June Brown, the beloved EastEnders actress who portrayed the iconic chain-smoking Dot Cotton, reportedly asked her co-star for assistance in ending her life prior to her peaceful death at home in Surrey on April 3, 2022, at the age of 95.
Lord Cashman's Revelation
Lord Michael Cashman, who played Dot's friend Colin Russell on the soap, disclosed this during a debate on the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Lords. The 75-year-old peer stated, 'I also remember my dear friend June Brown, who implored me to get her to a country where she could die with dignity and the death that she wanted.'
This is not the first time Lord Cashman has spoken about assisted dying with a friend, though he previously refrained from naming the individual. He had earlier said, 'When my dear friend of many, many years suffered for months, she knew there was another way, and she implored me to help her, my lords, I did. I was prepared to break the law as I contacted clinics in the Netherlands and Switzerland. However, it was to come to nothing.'
Tributes Pour In
Following June's death, many of her EastEnders colleagues and fans paid tribute. Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, wrote on Instagram, 'I'm lost for words, something June never was. So many memories, so much fun. Just purely and simply an incredible woman who had the most incredible life and career, I was fortunate to have shared a small part of it. They never made you a Dame (we did try), but to me you will always be Dame Brown.'
An EastEnders spokesperson said, 'There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten.'
Fan and actor Stephen Fry also paid tribute, noting her tireless support for the LGBT community during the darkest days of HIV/AIDS and Section 28. He wrote, 'June Brown, amongst all her other wonderful human qualities and achievements, will be remembered as a tireless and fearless LGBT ally... it was a privilege to know her.'
Legacy Honored
In February, it was revealed that the canteen at the EastEnders studio has been named 'The Dot' in honor of June Brown, ensuring her memory lives on at the heart of the show.
