June Marlow, the esteemed British actress and singer, whose birth name was Jean Moulder, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at her cherished home in Plymouth, just weeks after celebrating her 95th birthday. Her family confirmed her passing, attributing her death to age-related frailty rather than a specific serious illness, remembering a life lived with dignity, elegance, and grace. Marlow was a beloved figure in British television and music, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances across several decades.

Born Jean Moulder on January 15, 1931, in Plymouth's close-knit Barbican neighborhood, June Marlow discovered her passion for performing at a very young age. Her natural talent for singing and entertaining was evident in school nativity productions, where she captivated classmates with impressions of iconic performers like Mae West. Her first public performance occurred during the Second World War, at the age of nine or ten, when she sang with a band of forces musicians on the Hoe, an event that led to an invitation for tea with Lady Astor. This early enthusiasm laid the foundation for a distinguished career, and by the age of 13, she made her first professional recording with the BBC Concert Orchestra, traveling alone to London for the engagement.

Her burgeoning career saw her appear on the popular talent show “Opportunity Knocks” with Hughie Green at age 16, which led to touring with Eddie Mendoza's comedy dance band. It was during this period that she met and married musician and photographer Peter Van Dike, with whom she shared a 40-year marriage until his passing in 1988. Together, they created a vibrant artistic dynasty, raising five children and later celebrating ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Peter Van Dike also established the legendary Van Dike Club, which hosted numerous iconic bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s, including Pink Floyd and Genesis.

Marlow became a familiar face on British screens, gracing numerous BBC productions throughout her career. Her notable appearances included roles in adaptations such as “The Pickwick Papers” and “Jamaica Inn,” as well as the children's drama “MI High,” where she shared the screen with June Whitfield. Her expressive acting style and ability to portray emotional and relatable characters resonated deeply with audiences, and she was even employed as a dialect coach on some productions to ensure authenticity. In the 1980s, she also showcased her singing talents on BBC Radio 2's popular show “Acker's 'Alf 'Our” with Acker Bilk and appeared on “The Good Old Days.”

She gained particular recognition and endeared herself to ITV viewers through her multiple appearances in the popular series “Doc Martin,” starring opposite Martin Clunes. Her performances in the show added charm and authenticity to its storytelling, making her a cherished part of the program's ensemble. Her final screen performance, at the age of 87, was in “Doc Martin,” where she portrayed Ethel, a patient who had injured her hand on a rusty nail. Reportedly, she told Martin Clunes regarding this role, 'If this is my swan song then I'm more than happy it's with you.'

June Marlow spent her final 35 years in her cherished home overlooking Sutton Harbour in Plymouth. In her last weeks, she received compassionate care from St Luke's Hospice Plymouth, with her daughter, Kate Van Dike—an accomplished actress, comedian, and sketch writer herself—moving in to provide round-the-clock support. Her family expressed profound gratitude for the hospice staff, whose tenderness and acknowledgment of her as the most important person allowed her to remain at home.

Even as her health declined, Marlow maintained her characteristic optimism and pragmatism, choosing not to dwell on her illness but always looking forward. Her daughter, Kate, recalled that even at the very end, her mother was able to flash her beautiful smile. Her career, marked by consistency, empathy, and a willingness to evolve without losing her core identity, serves as a blueprint for character actors. At the age of 90, she undertook her final "gig," lending her voice to the Elizabethan House on New Street for The Box museum and gallery in Plymouth. June Marlow's life was a testament to her enduring spirit, talent, and the warmth she extended to all who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her family, friends, and countless admirers.