Jeillo Edwards

Jeillo Edwards (born September 23, 1942 in Freetown, Sierra Leone; died July 9, 2004 in London, England) was a Sierra Leonean actress. She began performing at the age of four, reading from the Bible at her church. She was well known for her distinctive voice and imperious enunciation. She featured on the BBC World Service for Africa which was broadcast in the UK. She became popular in the United Kingdom, appearing on television, where she held the distinction of being the first black woman to appear on British television as well as being the first African to appear on "The Bill", radio and on stage.

She appeared in cameo roles in many British television comedy programs including "The League of Gentlemen", "Absolutely Fabulous", "Red Dwarf", "Black Books", "Spaced" and "Little Britain", in which she had been planned to appear in the second series before her death.

She studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As well as acting she also at one time was a school governor and owned a restaurant called Auntie J's in Brixton.

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* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/news/obituary/0,12723,1269841,00.html Guardian Obituary]