Josephine Melville Obituary

Josephine Melville was a British actress, screenwriter, and director. She was born in Essex and has appeared in films such as “The Bill,” “Prime Suspect,” and “Casualty.”

Melville participated in “Know Your Roots” last year, a project that held workshops and recorded interviews across Essex to celebrate and preserve the history of Black women’s hair. She produced and directed the short thriller “Assistance” last year.

Josephine Melville collapsed and died backstage after appearing in a Nottingham production of “Nine Night” on Thursday, October 20, 2022. She was 61 years old.

Before paramedics arrived, she received immediate assistance from first aid personnel and a member of the audience, but she died at the scene.

There was no immediate explanation. All performances of the play were cancelled after Melville’s death.

“The entire company and staff at both theatres are in a state of shock. Josephine was a truly wonderful and well-loved person, a revered and deeply respected performer, director, producer, archivist and writer, and a tremendous Auntie Maggie in `Nine Night,’” the statement said.