Latest news with #performingarts
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sylvia Young, the theatre school founder that taught likes of Dua Lipa and Amy Winehouse, dies aged 86
Sylvia Young – the founder of a theatre school which taught the likes of singer Amy Winehouse, singer Dua Lipa and EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt – has died aged 86. Her daughters Alison and Frances Ruffelle said it was with 'great sadness' that they confirmed the death of their mother – who 'passed away peacefully' on Wednesday, in a statement posted on the Sylvia Young Agency Instagram account. Their statement read: '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 and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way. 'She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself. She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation's heart.' The Sylvia Young Theatre School, which was established in 1972 offering full-time and part-time courses, produced a wide range of stars including Rita Ora, to actors such as James Bond star Lashana Lynch, Doctor Who's Billie Piper and Nosferatu's Nicholas Hoult. Young's daughters added: 'Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who 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, our dad, Norman and her grandchildren Eliza, Nat, Felix and Coral plus her great grandson Rex. 'We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students. You all meant the world to her. 'We will miss her so very much.' McFly star Tom Fletcher met his wife, podcaster and presenter Giovanna Fletcher, at the school, which they attended from the age of 13, with Young attending their wedding. In a tribute, Giovanna posted on Instagram: 'My life would not be what it is without Sylvia Young. 'I remember watching Sylvia on Live And Kicking when I was 12 years old, she was talking about her school and all the fun they had there. 'I phoned up for a brochure and applied for a scholarship without telling my mum and dad, I didn't get the scholarship, but I got a place with a 'deal' attached because Sylvia wanted me there – something I quickly learned the majority of the 140 students had.' She continued: 'I loved sitting in Sylvia's office and watching her work. 'She was meticulous, she knew what every child was up to and how to get the best out of everyone, she was devoted to helping her kids and I know how much she cared for each of us. Sometimes she cared when others didn't – helping some incredible talent flourish in the process. 'No-one ever wanted to upset Sylvia and that's not because she would get angry and shout, quite the opposite, Sylvia's disapproval was enough – because we all knew how lucky we were to be at that school, doing what we loved. We all wanted to impress her, and that never stopped.' In a comment on Young's daughters' social media post, actress Bonnie Langford added: 'Such sad news, Sylvia was such an inspiring, kind and generous person. 'She made a difference to so many and will be missed by so many, love to all the family and all those who she made feel were her family. Heartfelt condolences to you Frances and Alison and to Stephen and all the team.' Radio presenter Tony Blackburn, who was a friend of Young, also paid tribute in a post on X. He said: '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.' Young was the subject of an episode of This Is Your Life in 1998, and was appointed an Officer Of The Order Of The British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for her services to the arts. She married Norman Ruffelle in London in 1961, and is the grandmother of singer Eliza Doolittle.
The Independent
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Theatre school founder and ‘true visionary' Sylvia Young dies aged 86
Sylvia Young – the founder of a theatre school which taught the likes of singer Amy Winehouse, EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt and James Bond star Lashana Lynch – has been hailed as a 'true visionary' after she died aged 86. Her daughters Alison and Frances Ruffelle said it was with 'great sadness' that they confirmed the death of their mother – who 'passed away peacefully' on Wednesday, in a statement posted on the Sylvia Young Agency Instagram account. Their statement read: '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 and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way. 'She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself. She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation's heart.' The Sylvia Young Theatre School, which was established in 1972 offering full-time and part-time courses, produced a wide range of stars from singers such as Dua Lipa and Rita Ora, to actors such as Doctor Who's Billie Piper and Nosferatu's Nicholas Hoult. Young's daughters added: 'Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who 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, our dad, Norman and her grandchildren Eliza, Nat, Felix and Coral plus her great grandson Rex. 'We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students. You all meant the world to her. 'We will miss her so very much.' McFly star Tom Fletcher met his wife, podcaster and presenter Giovanna Fletcher, at the school, which they attended from the age of 13, with Young attending their wedding. In a tribute, Giovanna posted on Instagram: 'My life would not be what it is without Sylvia Young. 'I remember watching Sylvia on Live And Kicking when I was 12 years old, she was talking about her school and all the fun they had there. 'I phoned up for a brochure and applied for a scholarship without telling my mum and dad, I didn't get the scholarship, but I got a place with a 'deal' attached because Sylvia wanted me there – something I quickly learned the majority of the 140 students had.' She continued: 'I loved sitting in Sylvia's office and watching her work. 'She was meticulous, she knew what every child was up to and how to get the best out of everyone, she was devoted to helping her kids and I know how much she cared for each of us. Sometimes she cared when others didn't – helping some incredible talent flourish in the process. 'No-one ever wanted to upset Sylvia and that's not because she would get angry and shout, quite the opposite, Sylvia's disapproval was enough – because we all knew how lucky we were to be at that school, doing what we loved. We all wanted to impress her, and that never stopped.' In a comment on Young's daughters' social media post, actress Bonnie Langford added: 'Such sad news, Sylvia was such an inspiring, kind and generous person. 'She made a difference to so many and will be missed by so many, love to all the family and all those who she made feel were her family. Heartfelt condolences to you Frances and Alison and to Stephen and all the team.' Radio presenter Tony Blackburn, who was a friend of Young, also paid tribute in a post on X. He said: '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.' Young was the subject of an episode of This Is Your Life in 1998, and was appointed an Officer Of The Order Of The British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for her services to the arts. She married Norman Ruffelle in London in 1961, and is the grandmother of singer Eliza Doolittle.
