Actor Jo Bacon, who appeared in one of Love Actually’s most memorable scenes as Natalie’s mother greeting Hugh Grant’s Prime Minister at their south London doorstep, has died aged 72 following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
The performer, whose extensive career spanned television, theatre, film and ballet, was diagnosed with cancer in January 2025. Martin Freeman, who worked closely with Bacon on the critically acclaimed series Breeders, was among those who attended her funeral yesterday.
Following her diagnosis, Bacon maintained a positive outlook on her life’s achievements. “I have had a brilliant life. I have been so lucky to do the things I have done and to have met the wonderful people I have met. I have no regrets,” she said.
Born Joanna Bacon, the actress enjoyed a prolific career across multiple mediums. Her television credits included appearances in some of Britain’s most popular series, including EastEnders, Casualty, The Bill, Pie in the Sky, Little Britain, A Touch of Frost and New Tricks.
However, she earned particular acclaim for her role as Jackie in the FX/Sky comedy series Breeders, where she portrayed the mother of Martin Freeman’s character Paul. The series, which ran from 2020 to 2023, explored the challenges of modern parenthood and featured Bacon as a recurring character throughout its four-season run.
Tributes poured in following news of her death, with many praising the “brilliant” performer for her versatility and professionalism. Friend Barry Bowen, speaking at her funeral, noted that throughout her impressive career she had worked alongside “the likes of Redgrave, O’Toole, Mirren, Bates, Rickman, Grant, Firth and Freeman.”
Despite this stellar company, Bowen remembered Bacon as someone who remained “the humble person we all knew” and never resorted to name-dropping. He particularly praised her “unfailing loyalty to her friends” as one of her defining characteristics.
Celebrant Jo Moore, also speaking at the funeral service, reflected on Bacon’s impact on audiences throughout her career. “Jo’s talent as an actor was a gift that she shared with the world,” Moore said. “On stage and on screen, she brought us joy, laughter, and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she reached.”
Bacon’s memorable appearance in the 2003 Christmas classic Love Actually came during a pivotal scene in Richard Curtis’s romantic comedy. She played the mother of Martine McCutcheon’s character Natalie, opening the door to the Prime Minister as he went door-to-door searching for his love interest on Christmas Eve.
The scene, which has become one of the film’s most iconic moments, showcased Bacon’s natural comedic timing as she greeted the Prime Minister at their modest family home. Her character’s surprised reaction to finding the country’s leader on her doorstep contributed to one of the film’s most beloved sequences.
Her work in Breeders alongside Freeman demonstrated her range as an actor well into her seventies. The series, created by Freeman, Chris Addison and Simon Blackwell, provided Bacon with a substantial recurring role that allowed her to showcase both dramatic and comedic abilities.
Bacon’s earlier television work included various roles in long-running series such as The Bill, where she appeared in multiple episodes playing different characters. She also featured in Berkeley Square, The Prince and the Pauper, and Going to California, building a reputation as a reliable character actor.
Her film credits extended beyond Love Actually to include appearances in Last Orders (2001) alongside Michael Caine, RocknRolla (2008) with Gerard Butler, Easy Virtue (2009), and more recently, Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans (2019) and A Quiet Passion (2016).
Theatre remained a significant part of Bacon’s career throughout her life, though she also had early training in ballet. This diverse background in performance arts contributed to her versatility as an actor across different mediums.
Colleagues from across the industry remembered Bacon as a consummate professional who brought dedication and warmth to every role. Her ability to create memorable characters in brief appearances, such as her Love Actually role, demonstrated her skill at making an immediate impact on screen.
The attendance of Martin Freeman at her funeral service underscored the respect she commanded from fellow actors. Their work together on Breeders had clearly forged a meaningful professional relationship that extended beyond the set.
Bacon’s approach to her craft was characterised by the same humility that friends noted in her personal life. Despite working with many of Britain’s most celebrated actors over several decades, she maintained a grounded perspective on her achievements.
Her final months following the cancer diagnosis in January were marked by the same grace that characterised her career. Her statement about having “no regrets” and feeling “lucky” for her experiences reflected a life well-lived in the performing arts.
The loss of Jo Bacon represents the passing of a generation of character actors who brought depth and authenticity to British television and film. Her contributions, from memorable cameos to substantial recurring roles, enriched the productions she was part of and left lasting impressions on audiences.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
