (@ShaunKitchener) September 20, 2024
My dear, beautiful, wonderful friend, the amazing actress Cleo Sylvestre has just passed on and I am bereft. I shall miss her dearly. RIP Cleo. Love you so very much. 🙏🏾😭💔 pic.twitter.com/fRTboByFi8
— Anni Domingo (@domingo_anni) September 20, 2024