Emmerdale legend Meg Johnson dies aged 86 after being diagnosed with dementia – as her family pays tribute to the ‘kind and wonderful’ star four months after her husband’s death
Emmerdale actress Meg Johnson has died at the age of 86.
Meg, who played iconic 2002 soap opera character Pearl Ladderbanks, was diagnosed with dementia in her final years, her family says.
Meg’s passing comes four months after the death of her husband Charles Foster, who was an ITV Granada announcer, which was announced in February.
The actress’ passing was announced by her family in a joint statement with her talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and ITV Emmerdale.
The statement read: “It is with great sadness that we announce that actress Meg Johnson passed away peacefully last night surrounded by her family.
News: Emmerdale actress Meg Johnson has passed away at the age of 86
Tragic: Meg’s passing comes four months after the death of her husband Charles Foster, who was an ITV Granada announcer, which was announced in February
‘Meg was a kind and wonderful lady, full of warmth and always with a twinkle in her eye.
‘Meg had an excellent career that ended when she played Pearl in Emmerdale.
‘Meg suffered from dementia in recent years, but nevertheless fought on personally and professionally. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.’
Tributes to the actress poured in from fans on social media following the news of her death.
While actress Gemma Oaten – who appeared on the soap with Meg – wrote: ‘Sending so much love to the @emmerdale family and the family of the late and great Meg Johnson.
“A beautiful woman inside and out, who was always so kind to me during my #Emmerdale days. I’m sure Shirley, Freddie, Richard and co will take good care of her up there. RIP beautiful Meg x.’
One person said, “Oh no, I loved her on Emmerdale and she’s currently in the classic episodes.”
Another said: “Heartbreaking news. Thinking of Meg’s family and friends at this sad time, thank you for the legendary Pearl, she was a fantastic character.”
Response: Tributes to the actress poured in from fans on social media following the news of her death
A third wrote: ‘So heartbreaking I loved her in Emmerdale as Peal. She will be sorely missed. RIP Meg.’
Another wrote: ‘RIP Meg, she was a great actress and fantastic as Pearl. Always glamorous and always had heart. Beautiful lady, my thoughts are with her family.’
Meg’s character of Pearl made an impact in the Dales when she arrived in the early 1990s and was labeled a ‘trollop’ by Edna Birch.
During her time on the soap, she starred in many hard-hitting storylines, including a confrontation with her raping son and his shock death.
Her character left the show in 2020 and moved into a caravan in Demdyke in hopes of gaining some independence.
Before joining Emmerdale, Meg also first starred in Coronation Street in a few cameo appearances as a character called Brenda Holden, before being cast as Eunice Gee in 1981.