Actress Georgina Cates, best known for her role in BBC sitcom 2point4 Children, has died at the age of 51.
The news was shared by the sitcom’s creator, Andrew Marshall, who revealed that the actress, whose real name was Claire Woodgate, died on May 6.
Posting on X, he wrote: ‘I’m very sad to report, I have just discovered, that lovely and talented Claire Woodgate aka Georgina Cates, our 1st Jenny in 2p4 died last May.
‘I have no other details than on IMDb. Sympathies to her family and children. If anyone has further details to share, please do.’
It is not yet clear why her death has only now been made public. The cause of death has also not been disclosed.
Journalist Brandi Morin was among those paying tribute, describing Cates as a ‘legend’ and a ‘powerhouse’.
She wrote: ‘I can’t believe I am writing this. A legend, a friend, a powerhouse, director, filmmaker, beautiful, trailblazing Cree actress Georgina passed away suddenly.’
Morin added that Cates had been ‘so, so incredibly kind and supportive’ to her, describing her as ‘a rock’.
She continued: ‘Heartbroken for her children and family. Will write more soon … RIP Georgina.’
Born Claire Elaine Woodgate, the actress adopted the name Georgina Cates as a fictional red-haired persona to help her acting career.
She grew up in Essex and attended Colchester County High School for Girls before landing her breakthrough role in 2point4 Children at just 16.
Cates played the first Jenny in the BBC sitcom, which followed the chaotic lives of the Porter family.
Her film debut came in 1995 with An Awfully Big Adventure, and she went on to appear in films including Bad Grandpa in 2013 and Everlasting in 2016.
She also won a Best Actress award at the Brooklyn Arts and Council International Film & Video Festival for her performance in Sinner.
As news of her death spread, fans shared their shock and sadness online.
One wrote: ‘Oh wow! I know she was living not far from me, but I had no idea she had passed… very sad.’
Another said: ‘Sorry to hear. Was great in first two series. I knew recently she was living locally running a business but did not know. Thoughts with friends and family.’
Cates is survived by her children. Further details surrounding her death have not been made public.