I have just heard that Angharad Rees has died aged 63 from pancreatic cancer.
It is devastating news.
Angharad was a wonderful friend and talented professional colleague.
Her portrayal of Demelza in Poldark was definitive and the series could not have enjoyed the success it had without her unique spirit informing the role.
We shared a very special time.
I will always remember her with enormous affection and respect.
She was a person who took pains to care for others.
She spread her magic where ever she went.
Her sense of humour was a joy and often for me a morale booster.
It was a privilege to know her.
Robin Ellis 
This is sad news Robin. She was the perfect actress to play Demelza. Way too young to leave us. I am so sorry for her family and for you, at her passing.
Robin, I aim so sorry-for your loss, and for her family. She was a delight on screen, and it so sad that she died so young. Thoughts and prayers for you, yours, and hers.
Robin, I am also saddened by this news. 63 is too young to go! There was certainly laughter – and maybe mischief – in her lovely eyes and bright smile. I am sure Ms. Rees touched many lives. I am very sorry for her family and friends.
This news made me sick. Far too young to die of a horrible disease like cancer Just like my poor mother. The same age. I am just glad neither suffer any longer. We have such grief on earth I firmly believe there is a better place. Angharad seemed like such a lovley soul. It was hard not to read that from her eyes No one else could have played Demelza as she did. She will live on as our beloved Demelza. I am so sorry for your grief Robin. I know you had a great bond with her. That bond made POLDARK what it was a TOTAL success. Please accept my heartfelt condolence. Rest in peace Dear Lady. This makes me truly sad I felt as if I knew her
Some artists make so deep an impression on us that, although we don’t know them personally, we take their work and layers of their being into our hearts and minds. I am so sad to read this news, and imagine the deep grief of her family and friends.
So very sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. xx
Robin, I’m saddened by the news that Angharad Rees has passed away. I
loved her as Demelza. She was adorable! My condolences to you and her family. You made a great couple. She was always looking out for you as Demelza and I’m sure she will continue to do so in spirit. God bless.
She was lovely. God bless.
I had no idea she was so ill. A lovely woman and a sad loss for so many, especially those who knew and loved her. R.I.P.
Oh no! Very sad news. She was wonderful as Demelza. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
This news is very sad, indeed. Her lively spirit in Poldark was so beautiful and extremely enchanting. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
Robin I am so sorry to read this very sad news.and at such a young age .Angharad will always be Demelza,with her flashing smile and beautiful eyes so full of life and mischief.she will live long in our memory, rest in peace
sweet lady, and thank you for all the joy you brought to so many of us.
Dear Robin & Meredith…just back from holiday,catching up on blogs & this is the first I have read. I’m in tears – of course, I didn’t know Angharad, but I had some lovely chats to her in her jewellery shop in Marylebone &…feel quite devastated. Nothing to how you & her other loved ones must be feeling, of course. Her poor son has lost his brother, father & mother in fairly quick succession. Life can be so cruel. Her beauty & vivacity will live forever, whatever. Thinking of you. Rachel x
May she frolic in the fields of Nampara in Heaven. I spent my whole life with a mother obsessed with all things Poldark. I grew up watching Ross and Demelza. I will miss her dearly.
So sorry to read Angharad Rees has passed…from a cruel disease that most often shows itself when it’s too late to cure.
She will live on in our memories.
May she rest in Peace
Rest peacefully dear Angharad x
So sorry for the loss of your friend and fellow actor. Together you were magic.
Judy
We enjoyed her for 63 years, now let the angels enjoy her for eternity. She was so vital and dear.
Dear Robin,
This is sad news indeed and I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
I will always remember Angharad Rees as Demelza Poldark, with her incredible smile, sparkling eyes and great big beautiful heart.
May God Bless you all and give you peace.
She was so perfect as Demelza and as I recently rewatched the series I kept marveling at how stunningly beautiful she was. If you had half the relationship with her in real life that you had on screen I can’t even imagine how sad you must feel. Condolences to you and her other friends and family.
Oh, this is so sad. I’ve been watching the Poldark series (again) — she was sooo lovely and the perfect Demelza! I had a chance to see her on the stage a few years after Poldark, and she was even more vibrant in person. The one and only fan letter I’ve ever written (and mailed) was to her. Such a huge loss.
Robin, I am so sorry to hear this! Such a loss. My heart goes out to all her family and friends.
