A sad Mick Jagger has paid tribute to Cleo Sylvestre who was the first female vocalist to sing with the Rolling Stones.
Sylvestre, also known as Cleopatra Palmer, died at the age of 79 on Friday morning according to a statement from Fulcrum Talent.
The veteran star was known for roles in Grange Hill and Cross Roads. She sang as Cleo with the Rolling Stones backing her on a cover of To Know Him Is To Love Him in 1964.
Paying tribute to Sylvestre on Instagram Sir Mick shared a black and white of the Rolling Stones with her and wrote: So sad to hear of the passing of my old friend, the actress and singer Cleo Sylvestre, the first female vocalist to sing with the Stones.
In an interview with Masterpiece PBS in America, Sylvestre revealed her mother would often cook for the legendary rock band.
Cleo Sylvestre, also known as Cleopatra Palmer, died at the age of 79 on Friday morning according to a statement from Fulcrum Talent
Sylvestre with The Rolling Stones. She holds the honour of being the first female vocalist to sing with the Stones where she sang as Cleo with the band backing her on a cover of To Know Him Is To Love Him in 1964
Sylvestre in Grange Hill. Her film roles have ranged from the 2014 film Paddington and 1993s The Punk, while her TV appearances included The Bill, New Tricks, Till Death Us Do Part, Grange Hill, Doctor Who and Coronation Street
She said: I mean, the Stones were always round, especially Brian (Jones) and Mick (Jagger).
We lived in a council flat with a tiny little kitchen, and shed do meals for 15 people.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) said in a post to X: Were saddened to hear of the death of Cleo Sylvestre, who performed as Audrey in our As You Like It production last year.
Our thoughts are with Cleos family and friends at this time.
US-born playwright and author Bonnie Greer wrote on X that Sylvestre was one of the reasons that from my vantage point in NYC (New York City) that I thought that this country has the best anglophone theatre, and the best place to be a Black woman in it.
She added: I still think that. Thank you, Cleo!
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, the UKs first sickle cell nurse specialist, also wrote that she was devastated.
She added: My wonderful, kind friend. Amongst many activities, she was a great supporter of the Mary Seacole Statue Appeal.
Dame Elizabeth shared a photo of Sylvestre dressed as Jamaica-born nurse Seacole at the unveiling of her memorial statue.
A statement from Fulcrum Talent on Friday said: It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad news that Cleo Sylvestre MBE died this morning.
Much loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a trailblazer and a true friend. She will be sorely missed by so many.
We ask that you respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time.
In 2023, she was made an MBE for services to drama and charity.
Paying tribute to Sylvestre on Instagram Sir Mick shared a black and white of the Rolling Stones with her and wrote: So sad to hear of the passing of my old friend, the actress and singer Cleo Sylvestre, the first female vocalist to sing with the Stones
In 2023, she was made an MBE for services to drama and charity
Her most recent screen roles included ITV thriller Platform 7, and Channel 5s revamp of All Creatures Great And Small.
Sylvestre made her debut at the RSC in As You Like It last year after a long theatre career, which included Wise Child at Wyndhams Theatre and Under Milk Wood at the National Theatre.
Her film roles have ranged from the 2014 film Paddington and 1993s The Punk, while her TV appearances included The Bill, New Tricks, Till Death Us Do Part, Doctor Who and Coronation Street.