The Guardian
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘True visionary' theatre school founder Sylvia Young dies age 86
Sylvia Young – the founder of a theatre school, which taught the likes of singer Amy Winehouse, EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt and James Bond star Lashana Lynch – has been hailed as a 'true visionary' after she died age 86. Her daughters Alison and Frances Ruffelle said it was with great sadness that they confirmed the death of their mother – who 'passed away peacefully' on Wednesday, in a statement posted on the Sylvia Young Agency Instagram account. Their statement read: '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 and music world, even winning herself an Olivier award along the way. 'She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself. She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation's heart.' The Sylvia Young theatre school, which was established in 1972 offering full-time and part-time courses, produced a wide range of stars from singers such as Dua Lipa and Rita Ora, to actors such as Billie Piper and Nicholas Hoult. Young's daughters added: 'Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who 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, our dad, Norman, and her grandchildren Eliza, Nat, Felix and Coral, plus her great-grandson, Rex. 'We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students. You all meant the world to her. We will miss her so very much.' McFly star Tom Fletcher met his wife, podcaster and presenter Giovanna Fletcher, at the school, which they attended from the age of 13, with Young attending their wedding. In a tribute, Giovanna Fletcher posted on Instagram: 'My life would not be what it is without Sylvia Young. I remember watching Sylvia on Live And Kicking when I was 12 years old, she was talking about her school and all the fun they had there. 'I phoned up for a brochure and applied for a scholarship without telling my mum and dad. I didn't get the scholarship, but I got a place with a 'deal' attached because Sylvia wanted me there – something I quickly learned the majority of the 140 students had.' She continued: 'I loved sitting in Sylvia's office and watching her work. She was meticulous, she knew what every child was up to and how to get the best out of everyone, she was devoted to helping her kids and I know how much she cared for each of us. Sometimes she cared when others didn't – helping some incredible talent flourish in the process.' In a comment on Young's daughters' social media post, actor Bonnie Langford added: 'Such sad news, Sylvia was such an inspiring, kind and generous person. 'She made a difference to so many and will be missed by so many, love to all the family and all those who she made feel were her family. Heartfelt condolences to you Frances and Alison and to Stephen and all the team.' Radio presenter Tony Blackburn, who was a friend of Young, also paid tribute in a post on X. He said: '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.' Young was the subject of an episode of This Is Your Life in 1998, and was appointed an officer of the order of the British empire (OBE) in 2005 for her services to the arts. She married Norman Ruffelle in London in 1961, and is the grandmother of singer Eliza Doolittle.
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sylvia Young: Theatre school founder who helped launch careers of Dua Lipa and Amy Winehouse dies aged 86
Sylvia Young, the founder of the London theatre school which launched countless entertainment careers, has died aged Winehouse, Rita Ora, Billie Piper, Dua Lipa and McFly's Tom Fletcher are among the stars who trained at the school early in their careers before going on to mainstream a statement, Young's daughters Alison and Frances announced "with great sadness" that their mother had died "peacefully" on Wednesday morning."Our Mum was a true visionary," they said. "She gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard." The statement continued: "Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students contributed to the richness of today's theatre and music world."She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself."Young founded her eponymous school in 1972, beginning with part-time classes in the east end of London. The school expanded to a larger space in Marylebone before later moving to its current home in a converted church near Marble was made an OBE in 2005, and in 2022 she received a special Olivier award for "giving countless students the opportunity to study performing arts".Other famous attendees included Emma Bunton, Denise Van Outen, Leona Lewis, Daniel Kaluuya, Layton Williams, Keeley Hawes, Gemma Collins, Lily Cole and Lashana Matt Willis, Little Mix stars Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and All Saints singers Melanie Blatt and Nicole and Natalie Appleton are also among the school's Outen credited Young for her career, recalling in an interview how she advised her: "Don't focus on one thing, try and do all of it and you'll always work."Paying tribute, DJ Tony Blackburn said he was "so sorry" to hear of Young's death, adding her school had "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," Blackburn added. "She will be sadly missed."Commenting on the post announcing Young's death, actress Sadie Frost said: "What a woman, what a family, what a legacy!"Sending everyone so much love and support. She was always so lovely to me and will cherish memories forever."Author and actress Giovanna Fletcher commented: "My life wouldn't be what it is without Sylvia's input, and I'm not the only one. An incredible woman with an inspirational legacy."Natalie Appleton said: "This is going to really affect us all who were lucky enough to be part of her amazing world growing up. What a time, the best memories!"TV and radio presenter Kate Thornton said Young "meant so much to so many".Young's daughters concluded their statement by saying: "She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation's heart."Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who worked hard to achieve her goals, took hold of life, and lived it to the full."We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students. You all meant the world to her. We will miss her so very much."
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sylvia Young dead: Stage school pioneer who helped discover Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora and Billie Piper dies aged 86
A STAGE school pioneer who discovered stars including Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora and Billie Piper has died aged 86. Sylvia Young passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family. 3 3 3 Her daughter, Frances Ruffelle, confirmed the sad news with a touching tribute. The West End star 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, who founded the £14,400 a year theatre school in London. Radio star 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 added: "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." The Sylvia Young started off holding part time classes in the east end of London. It attracted a larger client base and re-located to Marleybone. Eventually, the theatre school's success saw it move to a converted church in Westminster. is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