Dear Robin, Just heard to very sad news on twitter.I’am so sad.Still remember a very good friend of me died last November Ken Russell, my brother in January,my father in April, now this Angharad to young.R.I.P
Many hughs.
This is very sad news and I am sorry to hear it. My thoughts are with everyone.
You always think that they will be there, and next they are gone. I have lived with the picture of her in my mind for the last 30 years. She remained a constant reminder of my own youth and what a wonderful person she was and always will be. There will always be a place in my heart for her. We are all the richer for having known her, even if it was just on film for some of us.
Oh my gosh, Robin–I gasped when I read the news! We are SO, SO, SORRY to hear!!! And she was so young! NEVER expected to read this. I had always hoped to meet her one day….You, and all her family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers right now. So sad.
Love,
Dianne and Gene
This is heart-wrenching news. Besides loving her portrayal of Delmelza, I have followed her career in design and have so much admiration for all that she has accomplished. I was not aware of her battle with cancer, that insidious thief.
Absolutely tragic. So very sad. Please send my sympathies… too, too sad. HUgs, Jill
I am so sorry for your loss, Robin. I watched the Poldark series as a young girl in Austria in the early 80s and, now that I live in the US, was so happy to find it again on Netflix. I just got done watching the last show of the second season a few moments ago and then went to your blog. The last sentence Angharad says as Demelza rings so true, “There is no tomorrow. All we have is now.” Carpe diem.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was wonderful.
Thank you for posting such very comments. The two of you made the series magic. Prayers for her and her family.
Such very sad news. I thank Angharad and you for many, many happy hours spent in the company of Demelza and Ross Poldark. May she rest in peace.
Oh my God, what a terrible new Robin. Our wonderful Angharad flies away. She was our heroine, she the woman who many girls want to be like her….ohh I am to much sad…
My deepest condolences to family all….
She will be alwayas in my heart, love Beatrice.
I have woken up this morning with this sad news. It has come as such a shock. I didn`t realise she was so ill. She was loved so much by all Poldark fans and no one could have ever taken her place as Demelza. My thoughts go to her family at this sad and difficult time. Thank you Angharad for giving us so much pleasure over the years.
I am very saddened by this news. My condolences to her family and friends.
During the last few weeks I was often for a visit on a cancer ward for bone and soft tissue tumors. There is so much suffering. My respect and sympathy for everyone who was/is fighting against cancer and for the clinic staff which really do a great job.
Dear Robin
Thank you for your tribute to Angharad. Such sad news. I had no idea she was ill.
You both were an amazing screen double and I still watch the series over and over again.
She played the character of Demelza with such spirit and vivacity – she was so believeable.
She will never be forgotten.
Oh dear, Robin, so sad. Isy x
Angharad touched so many of us with her unique loveliness, one in a million, what a terrible loss to the world. Strength and love to her poor son who has lost his brother and his dad and now his mum. You have that special quality that she had too Robin.
She was a beautiful lady and will be greatly missed….She was Demelza and you both made such a lovely team. I want to watch the series all over again.
Manitou
What sad news! I grew up enthralled by Poldark and it is no coincidence that I have a twenty year old son named Ross. In a jokey and fond sense my Husband and I will sometimes call him saying ‘Oh Ross’ emulating that lovely and warm lilt that Angharad used when playing Demelza. It was hearing her saying Ross that stuck with me and that combined with your bringing a much loved character from Winston Graham’s novels to life, so perfectly, that ‘Ross’ came to be in our family. It is a very sad shock to us who thought so highly of Angharad as an actress to hear of her passing away it must be so terribly brutal for all of you lucky enough to have known and loved her. Our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Sad to hear that news. I remember her playing Demelza, so nice was she|. May she rest in peace..
Oh this is just heartbreaking news. She was such a lovely, talented lady. The two of you made Poldark the most wonderful, memorable series ever made. God bless…..
It is so sad, I couldn’t believe it when I heard. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, and to you, Robin, to whom she must have been like family. The last months must have been hard. I can’t imagine Ross without his Demelza.
I grew up with Poldark – have all the books. She was a lovely lady,and perfect for the part. So sorry Robin and Meredith – God bless. Alison
I am in total shock.. this feels unbelievable. Will maybe write more when I can see the screen.. too many tears.. so sorry.. Thanks for sharing Robin.
