Accomplished British actress Sylvia Syms lived a life defined by grace, resilience, and remarkable talent. She left an incredible mark on the entertainment industry with a career spanning over six decades.
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Sylvia was best known for playing Olive Woodhouse in EastEnders from 2007 to 2010and the Queen Mother in the Oscar-winning film The Queen. During her career, she featured in more than 120 films, TV and theatre productions, and retired in 2019. She ‘died peacefully’ in January 2023 as her legacy lives on in her two children - Ben and Beatie Edney.
Over one and a half years after her death, it has been revealed that unlike some stars who prefer not to pass on generational wealth, the actress left a sizable inheritance for her children.
Sylvia Syms’ over £1.4 million fortune left behind: Who will get it?
According to The Sun, Sylvia had amassed a fortune of £1.43 million. It is understood most of her money, including her property, has been inherited by her children, Ben and Beatie—who is also an actress like her mum. She also left thoughtful contributions to various causes close to her heart.
Sylvia donated £5,000 to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art School (RADA) - one of the UK’s most prestigious acting schools where she also studied. Additionally, she donated £2,000 each to Intermission, an organisation supporting arts, and Age UK, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.
Apart from her charitable donations, Sylvia left personal touches in her will. Her close friend and adviser, Peter Stephens, along with some other friends were given an opportunity to choose a painting from her personal collection.
Sylvia Syms’ death: A peaceful end to an extraordinary life
After their mother’s death in January 2023, Sylvia’s two children revealed that the actress died ‘peacefully’ at Denville Hall. It is a renowned care home in London that caters to members of the entertainment industry, reports The Guardian.
Ben and Beatie shared a tribute to their mother after her death and said:
Our mother, Sylvia, died peacefully this morning. She has lived an amazing life and gave us joy and laughter right up to the end. Just yesterday we were reminiscing together about all our adventures. She will be so very missed.
Meanwhile, an EastEnders spokesperson added:
We are deeply saddened to hear that Sylvia Syms has passed away. Our love and thoughts are with Sylvia’s family and friends.
The actress was nominated for a BAFTA for her role in The Tamarind Seed with Julie Andrews. She even got an MBE gong at Buckingham Palace in 2007.
Some of her most famous roles were in Doctor Who, Casualty, Holby City and BBC’s Doctors. Slyvia made her final appearance in the BBC historical drama Gentleman Jack in 2019.
Born in London in 1934, she faced hardships early on including being evacuated during World War II, reports MailOnline. Sharing her experience of evacuation, she once said:
When I was sent away, parents couldn’t come on the station platform to say goodbye, they had to wave from afar. It was pretty awful.
She also lost her mother to illness when she was just 12 years old.
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Sources used:
The Sun: Eastenders legend Sylvia Sims left huge amount in her will after dying aged 89 last year
The Guardian: Sylvia Syms, prolific British actor, dies aged 89
Daily Mail: EastEnders star leaves HUGE sum of money in her will after her death last year aged 89
