She played the mother of Jennifer Saunders' character Edina Monsoon.
Actress Dame June Whitfield passed away last night at the age of 93 according to her agent. Whitfield was best known for performances in shows such as 'Absolutely Fabulous', 'Terry and June' and most recently 'Eastenders'.
Tributes were led by her 'Absolutely Fabulous' co-star Joanna Lumley.
"I am heartbroken to lose such a darling friend and shall never forget her sensational talent, humour and her generosity to us all who had the joy of working with her on Ab Fab. She will always have a most special place in my heart," Lumley said in a statement to ITV News.
Comedy producer Jon Plowman, who worked alongside Whitfield on 'Ab Fab', also expressed is sadness on Twitter.
Very sad at the news of the death of the wonderful June Whitfield . There was no-one with more warmth or a better ability to just "place" a line ,always an act of utter precision. Hit after hit! Take it from Here Terry and June Absolutely Fabulous over seven decade. A great loss
— JON PLOWMAN (@bimpsonbun1) December 29, 2018
"Very sad at the news of the death of the wonderful June Whitfield . There was no-one with more warmth or a better ability to just 'place' a line, always an act of utter precision. Hit after hit! Take it from Here, Terry and June, Absolutely Fabulous over seven decades. A great loss," he said.
More tributes to the legendary actress can be seen below.
So very sad. I once sent a letter to many actors as a budding (I mean desperate) comedy actor to ask for sponsorship for the Edinburgh Festival. Dame June replied. Fifteen years later when I met her she had all my letters and the notes of the show she sponsored. I cried then too. https://t.co/oaGXd7ick4
— Miranda Hart (@mermhart) December 29, 2018
RIP June Whitfield. She was 93 pic.twitter.com/Cm0vm6kiOz
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) December 29, 2018
I worked with June on a Radio 4 drama of my first book a couple of years ago. She played my Nan. She had no airs nor graces, arrived on public transport, and her only rider was a bag of ready salted crisps. She was kind and humble and generous and warm. xhttps://t.co/Vr36QdZDFM
— Jack Monroe (@BootstrapCook) December 29, 2018
Dame June Whitfield. A truly great actress and comedy legend. Working with June was a masterclass. pic.twitter.com/G7Q97kxwU8
— Jessie Wallace (@JessieWallaceUK) December 30, 2018