LET'S take a look back at the life and career of Wirral-born Jean Boht, who has died at the age of 91.
Boht, best known for the role of Nellie Boswell in the hit sitcom Bread, died on Tuesday (September 12) her family said in a statement.
The star, who had been battling dementia, was also known for her appearances on shows such as Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Last Of The Summer Wine, Brighton Belles, Doctors, Grange Hill, Juliet Bravo and Boys From The Blackstuff.
A statement from her family said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we must announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday Tuesday, September 12.
“Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with the indefatigable spirit for which she was both beloved and renowned.
“She was a resident at Denville Hall, the home for members of the theatrical profession.”
Career in stage and screen
Boht had a long and varied career on stage and screen but it was her role on Bread, created by Carla Lane, for which she was best known.
Running from 1986 to 1991, the show was watched by more than 20 million people at its peak and Boht won a British Comedy Award for best TV comedy actress.
She was the subject of the biographical television show This Is Your Life in 1989.
Born in Bebington in 1932, Boht's father, Thomas Dance was a confectionery importer who also served with the local fire brigade, where he was chief entertainment officer. His talents as an amateur actor, magician and banjo and accordion player led him, his piano-playing wife and their daughters, Jean and Maureen, to form the Dance Family troupe and put on shows through the wartime blitz at services camps and hospitals across Cheshire and Lancashire.
On leaving Wirral girls’ grammar school, She continued to perform with amateur drama groups and Birkenhead Amateur Operatic Society while working as a secretary. In 1954 she married her boss, Bill Boht, manager of the Ritz cinema and theatre in Birkenhead – known as “the showcase of the north” for its variety performances – and almost 30 years her senior. They eventually divorced in 1970 and he died eight years later.
Boht began her career as a £1-a-week student at the Liverpool Playhouse and went on to join the Bristol Old Vic and Manchester Companies before returning to Liverpool to star alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins, Lynda La Plante and Sir Patrick Stewart.
She also starred at the Royal Court, the National Theatre and at the Chichester Festival, as well as numerous West End theatres.
Her film roles included appearances in The Girl In A Swing, Bad Night For The Blues and Mothers And Daughters.
Her family said they would like to send their "grateful thanks" to everyone at Denville Hall “who have taken such wonderful care of Jean and also to the staff at Hillingdon Hospital who made her so comfortable”.
Boht was married to the award-winning composer Carl Davis, who died last month.
They had two children and three grandchildren.
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