I know that when a person, with whom you shared an important and pleasant time of your life, dies it’s natural to think more about the life which is very short and too fast. I can imagine how sad you are now….
I am so very sorry to hear about Angharad Rees.It is a real shock. I loved Poldark of course ,and it was a big part of my teenage years. Angharad played Demelza to perfection, and she was so pretty and natural in real life too.
I feel very sad today, and my thoughts are with Angharad’s family and friends, and all of us who remember Poldark with great affection.
Watching the Poldark series will now be terribly bittersweet.
RIP lovely, unique & talented Angharad.
So shocked to hear this. She sparkled on the screen whatever she was doing. There was always a twinkle in her eye. She will be sorely missed.
I am shocked to hear of Angharad’s death. I knew her when we were both very young- 20, early twenties. I was a nurse at Bart’s hospital, where her sister and father were. I remember many nights when I was staying at her home, her getting up and cleaning the kitchen floor because she couldn’t sleep for worrying about her career. She was dedicated to her work, a wonderful human being with a wonderful family. I have been trying to locate her sister, Does anyone know where she is?
Having read these caring and articulate tributes, I can only add that I, too, am shocked and saddened, as is everyone here. Thank you for posting this photo, Robin, of a time when we were so entranced by you both. I am keeping you all in my prayers–your family and Angharad Rees’s, especially her son.
“There is an old belief,
That on some solemn shore,
Beyond the sphere of grief
Dear friends shall meet once more.
Beyond the sphere of Time
And Sin and Fate’s control,
Serene in changeless prime
Of body and of soul.
That creed I fain would keep
That hope I’ll ne’er forgo,
Eternal be the sleep,
If not to waken so.”
No words of mine could say it any better. I hope she’s back in the arms of the ones she loved.
So sorry for your loss-you made a wonderful team, areboth inmy prayers during ths i god blless you! Regards from Canada. Patricia Gonzalez
R.I.P. Angharad Rees – such sad and devastating news of someone talented dying too young. May Angharad rest in Peace. My most heartfelt sympathy and prayers go to Her Family and to all Her Friends. How fragile and short are our lives…
My sister gave me this sad news this morning. Oddly, I have been re-reading the Poldark books just recently. What a loss – for her son and friends and us! Everybody loved Demelza.
I loved the tributes to Angharad you placed in your book–so right on. It seemed like she was a very good friend, and kept you in balance at times. That’s what makes them good friends. She will be missed, not only by her family and friends, but but everyone who enjoyed her work. Peace to all.
“Whether your love belongs to this world or the next, you do not love the outward form of another person. After all, you do not continue to love an outward form, when the soul has departed. Look carefully at those whom you love. Have your fill of their outward forms; and learn to love them as they really are.
The outward form of things passes away, but the essence remains for ever. How long will you be besotted with the shape of the jug? Cast aside the jug, and seek the water. If you look too closely at the form, you miss the essence. If you are wise, you will always pick out the pearl from the shell.”
Rumi
Peace be thine…
The prettiest pebble on the beach.
I saw this beside a beautiful bay in southern Thailand, a tiny, brilliant yellow sunbird in the tree above my head. My holiday reading is the 11th Poldark novel. I’ll always remember where I was when I heard this very sad news. Have seen the Poldark series at least three times, and the first horror movie I ever saw as an impressionable 14-year-old was Hands of the Ripper starring a very young Angharad Rees. Though I haven’t seen her in anything in years I’ll always remember her.
Very sad to hear this news. She made Demelza come alive. I have watched and rewatched, and read and reread Poldark. Without Angharad, it wouldnot have had the same impact. Such talent, spirit an beauty she brought to the role. The subsequent recast series was never quite the same. My thoughts and sympathy for her family, and for your sad loss of a friend.
She was exquisitely beautiful, such a talented and lovely person, it’s horrible to think of her suffering so I’d like to post this in her memory which I found on the Express site. Thank you.
YOU CANT BEAT CANCER WITHOUT THE DEFENSIVE WEAPONS.
23.07.12, 5:34am
These weapons are ILLEGAL to be held by a mainstream doc.
That is why there are ONLY cancer treatments and NO cancer cures. Its a trillion dollar industry that cannot be challenged with a cure.
No alternative cancer cure is allowed to be published in any of the now exposed-as-corrupt med journals*, and that makes it illegal for your doc to even mention it, let alone cure you with any such protocol.
