Cleo Sylvestre’s Life to be celebrated

Cleo passed away aged 79 in September last year. She first stepped into showbiz with a brief pop singing career, releasing a version of To Know Him is to Love Him in 1964, which had The Rolling Stones provide the backing vocals to the track. The rockers had become friends with Cleo following a meeting at a blues night in Soho.

After a brief stint in Granada Television’s gritty twice weekly serial drama Coronation Street she became the first black actress to play a leading role at the National Theatre and went on to have a leading role in ATV’s daily soap Crossroads. Something that was brought about by producer Reg Watson who wanted to show everyday people in everyday situations – no matter what their race, religion or country of origin.

In 2023 Cleo’s motel character of Melanie was re-imaged by Russell T Davies for the ITV drama Nolly which looked at the life of Crossroads performer and TV pioneer Noele Gordon – who was brought to life by Helena Bonham Carter for the project. In the award-winning three-part drama Bethany Antonia features as Poppy.

Sylvestre was made an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to drama and charity. One of her last public appearances was on July 9th at the unveiling of blues singer Adelaide Hall’s Blue Plaque in Kensington, London. She also over the years continued to work as a musician with her blues band – Honey B Mama & Friends.

Next month fans of Cleo are invited to join family, friends and colleagues at a celebration of her life in London. A memorial service is to be held on April 25th at the ‘Actors Church’, St Paul’s, Covent Garden at 2pm.