Jean Boht death updates — Bread actress dies aged 91 after long health battle
JEAN Boht, best known for playing Nellie Boswell in the sitcom Bread, has died aged 91, according to her loved ones.
In a touching statement, the actress' family said: "It is with overwhelming sadness that we must announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday, Tuesday September 12.
"Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease with the indefatigable spirit for which she was both beloved and renowned.
"She was a resident at Denville Hall, the home for members of the theatrical profession."
Her death comes just weeks after the death of Boht's husband, the celebrated American composer Carl Davis.
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'Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with the indefatigable spirit'
Jean’s family said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we must announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday, Tuesday September 12.
“Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with the indefatigable spirit for which she was both beloved and renowned.
“She was a resident at Denville Hall, the home for members of the theatrical profession.”
Tributes flood in
Following the tragic news of Jean’s death, fans have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the actress.
One said: "I loved #Bread, when I was a kid. Sad news about Jean Boht, though she was 91 and it's weirdly romantic that she died just weeks after her husband of over half a century. Often the case."
A second commented: "Very sad to hear that Actress Jean Boht, best known for playing matriarch Nellie Boswell in the Liverpool-set 1980s TV sitcom Bread, has died at the age of 91. RIP"
What character did Jean Boht play in the TV series Bread?
Jean played Nellie Boswell in the sitcom Bread.
Running from 1986 to 1991, the show was watched by more than 20 million people at its peak.
The actress won a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actress.
When did Jean Boht pass away?
On September 13, 2023, it was announced that Jean had passed away the following day.
Breaking the news of her death, her family said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we must announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday, Tuesday, September 12.
“Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with the indefatigable spirit for which she was both beloved and renowned.
“She was a resident at Denville Hall, the home for members of the theatrical profession.”
At the time of her death, Jean was living at Denville Hall, a care home for actors and other members of the entertainment industry.
Final pic of Jean and late husband
Actress Jean Boht has tragically died at the age of 91 following a dementia battle - weeks after her husband's death.
The couple lived for many years in Windsor, Berkshire.
Who was Jean Boht?
Jean was born in Bebington, Merseyside on March 6, 1932.
The actress was a pupil at Wirral Grammar School for Girls and trained at the Liverpool Playhouse.
She had a long and varied career on stage and screen but became a household name for her role in the hit 80s sitcom Bread.
But her first big role was in two episodes of Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em.
Jean Boht had two daughters
She and Davis had two daughters, Hannah and Jessie, after they married in 1970.
The couple lived for many years in Windsor, Berkshire.
Fans pay tribute to 'great' actress
Following the tragic news of Jean's death, fans have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the actress.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: "Jean Boht a great actor and now with her Husband the conductor composer Carl Davis RIP."
A second added: "RIP Ma Boswell, Jean Boht. Reunited with your husband."
Jean's early life
Boht's first big role was in two episodes of Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em in 1978.
She was born in Bebington and was a pupil at Wirral Grammar School for Girls.
'It's too horrendous for actors to see themselves on screen'
In 2012 Jean told the Liverpool Echo: "I never watched it at the time, it’s too horrendous for actors to see themselves on screen.
"So I had no idea what it looked like.
"But now when I catch it I am just astounded at how good it was and how very funny.
"I can understand why the public liked it so much.
"But then there was such a lot of lovely shows and characters around then."
What was Jean best known for?
Jean Boht became a household name playing Nellie 'Ma' Boswell in hit 80s sitcom Bread from 1986 to 1991.
The show drew in 21million viewers with its depiction of Nellie and her kids after their dad Freddie walks out on them.
Family release touching statement
Jean's family said: "It is with overwhelming sadness that we must announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday, Tuesday September 12.
"Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease with the indefatigable spirit for which she was both beloved and renowned.
"She was a resident at Denville Hall, the home for members of the theatrical profession."
Jean Boht dies aged 91
Jean Boht, famous for playing Nellie Boswell in the sitcom Bread, has died at the age of 91 following a dementia battle - weeks after her husband's death.
It comes just a month after the death of Boht's husband, the American composer Carl Davis.