*www.naturalnews.com/023074_ghostwriting_drug_trials.html.
The cures?
In the mid-1980s a famous US physician, Dr. Robert Good, became interested in an alternative cancer therapy that in clinical trials was shown to work well. (That for pancreatic cancer)!! At that point, Dr. Good was one of the most published authors in scientific literature, with over 2,000 articles to his name. He was the father of modern immunology and performed the first bone marrow transplant. He had been nominated for the Nobel Prize three times. By every measure, Dr. Robert Good was as mainstream as mainstream could be imagined up to his epiphany about cancer treatment.
When Dr. Good wrote about this alternative cancer treatment, he was refused publication in all medical journals because the findings were “too controversial,” and flew in the face of conventional medical doctrine. He had strayed too far outside the bounds of what was “acceptable,” and that was simply out of the question for the rest of the mainstream, even coming from someone with credentials as outstanding as Dr. Good’s.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/23/dr-nicholas-gonzalez-on-alternative-cancer-treatments.aspx
We have The Cure and Prevention of All Cancers, 2007, H R Clark PhD ND, privately published, exactly for this reason.
Dr Clark, an ex-Canadian Govt. cell research biologist carried out over half a million repeatable, so scientifically VALID bio-resonance comparison tests to identify the specific bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, dyes, moulds, radio-active substances, and benzene, asbestos, food allergens etc that are the cause of all cancers.
Other cures address most of these factors, and by doing so, they interrupt the cancer pathways. That stops the malignancy, sometimes within 24 hours. (Clark H R, PhD ND, 1995). The then boosted immune systems digest the tumor. Some of the cures are those of Drs Raymond Rife, and Robert Beck; (electrical); Dr Burzynski (gene targetting with drugs); , Germany`s ozone cure;; and the herbal route of essiac, Dr. Marijah McCain, H Hoxey and Jason Winters.
The medical profession not ‘recognizing’ the science. does NOT invalidate that science.
• Posted by: ThomaT • Report Comment
Dear Robin, so sorry to hear of Angharad’s untimely passing. As a young girl I watched every episode of Polark with my Mum. In my late teens I read the books and you and Angharad were absolute perfection as Ross and Demelza. When my eldest daughter was born she was very nearly named Demelza.
Eight years later when I had a son we called him Ross (that’s how much of an impact Poldark had on me). I took a trip to Cornwall in my late 20s with the Poldark Appreciation Society so that I could relive moments from the show. To have that kind of impression over a span of so many years, long after the show had finished goes to show not just what a great story it was, but the impact the actors such as yourself and Angharad had made, you made those characters real.
Wishing you lots of love. xxx
Such sad, sad news. I am heartbroken for her family and all who knew and loved her.
RIP beautiful Angharad. You will be missed.
Dear Robin
Angharad was a beautiful lady, and you did make the definitive romantic couple.
Yours is a lovely tribute, reminding us of special times.
Thank you,
Love
Lana
What a horrible irony that the same disease that claimed Ralph Bates (George Warleggan) has now taken Angharad Rees (Demelza). You would think that there might have been a way to stop pancreatic cancer by now.
You must be so sad to see your Demelza gone so soon. I won’t be able to watch Poldark without tears for her. My heart goes out to you and all who loved her.
Watching the Poldark series will never be the same for me
I am so sorry to hear this news. You must be very sad. She was a wonderful lady. Whenever I think of her I will always remember as she was in Poldark. Young, vibrant, intelligent and lovely. I always envied her beautiful dimples! She had such a wonderful smile! Deep sympathy to all who knew her from the fans who admired her, her friends (of whom I am sure there were many) who loved her and will miss her and her family who will mourn her loss. So sad to hear of this terrible loss. Kind regards, Bren
Dear Robin, I was so shocked yesterday to learn of the death of the lovely Angharad Rees. She was an absolute delight as Demelza, the two of you had such chemistry between you and it will be so sad now watching Poldark knowing she is no longer with us. I’m sure everyone shares your tears over her untimely passing. Keep strong.
Love from Jackie
This is so sad! When I was a teenager I wanted so much to be Demelza! One of our cats was very nearly called Demelza and (similarly to another comment) my 18 year old German nephew is called Ross entirely because of Poldark. You and Angharad – and the rest of the cast – touched the lives of so many, many people!
