Jean Boht dead at 91: Bread actress who played Nellie Boswell dies following dementia battle weeks after husband’s death
LEGENDARY actress Jean Boht has tragically died at the age of 91 following a dementia battle – weeks after her husband’s death.
It comes just a month after the death of Boht’s husband, the American composer Carl Davis.
Her family said: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we must announce that Jean Boht passed away yesterday, Tuesday September 12.
“Jean had been battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with the indefatigable spirit for which she was both beloved and renowned.
“She was a resident at Denville Hall, the home for members of the theatrical profession.”
Jean Boht became a household name playing Nellie ‘Ma’ Boswell in hit 80s sitcom Bread from 1986 to 1991.
The show drew in 21million viewers with its depiction of Nellie and her kids after their dad Freddie walks out on them.
In 2012 Jean told the Liverpool Echo: “I never watched it at the time, it’s too horrendous for actors to see themselves on screen.
“So I had no idea what it looked like.
“But now when I catch it I am just astounded at how good it was and how very funny.
“I can understand why the public liked it so much.
“But then there was such a lot of lovely shows and characters around then.”
Boht’s first big role was in two episodes of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave Em in 1978.
She was born in Bebington and was a pupil at Wirral Grammar School for Girls.
She and Davis had two daughters, Hannah and Jessie, after they married in 1970.
The couple lived for many years in Windsor, Berkshire.