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Tributes are being paid to enduringly popular British actress Sylvia Sims, who has died at the age of 89.

The Guardian reports that Sims passed away on Friday (January 27) at Denville Hall, a North London care home for retired actors. Her two children, Beatie and Ben Edney, told the publication: "Our mother, Sylvia, died peacefully this morning. She has lived an amazing life and gave us joy and laughter right up to the end. Just yesterday we were reminiscing together about all our adventures. She will be so very missed."

In the 1950s and 1960s, Sims became known as "the Grande Dame of British Cinema" after starring in a run of acclaimed films including My Teenage Daughter, Woman in a Dressing Gown, and Ice Cold in Alex. 

Later, she appeared opposite Julie Andrews in the 1974 film The Tamarind Seed, featured in the 1989 Doctor Who serial Ghost Story, and portrayed British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the 1991 TV movie Thatcher: The Final Days. She also played Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother opposite Helen Mirren in 2006's The Queen and Mrs. Rawson in a 2019 episode of the Suranne Jones series Gentleman Jack.

Actor Phil Davis is among those to have paid tribute to Sims. He wrote on Twitter: "So sad to hear that the glorious Sylvia Sims has passed away. I had the pleasure of working with her a few years ago. She was brilliant, mischievous, and hilarious. My condolences to her family."

In 2007, Sims received an OBE accolade from Queen Elizabeth II for services to acting. Rest in Peace, and thank you for your contribution.