So horribly sad to read the news. Hopefully she’s catching up somewhere now with Christopher Cazenove on the good old days and is happy and pain-free. She seemed as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, and that’s saying something.
Sorry for your loss, Robin, and to everyone else that had the pleasure of knowing her in this lifetime.
I hope she knew how much she was loved. I hope her family knows how much she will continue to be loved by all of us.
Deeply saddened by the news about Angharad, my thoughts are with her family and friends.
As a young girl I was a Poldark Fan and when my husband and I had our daughter, we wanted a strong middle name and decided upon ‘Demelza’. Angharad played the part so well that it stayed with me.
I too was deeply moved when I heard the sad news.
Yes indeed, Angarad was a beautiful little spirit of a woman, and yes she made
Demelza into a character I will never forget. She lost a son not long ago too, so these things are hard to explain, aren’t they? She also was a jewelry designer of some note , if I am correct. What a darling person she was! Thanks for telling us, as we think of you two as a couple still!
Lyn Wilhelm in New Jersey, formerly of Florida
Very sad news indeed. My Wife and I are huge Poldark fans and have stayed at Botallack Manor and Doyden Castle. We only recently found out about Richard Morant passing away. RIP Angharad.
Dear Robin so sad to hear this news. My father died from this cancer 10 years ago and my heart goes out to you and Angharad and your families. Our cat Bluebell is expecting kittens and I will call one after Angharad. God bless her x
I was shocked to hear of Anghared’s passing. So sad. I am still a huge Poldark fan and she was perfect as Demelza. She will be missed.
Today Astronaut Sally Ride, aged 61, died from the same awful disease. 😦
Having met Robin at a Palo Alto book signing, thus hearing for the first time about the existence of Poldark, and now having just finished watching that whole series, this is very sad news for me. She had a spark that made life brighter for many people.
[…] too. When Demelza smiles, her whole face lights up and we cannot but bask in it. I just found out (through Robin Ellis’ Blog) that she passed away at the age of sixty-three. My heart goes out to all her family, friends and […]
I feel really ill reading this. I loved Anghard Rees so much when I was growing up. I owned an empire-waist dress as a young girl which my mother called my “”Demelza” dress. I’m shocked and in tears. She was so beautiful and had that wonderful little catch in her voice. This and the death of Simon Ward have knocked me for a loop.
I am also saddened by this news. I adored the Poldark series. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and her family.
Linda Cacaci
It is with great sadness that my husband and I heard about the passing of Angharad Rees. He was one of the millions who tuned in to Poldark the first time round and I only discovered the books and the series recently. Immediately I was hooked, not only by the wonderful writing but by your own and Miss Rees’s portrayal of Ross and Demelza. It is obvious from watching the series that there was a great chemistry between all those involved, particularly you and Miss Rees. It is such a great shame that such a lovely spirited lady should be lost to us, and so young. If losing someone of her calibre teaches us anything it is to cherish those we love and to cherish life itself. Our deepest condolences to you and all who are still fortunate to be able to call her a friend.
Learning of Ms. Rees’ death struck a very straightforward blow. I loved everything about her as Demelza and was very interested in her after the Poldark series was over. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Angharad.
I was to heartbroken to hear this sad news. I have loved Poldark since it was aired in the 70’s, video’d it when it was re-run in the 80’s on BBC2 and was delighted to buy it on video then DVD. She was, and always will be Demelza and as Robin said, had she not got the role it may not have been so endearing. Robin and Anghard were perfect together and no one else could ever play their roles. She was just too young to die and too beautiful to be struck down with such an awful illness. I had not heard she was ill so this news really was a shock. I have watched Poldark over and over and over. When I am down, or ill, or injured or just plain happy Poldark is just wonderful to loose yourself in and watch. I have all the books and have read them over and over, I only wished the BBC had made many more series than they did – how totally wonderful would that have been. Poldark was cast brilliantly and whenever I read the books these are the people who’s faces I put to the characters. I shall always remember her with her wide beautiful blue eyes, pretty red hair running free across the cornish landscape – timeless and beautiful. Sleep well and thank you for the joy you brought to my life, I only wish I could have told you just how much. Lisa Ames.
Dear Angharad (sweet Demelza) what fire what tenderness she brought to Poldark….I loved just speaking the name…I discovered Poldark at the library in the 90’s….My thoughts and prayers to her family. Rest peacefully Sweet Angharad.
