The British entertainment world is mourning the loss of veteran actress Marian Diamond, who passed away suddenly at the age of 89. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her dear friend and fellow acting icon, Miriam Margolyes, who shared a deeply moving tribute celebrating Diamond’s life and indelible impact on those around her.
A Sudden Farewell to a Thespian Treasure
Miriam Margolyes, instantly recognizable for her roles across film, television, and stage—including her iconic voice work in The Lord of the Rings radio adaptation—announced the passing of Marian Diamond on social media this week. Diamond died at University College Hospital (UCH) in London on Monday, January 5th, leaving a significant void in the community of performers who knew her.
Margolyes, known for her candid nature and deep friendships within the industry, described the loss as sudden and profoundly felt. “Alas, on my mind is the sudden death last Monday, of my dear friend, Marian Diamond, at UCH in London, aged 89,” Margolyes wrote, setting a tone of deep personal grief mixed with warm reminiscence.
Decades of Shared History
The friendship between Margolyes and Diamond spanned decades, rooted in the vibrant theatre scene of the 1960s. Margolyes recalled their initial meeting in Edinburgh, likely around 1968 at the historic Traverse Theatre. This connection deepened when Margolyes joined the BBC Drama Rep Company in 1965, leading to shared professional experiences in radio.
“We worked together in radio after I joined the BBC Drama Rep. Company in 1965,” Margolyes noted, highlighting a period where both actresses honed their craft in Britain’s burgeoning post-war dramatic landscape. Their shared professional journey underscores the close-knit nature of the acting community during that era.
Marian Diamond’s Distinguished Career
While Margolyes’s tribute focused heavily on their personal bond, Marian Diamond leaves behind a substantial body of work across British media. Her career was marked by consistent, quality appearances, demonstrating versatility across various genres.
Television Appearances and Voice Work
Diamond’s television credits include numerous appearances in popular and respected programmes across the UK. Audiences would recognize her from stints on long-running soaps and dramas such as Brookside, the cherished children's storytelling series Jackanory, and the BBC medical drama Doctors, among countless other productions.
Notably, for fans of epic fantasy adaptations, Marian Diamond lent her voice to the ethereal character of Galadriel, the 'Lady of the Woods,' in the 1981 radio adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's seminal work, The Lord of the Rings. This role places her within a lineage of distinguished voices associated with Middle-earth.
A Tribute to Generosity and Spirit
The essence of Margolyes’s tribute was not just in remembering professional milestones, but in celebrating Diamond’s character. She painted a picture of a colleague who embodied kindness and selflessness.
“She was one of the angels in our business, endlessly generous, interested in others and thrilled by their success,” Margolyes revealed, according to reports from the Mirror. This description suggests a rare spirit in the competitive world of acting—a genuine champion for her peers. Margolyes further described Diamond as “beautiful, gentle, full of fun, wise and perceptive.”
The sudden nature of the loss underscores the shock felt by her circle. “I feel utterly bereft: a unique spirit has been taken very suddenly away from us,” Margolyes concluded.
Remembering Family and Friends
Margolyes’s tribute also served as a poignant reminder of other recent losses within Diamond’s close circle. She mentioned the deaths of Marian’s late sister, casting director Gillian Diamond, and close friend, actor Hugh Dickson, both of whom passed away in 2018. Margolyes expressed hope that Gillian’s sons, who survive her, would share funeral details, insisting that Marian “deserves a full house” of mourners.
Stage manager Paul Jackson also added his voice to the chorus of sorrow, confirming the sadness shared by many upon reading Margolyes’s announcement regarding the January 5th passing.
Legacy in the Arts Community
The passing of Marian Diamond serves as a moment for the industry to reflect on the contributions of dedicated character actors and voice artists who form the backbone of British productions. While perhaps not always in the spotlight, their consistent talent and positive influence, as exemplified by Miriam Margolyes’s heartfelt words, are invaluable.
Miriam Margolyes’s tribute, shared widely across her social platforms, has ensured that the memory of Marian Diamond—her warmth, wisdom, and generosity—will resonate far beyond the tight-knit community of friends and colleagues who loved her deeply. As Margolyes poignantly stated, “Marian, you’re held in my heart forever.”