Sylvia Young whose world famous stage school launched the careers of Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, Billie Piper and Spice Girl Emma Bunton, has died at the age of 86.
Her daughter, West End star Frances Ruffelle, confirmed this morning that her mother had died peacefully this morning surrounded by her family.
Frances is herself the mother of pop star Eliza Doolittle, another member of the talented family.
Some of Britain’s best known entertainers and singers owe their careers to the pioneering teacher, who founded her eponymous school in 1972.
Now based in Westminster, the £14,400 a year school began with part time classes in the east end of London, before expanding to a larger space in Marleybone and then changing venues once again to a converted church in Westminster where it remains today.
The school has a strong reputation for nurturing young talent with an alumni that reads like a roll call of British showbuisness.
Other famous faces who attended include presenter Denise Van Outen and Tom Fletcher from McFly.
Denise Van Outen credited Sylvia for her career. In an interview she told how Young has advised her ‘don’t focus on one thing, try and do all of it and you’ll always work.’
Van Outen has enjoyed a successful career in TV, film and theatre, performing in the West End and on Broadway.
Today, Young’s daughter, Frances Ruffelle who was the original Eponine in the West End stage stage production of Les Miserables, paid tribute to her mother on social media.
She said: ‘Our mum was a true visionary, she gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard.
‘Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students, contributed to the richness of today’s theatre world, even winning an Olivier award herself along the way.
‘She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success and she was an example of that herself.
‘Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who’s worked hard to achieve her goals, took hold of life and lived it to the full.
‘Her family were everything to her, her wonderful husband, Norman, our dad and her grandchildren, Eliza, Nat, Phoenix and Coral and her great grandson, Felix.
We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students, you all meant the world to her.’
Tributes have poured in for Syliva. Radio legend Tony Blackburn wrote: So sorry to hear Sylvia Young has passed away. She founded the Sylvia Young Theatre School which has been responsible for starting so many careers in TV and Theatre.
‘She was a very lovely lady who I have had the privilege of knowing for many years. She will be sadly missed. R.I.P Sylvia.’
Actor Sadie Frost wrote: ‘What a woman, what a family, what a legacy!
‘Sending everyone so much love and support – I am here if you need me.
‘She was always so lovely to me and will cherish memories forever.’
EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt, famous for playing Ian Beale, also replied to Frances’s Instagram post, sharing a broken heart emoji.