Gone to soon! How lovely she was as Demelza. I was always worried you were going to leave her for Elizabeth. She was so sweet and happy. I found her jewelry website and loved her work. What a killer this disease is.
How I loved her. Always will.
How very sad! She will be missed by us all!……
Another light extinguished far too soon. RIP Angharad. You brought so much pleasure to millions, especially as Demelza in the unforgettable Poldark.
RIP Angharad. I am an aspiring actress and have been a fan of Poldark since seeing the UK Gold reruns 10 years ago( it’s STILL such a popular show). I only wish I’d had the chance to meet Angharad. Her and the rest of the stellar cast will always be amongst my biggest inspirations and no doubt inspired many others too. A lovely and well-deserved tribute from Robin. “I can take em off fer a shillin’ I done it before…. ” 🙂
I am greatly saddened to learn of the death of Angharad Rees may she R.I.P . I absolutely loved Poldark it was my favourite T.V serious ever made. In 1975 I was only 10 yrs old too young to understand it really. But I loved Ross (Robin Ellis) & Demelza (Angharad Rees) I often said that when I grew up I was going to go to Cornwall to look them up. Unfortunately I never got to do that, I remember when I started working in 1982. I left by all the books in the local book shop, and paid money off them every week until I had got the last one. I also collected scrapbooks at the time and I collected lots of pictures from Poldark. It seems very strange that only last Sunday I sat all day watching Poldark and couldn’t leave it down, eventually I turned off the phone at almost 3 a.m . The next day I ordered the entire series from Amazon. I couldn’t believe when I logged in the next day. I realised that Angharad Rees had passed away. Please Robin Ellis come to Ireland to sell your book. Jackie
I was so sorry to hear of the death of Angharad Rees, who made such a deep impression on stage and screen and especially as Demelza. You and Meredith have suffered some hard losses of late. I hope that the many heartfelt tributes here to Angharad, while unbearably moving for you, will be of some support in a dark hour. I send my sincere condolences.
desde españa andalucia de una gran fans de angharad y robin poldark es la mejor serie que yo eh visto mi mas sentido pesame hoy es un dia triste descanse en paz.
Etes-vous par hazard l’historienne Rosa Maria de Madariga?
May her Soul pass through the Heavenly Spheres in Peace and Protection. Thank you, Angharad, for making us smile, laugh, love, and even cry. Your imprint is forever stamped upon our world in a Good and Beautiful way. Blessings.
I’m so very, very shocked to hear this sad news.
Some people are just so full of life, you cannot imagine them ever going. Angharad was one of these beautiful people.
RIP to a wondrful lady and actress.
Sue xx
I read this with great sadness. I remember her well in the role – as in many others. She was far too young. Life is for living while you have it.
I heard your interview with James Churchfield and felt your sorrow. Thank you for letting us share are grief on your blog, she will always be a special person.
Dear Robin, I am so sad to hear of her passing. I have been reacquainting myself with the series recently and am enjoying it so much these many years later. She was so wonderful in the role of Demelza and the chemistry between you was magical. I am sorry for your loss. Take care.
I am so very sorry to hear this. My sincerest condolences to you and to her family and friends. Thank you for your moving remembrance. She had such a lovely presence, and what a wonderful actress…
Angharad’s passing is very sad. ‘Poldark’ is part of the DNA of my childhood (with my Mum sending me out of the room for the ‘naughty’ bits!) and I always felt sorry for George Warleggan (Ralph Bates) who never really got the girl! Ralph has been joined by Angharad and my Mum through the same awful disease of cancer.
Unlike some portrayals of Cornwall since you guys respected Cornish accents in your portrayal. I guess even at the age of 8 I fell in love with Demelza. I walked some of the wonderful coastline near Treen and St.Levan recently and said a little prayer for Angharad.
My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Thanks Robin
I felt trembling to hear the sad news. My sincerest condolences to all who loved her. She was a sweety and she will be in our hearts for ever!
I’m feeling teary today, I’m so sad to hear of Angharad’s passing. My husband and I are among the many Americans who have discovered Poldark through Netflix. We have one disc left to see of the second season, and we’ve postponed watching it because we don’t want it to ever end! “Poldark” has affected us deeply. We have admired your performances so much, Robin! You both created such believable characters. Anghara was unbelievably beautiful, and such a great, great actress. At least her lovely creation lives on in film for all eternity. I wish I could be as eloquent as others who’ve replied, but I can only give my deepest sympathy to you and her family and friends.
