Jane Lapotaire, the British actress who won a Tony Award for her iconic portrayal of Édith Piaf, died at 81 on March 5th. Her death was confirmed by former husband director Roland Joffé, though the location and cause remain undisclosed. Lapotaire's most celebrated role came in 1978 when she starred in the play 'Piaf' at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), a drama with music about the self-destructive French chanteuse.

She later brought this electrifying performance to Broadway in 1981, where it ran for 165 performances and earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. This Broadway debut marked her only appearance on the American stage. Her career spanned classical and contemporary roles, including significant Shakespearean work at the RSC alongside Kenneth Branagh.

After recovering from a brain aneurysm in 2000, she returned to the stage, showcasing a passionate work ethic she described as bordering on 'all-consuming.'.