British character actress Joanna Bacon, best known internationally for playing Natalie’s mother in the 2003 film “Love Actually,” has died at the age of 72. The Harlow Theatre Company, of which she was a founding member, said she passed away on 14 June after what it described as a short and brave battle with cancer. News of her death was released on 17 July; a funeral was held on 15 July in the United Kingdom. Bacon enjoyed a four-decade screen career that included recurring roles in the BBC soap “EastEnders” and, more recently, as Jackie in the FX/Sky One comedy “Breeders,” which ran for four seasons through 2023. Her television résumé also featured appearances in “Casualty,” “Prime Suspect,” “The Bill” and “Little Britain,” while her film credits ranged from “Last Orders” to Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla.” On stage, Bacon was celebrated for performances with the Harlow Playhouse and other regional theatres, taking on roles such as Portia in “The Merchant of Venice,” Maddie in “Dirty Linen,” and Beverly in “Abigail’s Party.” In its tribute, the Harlow Theatre Company praised her “force of nature, wit, fun and passion,” noting that she continued to mentor and support younger performers from the front row long after she achieved wider acclaim.