With love and gratitude,
Diane Cina from Minneapois
I’ve just sent a letter to the New York Times to let them know they
should have printed an obituary for the fabulous Angharad. Seems like
I read about her ex-husband, Chris Cazanove, not so long ago.
Guess you need at least a year on bad American TV (Dynasty),
though he certainly had a fine career otherwise.
Mr. Ellis, I remember standing with you and my dear friend, Tim Choate,
who appeared in The Europeans with you, outside a Broadway theatre
sometime in the late 1970’s, as people shyly came forward to tell you how much they loved Poldark. Tim was killed in a motorcycle accident in L.A. (coming home from a rehearsal for the Scottish play) about eight years ago, which is still hard for me to believe. He always told us he wouldn’t live to see 50, and he didn’t. Can’t think of you without thinking of him. He was such a sweet guy.
So glad you’re doing well. Love the photos, love the countryside, love the book(s), love the cats, and will always love you and Angharad and the entire cast of Poldark. Best wishes.
Shelby Brammer
Austin, Texas
What a nice tribute to an actor who stood out somehow.Angharads portrayal of Demelza was both sturdy and soft like the cliffs of Cornwall. Many of the tributes here are from women.When the series aired thirty seven years ago Angharads portrayal of Demelza was a breakthrough of sorts…..diminutive in size but great in heart….fiesty in what must have been a male dominated culture.The casting was spot on and Ross and Demelza had a chemisty that intriqued millions. I will remember this actor who made such impression all those years ago.
So sorry to read about Angharad Rees’ passing. I remember well her wonderful portrayal of Demelza in the Poldark series, which was so brilliantly cast throughout. It was my favorite BBC-PBS series over the last 40 years. My sympathy to all her friends and family.
I have only just found out about this and am totally stunned! I still cannot believe Christopher Cazenove is gone. It makes me feel sick and the realisation of my own mortality has been brought home to me.
Oh, but she will live on forever in our hearts. RIP dear lady.
My God, I just read this tragic news and I’m so deeply sorry. I loved her as Demelza, she was incredibly right for the part. Life can be cruel, can’t it? Some stars come here on earth for a short time to enlighten our lives. Some stay for long. Some for short. Angharad will live forever in Heaven. And we’ll still watch and admire her talent, spirit and beauty in Demelza’s role over and over.
Good bye, little big star. Rest and shine quietly on us. Someday we’ll meet again.
I am a little chary of adding anything to this thread after such a long time but I feel moved to do so. I think the photographs capture perfectly Angharad’s inner and outer luminous beauty. It makes contemplation of her so early death all the more poignant yet, you know what?, all the more consoling as well in the odd, paradoxical way that mourning produces. A life lived in loveliness and sweetness and humbleness of spirit, even in the face of personal tragendies and loss, surely ministers balm to the soul, I always think. I had never realised she’d tragically lost her elder son in a terrible car accident just as he was on the cusp of life’s promise. It takes real spiritual resource to cope with such unimagined sadness. To do it with tender dignity is an amazing gift to others, let alone oneself. I am positive the warmth of remembrance of such a person must overcome in some fashion the ache of the miss.
Angharad, you were a great actress and person and we thank you for such blessing.
A year has gone by already since the tragic death of Angharad Rees. If you Robin and anyone else is interested in paying tribute to her the Poldark Mine are having a POLDARK event on the 15th September. A plaque will be unveiled to the memory of Angharad Rees. The event is being organised by the Poldark Mine and Val Adams from the Poldark Appreciation Society. Please contact me or Val Adams if you are interested. I have a face book group where you will be able to find further information https://www.facebook.com/groups/257343134293476/
Hi! I’m Val (Adams) and I am SO grateful to Ros for passing on the info. re. a special Poldark Day at Poldark Mine next month. Members of the Poldark Appreciation Society have clubbed together to purchase a brass memorial plaque for Angharad and will hold the unveiling during the above mentioned Poldark Day. All proceeds will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Appeal, the decease that tragically, Angharad died from.
