Anna Wing as Lou Beale
Anna Wing has died aged 98.
The former 'EastEnders' actress - who is famous for playing sharp-tongued Lou Beale in the BBC One soap opera when the first episode kicked off in 1985 - passed away on Sunday (07.07.13), her agent has announced.
Anna's alter-ego - who was based on the aunt of 'EastEnders' creator Tony Holland - was part of the opinionated Beale and Fowler family on Albert Square for three years before she was later killed off in 1988.
A show spokesperson said: "From the very first episode of 'EastEnders, Anna created one of the most iconic matriarchs in television history."
Adam Woodyatt - who plays Lou's grandson Ian Beale - paid tribute to Anna, branding her "a wonderful lady" and credits her for making him feel "completely at ease" during filming.
He said: "I worked with Anna on 'Witches And The Grinnygog' before she became my gran in 'EastEnders'. I remember one episode in particular - number 16 - we had a seven-page scene for the cliff-hanger, Ian pouring his heart out to his gran.
"It was the first time I had to cry on screen and I was terrified I wouldn't be able to do it. Anna was so helpful, happy to rehearse it over and over again and put me completely at ease.
"Sure enough the tears flowed from nowhere and it was the first time Julia's Theme was used at the end of an episode. I have so many fond memories of her, my thoughts are with her family and friends."
June Brown - who played Lou's friend Dot Cotton on the show- praised Anna her for her acting talents and her capability of creating diverse characters.
Speaking in a statement, she said: "She was a very generous woman in many ways, and an excellent actress who made a script her own, lifting the character off the page and making it quite different from what you'd have expected."
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