Meg Johnson, an accomplished English actress, gained recognition for her performances on popular British TV dramas over a remarkable career of nearly sixty years. Notably, she portrayed Eunice Gee in Coronation Street, Brigid McKenna in Brookside, and Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale.
Bio/Wiki
Age-86 years
Height-5’8
Born-30 September 1936,
Birthplace- Manchester, United Kingdom
Full name- Margaret “Meg” Johnson
Death-1 July 2023
D3ath place-Lancashire, England
Profession-Actor, Stage Actor
Spouse-Charles Foster (m. ?–2023)
Nationality-English
Family
Meg Johnson is either a private individual or a fictional character, which means that information about their parents might not be readily accessible or publicly known.
Husband
Johnson was married with Charles Foster, an English actor and ITV Granada television presenter, starting in 1981 until Foster’s passing on 23 February 2023.
Children
Meg and her spouse are parents to three daughters.
Career
Johnson’s acting career began in May 1961, at the age of 24, with her first professional role in a television series called Here’s Harry. She remained on the show until 1964 and also took on roles in Family Solicitor (1961) and The Referees (1961) during that time. In 1972 and 1976, she made a few appearances on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, playing a Tipsy woman and Brenda Holden, respectively. However, it was in 1981 that she landed the role of Eunice Gee, which she continued to play on and off until 1999.
During the 1980s, Johnson collaborated with Victoria Wood and appeared in multiple episodes of her shows, including Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV and Victoria Wood Presents. In 1997, she participated in the West End theatre revival of Chicago, portraying the character Mama Morton. Johnson also showcased her talents in stage productions such as Follies and Gypsy.
From 2000 to 2003, Johnson joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, where she played the character Brigid McKenna until the show’s cancellation. Subsequently, in 2003, she took
on the role of Pearl Ladderbanks in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, which she portrayed until March 2020.
Achievement/Awards
In a remarkable career spanning nearly six decades, she garnered recognition for her captivating performances in acclaimed British television soap operas.
From the iconic role of Eunice Gee in Coronation Street to the memorable portrayal of Brigid McKenna in Brookside and the beloved character Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale, she became synonymous with excellence on the small screen.
Going beyond television, she also graced the stages of musical theatre, lending her talents to productions like the timeless Chicago and the enchanting Follies.
With a multifaceted career that spanned both screens and stages, she established herself as a versatile and cherished figure in the world of entertainment.
Filmography
Meg Johnson Filmography
In 1961:
- Here’s Harry (5 episodes)
- Family Solicitor (3 episodes)
- The Referees (Television film)
In 1964:
- Comedy Playhouse (Episode: “The Mascot”)
In 1972:
- Country Matters (Episode: “Crippled Bloom”)
In 1973:
- Nearest and Dearest (Episode: “Get Out of That”)
In 1974:
- How’s Your Father? (Episode: “Who Was That Lady?”)
In 1975:
- The Life of Riley (Episode: “Uneasy Riders”)
- Play for Today (Episode: “Wednesday Love”)
In 1976:
- Coronation Street (4 episodes)
- Crown Court (2 episodes)
- Yanks Go Home (Lead role; 13 episodes)
In 1979:
- Two Up, Two Down (Episode: “What’s Yours Is Mine”)
- Mother Nature’s Bloomers (6 episodes)
In 1978-1979:
- Empire Road (4 episodes)
In 1978:
- Strangers (Episode: “Paying Guests”)
In 1980:
- Watch All Night (Episode: “Night People”)
- Strangers (Episode: “Armed and Dangerous”)
- The Good Companions (2 episodes)
In 1981-1982, 1999:
- Coronation Street (Regular role; 72 episodes)
In 1981:
- The Olympian Way (2 episodes)
In 1985-1987:
- Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV (4 episodes)
In 1986:
- The Practice (2 episodes)
In 1989:
- Split Ends (Episode: “Tangles”)
- Victoria Wood (Episode: “Mens Sana in Thingummy Doodah”)
- Saundra (Episode: “Over to Pam”)
In 1993:
- Taggart (Episode: “Fatal Inheritance”)
- Lovejoy (Episode: “Ducking and Diving”)
- Chris Cross (Episode: “It’s a Jungle in There”)
In 1995-1996:
- Hollyoaks (2 episodes)
In 1998-1999:
- The Wild House (Regular role)
In 1999:
- Rab C. Nesbitt (Episode: “Commons”)
In 2000:
- Peak Practice (Episode: “Turning Tides”)
- Brookside (Regular role)
- The Thing About Vince… (Episode: “Sylvia”)
In 2003-2020:
- Emmerdale (Regular role; 1,065 episodes)
In 2011:
- Emmerdale: Paddy and Marlon’s Big Night In (Spin-off film)
Net Worth 2023
As of June 1, 2023, Meg Johnson possesses a net worth of $5 million.
Cause Of Death
Johnson, known for her portrayal of Pearl Ladderbanks on the ITV soap from 2003 to 2020, peacefully passed away on Saturday (July 1) at the age of 86 after battling dementia.
Her family, talent agency – Jorg Betts Associates, and the ITV show released a joint statement today announcing her death.
In the statement, it was expressed: “With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of the talented actress Meg Johnson, who peacefully left us yesterday evening surrounded by her loved ones.
“Meg was a kind-hearted and extraordinary lady, radiating warmth and always carrying a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
“Meg had an illustrious career, concluding with her memorable role as Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale from 2003.
“During the past few years, Meg faced the challenges of dementia, yet she continued to persevere both personally and professionally.
“Her absence will be profoundly felt by all those fortunate enough to have known her.”
Following the news of Johnson’s passing, an outpouring of tributes has flooded in.
Actors and actresses from Emmerdale, both current and former, have taken to social media to honor her, describing her as a unique individual who would famously exclaim “Oh pig’s bum!” when she forgot her lines.
Actress Lisa Riley, renowned for her portrayal of Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, shared how Johnson taught her “discipline, respect, comedy, and the art of not taking life too seriously.”
In a heartfelt tweet, Riley wrote: “You epitomize the true essence of a remarkable woman. Your vibrant energy will endure because you were truly extraordinary!”