Actress Jill Gascoine Dies After Long Illness
British icon best known for playing the lead detective in The Gentle Touch
Gascoine was a trailblazer in her field, becoming the first female to play a police lead role on television
Jill Gascoine, the British actress best known for her roles in The Onedin Line and The Gentle Touch, has died at the age of 83 after a long illness. Her agent confirmed the news to the BBC, saying that Gascoine passed away peacefully on Sunday.
Gascoine was born in London in 1937 and began her career in the theater, before moving to television in the late 1960s. She appeared in a number of popular shows, including The Avengers, The Saint, and The Sweeney, before landing the lead role in The Gentle Touch in 1980.
The Gentle Touch was a groundbreaking show for its time, as it featured a female police officer in the lead role. Gascoine played Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes, a tough and capable cop who broke down barriers and fought for justice. The show was a huge success, running for eight seasons and making Gascoine a household name.
Gascoine's other notable television roles include the title role in the 1990s drama series The Governor, and the recurring role of Doris Speed in the long-running soap opera EastEnders.
Gascoine was also a successful stage actress, appearing in a number of West End productions, including The Vagina Monologues and Calendar Girls.
She was awarded an OBE in 2000 for her services to drama.
Conclusion
Jill Gascoine was a true pioneer of British television. She was a talented actress who broke down barriers and paved the way for other women in the industry. She will be greatly missed.
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