British actress June Whitfield, best known for her role in the long-running sitcom 'Terry And June', has died at the age of 93.
Her agent said she "passed away peacefully" on Friday.
Her career stretched back to the 1940s, including roles in the 'Carry On' films, stage productions and TV hits.
In 1992 she made her first appearance in Jennifer Saunders' sitcom 'Absolutely Fabulous' playing Edina Monsoon's mother.
Whitfield also appeared in numerous radio productions during her career, and played Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.
'Absolutely Fabulous' actress Joanna Lumley said: "I am heartbroken to lose such a darling friend and shall never forget her sensational talent, humour and her generosity to us all who had the joy of working with her on Ab Fab.
"She will always have a most special place in my heart."
Julia Sawalha, who played Whitfield's straight-laced granddaughter Saffy in Ab Fab, said: "Thank you Dame June Whitfield,for teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity.
"I always wanted you to know how in awe of you I was, however, you were always far too humble to accept my adoration.
"You were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran."
Thank you #damejunewhitfield,for teaching me my craft with such grace and dignity.I always wanted you to know how in awe of you I was, however, you were always far too humble to accept my https://t.co/2wc2G3bQ0G were a great source of inspiration to me. Bye-bye Gran.??????
— Julia Sawalha (@JuliaSawalha1) December 29, 2018
'Absolutely Fabulous' co-star Jane Horrocks said: "She was a wonderful lady. Versatile, funny and generous. Much loved and will be much missed".
Grew up on #TerryAndJune and had the pleasure of working with June on #AbsolutelyFabulous. She was a wonderful lady. Versatile, funny and generous. Much loved and will be much missed
— Jane Horrocks (@janehorrocks_) December 29, 2018
Whitfield was born in south London in 1925 and was evacuated from London during the Second World War.
Later she graduated from the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art before the end of the war and her entertainment career began in the same decade with work on the West End stage.
She met her husband Tim Aitchison in the 1950s and the couple went on to have a daughter, Suzy, who followed in her mother's footsteps and became an actress.
Mr Aitchison died in 2001.
File photo of June Whitfield (left) attending the world premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous The Movie' in 2016, with (left to right) Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks | Image: Ian West/PA Wire/PA Images
She also appeared in a show written by Saunders, 'Jam And Jerusalem'.
In a statement, Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy, said: "June Whitfield was the North Star of British comedy.
"Her spectacular career is unparalleled in its longevity, with seven decades of being a key element in numerous high profile and successful shows.
Producer Jon Plowman, who worked on episodes of 'Absolutely Fabulous' and the 2016 film version, tweeted that he was "very sad" to hear Whitfield had died.
He said: "There was no-one with more warmth or a better ability to just 'place' a line, always an act of utter precision.
"Hit after hit! Take it from Here Terry and June Absolutely Fabulous over seven decade. A great loss."
Very sad at the news of the death of the wonderful June Whitfield . There was no-one with more warmth or a better ability to just "place" a line ,always an act of utter precision. Hit after hit! Take it from Here Terry and June Absolutely Fabulous over seven decade. A great loss
— JON PLOWMAN (@bimpsonbun1) December 29, 2018
Impressionist Rory Bremner has also paid tribute to Whitfield on Twitter, saying she was the "go-to comedy actress for three generations".
He added: "From 60s radio to 70s, 80s, even 90s TV. Always graceful and elegant with a real comic glint in her eye and (absolutely) fabulous timing."
RIP June Whitfield- go-to comedy actress for 3 generations, from 60s radio to 70s, 80s, even 90s TV. Always graceful & elegant with a real comic glint in her eye & (absolutely) fabulous timing.
— Rory Bremner (@rorybremner) December 29, 2018
The actress also appeared in various TV shows including 'Jonathan Creek', 'Doctor Who', 'Coronation Street' and 'EastEnders'.