A lot of us are dressing in 18th century costume just to add some colour to the event. I knew Angharad for over 20 years and she was such a sweet person and I miss her a lot. It is quite fitting that we are to have a memorial plaque placed at Poldark Mine as it was there that Angharad went on her last visit to Cornwall.
Please support this event and email me if you would like more details.
Yours in Poldarkery!
Val (Adams)
FOUNDER PAS 1989
I’m so sorry to hear this news. It proves to me, once more, how the spirit of a person can really communicate with and touch others. She inspired something good and hopeful in me. That’s a rarity, I think. If you read this, Mr. Ellis, I thought what you wrote about her passing was lovely.
Thanks, Tamara–likewise.
It must seem odd that I should posting on this thread after three years but I feel that I should. I was 28 when I first watched Poldark and had always remembered it fondly. I am now 68 and am watching it for the first time 40 years. Five minutes into episode one and I was hooked again. I didn’t even realize that the lovely Angharad Rees had passed away until I looked her up on the computer. The knowledge made me feel physically ill. I’m glad to see that you are healthy and happy Robin and wanted to tell you how much the show meant and means to me. I can remember what a crush I had for Demelza and I’m darned if I don’t have one all over again. You must be very proud that your show is still recalled with such fondness by so many. Thanks.
Thank you, Tim for this lovely tribute and I’m delighted the new go-around is reawakening your passion! Angharad is missed by all who knew her and thousands–millions maybe–who didn’t.
Robin,
Thanks so much for your reply. American audiences haven’t had the chance to enjoy you and Angharad as much as we’d like. I’m pleased to have Angharad’s performances in Hands of the Ripper and The Duchess of Duke Street and your turns in Fawlty Towers, Shoscombe Old Place, and The Europeans in my collection. To be able to watch these favorites of mine whenever I choose almost makes me feel that I can thumb my nose at the intrusions of time. You, I, and Angharad can say “I refuse to grow old”. Maybe not a realistic outlook, but a comforting one. By the way, if I were to list the 10 most lovely women I ever saw, Angharad and Lee Remick would be near the top. Do you realize how fortunate you are? I suppose that wherever they are they might be thinking of how nice it was to work with you. Again, thanks for the memories, Tim
You are right, Tim–they were both lovely and both died too young.
there is a new Poldark series now..however Angharad Rees will always be Demelza to me…she will always own that role..I have introduced the 1970’s series of Poldark and they all love it much more than the new one.. Robin Ellis you are the best Ross Poldark, and Angharad the best Demelza! You two had such a great chemistry between the two of you..one could believe that you two were husband and wife. you both have spunk and karisma and your brought Wenston Grahams books to life! I myself always love the fight sceenes between Ross and Demelza…or the first time that they meet.. she was geat! so much into the role as dirty little Demelza…I love her! It is sad that she is now departed from us…she and you Robin have given us the fans of that series so much..we love all on it and especailly you too so I will say for many Thanks…we will always love Ross and Demelza Poldark
Your devoted fan always Gary L Myers Glenwood, Arkansas USA
PS I am decedant from many Nobel British families…and my distant great grandmother was Margaret Hughes the first professiona stage actress
Thanks, Gary, for those kind words.
You are welcome Mr. Ellis and again thank you, and Hangharad Rees and everyone else who gave us Polkark …I think that my distant great grandmother Margaret Hughes would of love the Poldark series…both series one and series two…Her being the first professional British stage actress in the 17th century and who’s daughter Ruperta married British Lt. General Emmual Scrope Howe my distant great grandfather would of love to of been around to of stared in that 1970’s Poldark…My mother loved the series too and again we watched both series one and two recently and loved Poldark all over again! angain thank you so much Robin Ellis tell Judy Geeson, when you see her that I always loved her work too…your fan always Mr. Gary L. Myers…Glenwood Arkansas
Sorry for my not getting back to you soon. I would of loved to of seen you play in a movie my ancestor, Prince Rupert of the Rhine. Mr. Ellis, you would done him very well, He was a very, very, very interesting man, one of the most colorful and smartest man in the 17th century. His daughter, also my distant great grandmother, named Ruperta, married into the very prestitgeous Howe family of Great Britton, they can be traced back to Mary Boleyn. Take care and alway be happy, oh yes, I have introduced your 1970’s Poldark to many people and they all loved it too! yours truly , Mr. Gary L. Myers
Thanks for your kind words, Gary.