Patsy Byrne, better known to many of us as Nursie, has died at the age of 80.
Patsy studied drama Rose Bruford College finding early success at the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s where she played Maria, Olivia's gentlewoman in 'Twelfth Night' and Gruscha in 'Caucasian Chalk Circle'. Patsy also had various roles on TV in shows such as 'Z Cars' and 'I, Claudius' But it was in her role as Nursie in 'Blackadder' that she was best known for.
Nursie, real name Bernard, was Queenie's constant companion. Nursie was a much loved character in the second series of Blackadder, set in Queen Elizabeth I's court. Famous for her udder fixation and her habit of divulging embarrassing stories from Queenie's childhood, Nursie escaped the wrath of Miranda Richardson's queen only to fall foul – along with the rest of the court – of Prince Ludwig the Indestructible.
'Blackadder' and 'Maid Marian and her Merry Men' co-star Tony Robinson said: "Patsy was just a real confident centre of all the scenes she was in. While the rest of us might be getting twitchy and slightly irritated, Patsy never was. She was superb."
John Lloyd, who produced 'Blackadder' said: “She was a proper actress…Well spoken, incredibly bright…She was a terrific person. She was our mum, just a wonderful person.”
Patsy died at Denville Hall, a retirement home for actors, on Tuesday 17th June.
Pictured: Patsy Byrne and Patsy in character as Nursie
