Meg Johnson, the renowned English actress, has died aged 86. With a career spanning several...

Published: 1:12 pm July 2, 2023
Updated: 7:57 am October 8, 2025
Former Brookside And Emmerdale Star Meg Johnson Dies – UKNIP

Meg Johnson, the renowned English actress, has died aged 86.

With a career spanning several decades, she graced our screens with unforgettable performances and captured our hearts with her talent and charm. Meg passed away recently, leaving behind a profound impact on the entertainment industry and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Born on 30 September 1936, Meg Johnson embarked on her acting journey at a young age. Her first professional role came in 1961, when she made her mark in the television series “Family Solicitor.” This early success paved the way for numerous opportunities, and Meg’s career flourished from there.

Meg Johnson’s talent and versatility shone through in her roles on various television soap operas. She captivated audiences with her portrayal of Eunice Gee in “Coronation Street,” a character she played from 1981 to 1999. Her appearances on “Brookside” as Brigid McKenna from 2000 to 2003 further showcased her acting prowess.

One of Meg’s most notable roles came in 2003 when she joined the cast of the popular ITV soap opera “Emmerdale” as Pearl Ladderbanks. For almost two decades, Meg’s portrayal of Pearl delighted viewers and solidified her status as a beloved actress. Her contributions to the show will always be remembered with fondness.

Beyond the small screen, Meg Johnson graced the stage with her presence, showcasing her talent in theatre productions. She mesmerized audiences in “Chicago” with her portrayal of Mama Morton and demonstrated her versatility in productions like “Follies” and “Gypsy.” Her performances on stage added another dimension to her illustrious career.

In her personal life, Meg was married to the late Charles Foster, an esteemed actor and television presenter. Charles, known for his appearances on “Coronation Street” and “Emmerdale,” as well as his role as an announcer at North West Granada, shared a deep connection with Meg and the world of entertainment. His passing in February 2023 marked a profound loss for Meg and all those who admired him.

In a tribute, a spokesperson for Emmerdale said:

“It is with great sadness that we announce that actress Meg Johnson passed away peacefully yesterday evening surrounded by her family. Meg was a kind and wonderful lady, full of warmth and always with a twinkle in her eye. Meg had an outstanding career that ended with her playing Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale in 2003. Meg had dementia for the last few years but battled on personally and professionally regardless. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her”


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