TV comedy star Maddy Anholt has died at the age of 35, her family have announced.
The actress, author and comedian had been diagnosed with brain cancer just after giving birth to her daughter last year. She starred in many BBC, ITV and Channel 4 comedies including the Emily Atack show, Sunny D, Jerk, and Mariah: The Diva, the Demons, the Drama. She was also a regular guest on This Morning and an ambassador for Women's Aid as well as writing two books about domestic violence and toxic relationships.
The actress, author, and comedian faced a daunting diagnosis of brain cancer shortly after welcoming her daughter into the world last year. Her impressive career spanned across various platforms, gracing BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 with her talent. Some of her notable works included appearances in comedies such as the Emily Atack show, Sunny D, Jerk, and Mariah: The Diva, the Demons, the Drama.
Beyond her on-screen presence, she was a recurring guest on This Morning, where her wit and charm endeared her to viewers. Not content with just entertainment, she embraced a role as an ambassador for Women's Aid, advocating for those affected by domestic violence. Her commitment extended to the literary world, where she penned two books addressing the critical issues of domestic violence and toxic relationships.
Maddy was a talented comedy actress and scriptwriter. She trained at ALRA alongside the likes of Miranda Hart and Bridget Christie. The daughter of children’s authors and illustrators, Catherine and Laurence Anholt, twin to painter Tom Anholt and with an older sister at the UN.
Her devastated family announced her death on her GoFundMe page on Thursday morning. The heartbreaking statement confirmed that Maddy died yesterday on Wednesday, September 13. Maddy's family have set up the page for anyone who feels moved to make a small donation to provide for Maddy’s one-year-old daughter, Opal.
The statement read: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Maddy Anholt, our beloved daughter, sister, twin, friend, wife and mother, who left this world on Wednesday 13th September, aged 35. You may know that shortly after the birth of her incredible daughter Opal last year, Maddy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. She handled the ensuing surgery and treatment with astonishing grace and courage, accompanied every step of the way by her family and devoted husband, Ben.
"She spent her final weeks at her parents’ home, Sunflower House, bathed in love and calm, and with the sounds of nature all around. We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the many friends who have upheld us with their love and prayers during this difficult time - as well as the countless nurses, doctors and the NHS as a whole, who treated her with unfailing dignity and compassion. In particular we would like to thank the magnificent team at Seaton Hospice at Home, who are the embodiment of empathy, professionalism and love."
Following Maddy's sad passing, her family have set up a GoFundMe page to help Opal, but also invited donations for Womens Aid. "You might consider a contribution to Maddy’s favourite charity, Women’s Aid. Maddy was a powerful advocate for women’s rights and on publication of her debut book, she was invited to become an Ambassador for Women’s Aid, which she carried out with characteristic energy and humour," her family penned.