Carry On film star Julie Stevens dies aged 87 after three-year heath battle

Posted: 5:12 PM GMT, December 9, 2024 | Revised: 5:59 PM GMT, December 9, 2024

Legendary British actress, host, and singer Julie Stevens has passed away at the age of 87 after a three-year struggle with her health.

Although she is most recognized for her roles on children's television during the 1960s and 1970s, Julie also starred in the iconic spy series The Avengers and made appearances in the Carry On films.

She passed away after it was disclosed that she had been struggling with Parkinson's Disease for the past three years, having first been diagnosed with the condition in 2011.

Rachel New, Julie's daughter, shared the news of her mother's passing, noting that Julie approached the difficulties of her last years with a positive spirit and undeniable grace.

She was about to mark her 88th birthday in just a few weeks.

A post on the Legends of Kids TV social media page shared the heartbreaking news: "I’m sorry to share that Julie passed away on Thursday, following a challenging three-year battle with Parkinson's disease."

Fortunately, it turned out to be quite serene in the end.

Julie tied the knot with her Play School co-host John White in 1962, and the couple welcomed two children during their time together. However, they parted ways in 1975.

Julie later married actor and director Michael Hucks, remaining with him until he passed away in 2001.

The British actress Julie Stevens has passed away at the age of 87 after a three-year struggle with her health.

Julie gained fame as a beloved children's television personality during the 1960s and 70s, featuring prominently in the BBC shows Play School and Play Away.

Ms. New shared with The Sun that her mother will be remembered for her cheerful nature, her talent for making each child feel valued, and her enduring impact on children's television.

Julie was born in 1936 in Manchester. She initially trained to be a nurse, but later decided to pursue a career in entertainment as a comedian on the television program Bid For Fame.

Julie frequently appeared on the children's television programs Play School and Play Away. She also lent her voice to the educational series Look and Read, which focused on enhancing children's reading abilities.

In the television show The Avengers, Julie portrayed Venus Smith, who occasionally teamed up with John Steed, sharing the role with Honor Blackman's Cathy Gale.

Venus was a performer in nightclubs, and every time she took the stage, she showcased at least one song.

In 1964, Julie made her debut in the British comedy film Carry On Cleo, where she took on the role of Gloria, a slave girl. Additionally, she shared the screen with Denise Coffey in the ITV comedy series Girls About Town.

Julie Stevens was featured as Venus Smith in the 1962 episode of The Avengers TV series.

Julie's latest role was in an episode of Holy City that aired in 2001.

Today, fans have flooded social media with tributes to Julie Stevens, expressing their gratitude for the significant role she played in their childhood.

One individual expressed, "Yet another fragment of my childhood has vanished! Rest in peace, Julie Stevens."

Someone else commented: "It's truly heartbreaking to learn that the delightful, intelligent, and compassionate Julie Stevens is no longer with us."

In The Avengers, Julie played a key role in broadening the show's scope by introducing new settings and situations.

She was cherished by countless children over the years for her contributions to Play School. Rest in peace, Miss Venus Smith.

Someone else remarked: "Rest in peace, Julie Stevens. She was a fantastic actress, singer, and host, renowned for her work on Play School, Play Away, Look and Read, and as the other female member from The Avengers."

"She was one of my childhood TV favorites, if you can call it that. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and friends."