British actress Marian Diamond, celebrated for her work in Brookside and as the voice of Galadriel in the 1981 Lord of the Rings radio adaptation, has died at the age of 89.
Her close friend and fellow performer Miriam Margolyes announced the news through social media earlier today, revealing that Diamond passed away at University College Hospital in London on Monday, January 5.
The 84-year-old Ms Margolyes, renowned for portraying Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, shared an emotional message confirming her friend's sudden death.
Ms Diamond, a London native who trained at RADA and graduated in 1956, enjoyed a distinguished career spanning television, radio and film across more than five decades in the entertainment industry.
Marian Diamond has died at 89
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In her heartfelt tribute, Ms Margolyes reflected on a friendship that began nearly six decades ago, recalling: "We first met in Edinburgh, I think in 1968 at the Traverse Theatre, and I loved her from then on."
The pair subsequently collaborated on radio productions after Ms Margolyes joined the BBC Drama Rep. Company in 1965.
Ms Margolyes described her late friend as "one of the angels in our business, endlessly generous, interested in others and thrilled by their success."
She continued: "She was beautiful, gentle, full of fun, wise and perceptive."
The tribute concluded with Ms Margolyes expressing profound grief, stating: "I feel utterly bereft: a unique spirit has been taken very suddenly away from us."
She added: "Marian, you're held in my heart forever."
Ms Diamond's television career encompassed memorable appearances in 1960s classics including The Avengers, Sherlock Holmes and The Idiot, while later roles saw her feature in Brookside as Mrs Shackleton, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries and The Armando Ianucci Shows.
She was among the original presenters of Play School when the beloved children's programme launched in 1964, becoming known for her distinctive voice work across numerous BBC productions.
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Miriam Margolyes led tributes to the actress
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Her narration talents were showcased on Jackanory, where she read episodes primarily featuring works by C.S. Lewis.
Perhaps her most celebrated voice role came in 1981 when she portrayed the ethereal Galadriel, the Lady of the Woods, in the BBC's radio adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
Her film credits included 80,000 Suspects, Subterfuge and Goodbye Gemini.
Stage manager Paul Jackson also paid tribute to Ms Diamond, describing their 35-year friendship and her dedication to supporting his archiving work on Play School.
Marian Diamond is celebrated for her work in Brookside and as the voice of Galadriel in the 1981 Lord of the Rings radio adaptation
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Mr Jackson noted that despite health challenges in recent years, Ms Diamond had attended a special screening at Riverside Studios in December 2024, joining Play School creator Joy Whitby, Phyllida Law, Sophie Thompson and Carol Chell to watch a previously lost episode from August 1965 that she had presented alongside Rick Jones.
He remembered her as "a gentle soul who did much work away from acting helping people."
Ms Diamond, born in London in December 1936, was the younger of two daughters. Her sister Gillian Diamond, a casting director, died in 2018 along with Ms Diamond's close friend, actor Hugh Dickson.
Gillian's sons survive their aunt.