Julie Stevens, Carry On and The Avengers star, dies aged 87

As a long-time admirer of classic British entertainment, I find myself deeply saddened by the passing of Julie Stevens, a beloved figure who graced our screens for decades. From her iconic roles in The Avengers and Carry On Cleo to her contributions to children’s programming and music, Stevens was a versatile artist whose work touched generations.

Actor and TV presenter Julie Stevens has died aged 87, it was announced today.

Her acting career on screens began in the 1960s, where she appeared as Venus Smith, a recurring character alongside Patrick Macnee’s John Steed in the iconic spy series The Avengers. On multiple instances, she worked together with John Steed.

Lovers of traditional British humor might recall Stevens from her part in Carry On Cleo, the tenth installment of the rowdy franchise that took us to ancient Egypt, where the tale revolved around Cleopatra. In this production, Stevens portrayed a servant called Gloria.

In addition, she didn’t perform her final humorous act; instead, she continued her acting career, appearing in television series such as Girls About Town and Cabbages and Kings. Notably, the latter show was designed to educate children about different historical eras.

Certainly, for many, the name Stevens may bring back nostalgic feelings, as she frequently appeared on television sets during their youthful days, serving as the host of Play School, Play Away, and Look and Read – popular children’s programs that aired on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Besides delving into the realm of music, Stevens made her mark by releasing two singles in 1971 and featuring on an album tied to the children’s program, Play School. Moreover, her roles in The Avengers frequently incorporated musical performances.

Yesterday, Rachel New, a previous host on Heart FM and BBC Radio Derby, shared the news about Stevens’s demise.

People will remember Julie Stevens for her lively personality, her unique talent for making each child feel special, and the enduring impact she made on children’s TV.

Stevens was blessed with a son, as well as four grandkids and three great-grandkids. Notably, she got married not once but twice. Her initial husband was the television host, John White, for 13 years, followed by a long-term union of two decades with theatre director Michael Hucks.

For some time, the actor resided in the beautiful region of Provence, France, only to return to the United Kingdom as he grew older. Unfortunately, Stevens was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021, a challenge that his daughter described as being met with “wit and captivating grace.

2024-12-10 16:06

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