Stephanie Cole, the acclaimed British actress known for her dynamic roles in television and theatre, passed away at the age of 84. Her agent, John Grant, confirmed that Cole had been living with Alzheimer’s disease prior to her death.

Over a career spanning several decades, Cole became a familiar presence on British screens, delivering memorable performances in both comedy and drama. She gained widespread recognition for her roles such as Diana Trent in *Waiting for God*, Delphine Featherstone in *Open All Hours*, and Sylvia Goodwin in *Coronation Street*. Perhaps most notably, she was celebrated for her portrayal of Joan, Martin Clunes’ character’s aunt, in the popular series *Doc Martin*.

Cole’s acting journey began at 17 when she debuted on stage in Noel Coward’s *Blithe Spirit*, playing a character much older than herself. Her early theatre career saw her working alongside notable figures including John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier, appearing with Olivier in a 1960s production of *Rhinoceros*. Despite her early successes, she experienced moments of doubt, nearly abandoning acting in the early 1970s before securing a breakthrough television role.

Her prominent TV breakthrough came in 1981 with the BBC drama *Tenko*, set in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in Singapore during World War II. Cole portrayed Dr. Beatrice Mason, a stern yet compassionate figure. The series was groundbreaking for its time, tackling complex themes such as sexual violence, abortion, euthanasia, and lesbian relationships. Despite its critical acclaim and popularity, the show faced internal resistance from BBC executives, who were reluctant to support a female-driven narrative within a male-dominated environment. Cole recalled that *Tenko* was nearly canceled after its first season but was ultimately championed by then-BBC controller Michael Grade.

Following *Tenko*, Cole’s career flourished as she transitioned seamlessly between drama and comedy. After catching the attention of comedian Ronnie Barker, she joined *Open All Hours* as the sharp-witted Mrs. Featherstone, a role that further cemented her status as a household name. Throughout her career, Cole resisted being typecast, often speaking out against age-related stereotypes, emphasizing the value and wisdom of older individuals.

One of her later notable roles was in the second series of the BBC drama *Gentleman Jack* in 2022. Beyond her acting work, Cole was a committed supporter of mental health organizations and served as a patron for Age Concern. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005 in recognition of her contributions to the arts and charity.

Cole is survived by her daughter Emma from her first marriage. She was also previously married to actor Peter Birrel, who died of cancer in 2004. Her passing marks the loss of a distinguished talent whose work left a lasting impression on British theatre and television.