Tributes pour in as stage school pioneer Sylvia Young dies age 86

Tributes poured in as Sylvia Young, the founder and principal of Sylvia Young Theatre School, died at age 86.
The stage school pioneer helped discover many household names, including Amy Winehouse, Billie Piper, Denise Van Outen, and Emma Bunton, to name a few.

Sylvia Young dies age 86 (Credit: YouTube)

Sylvia Young dies age 86
The news broke after Sylvia’s daughter, Frances Ruffelle, shared a moving tribute after announcing her mum died this morning (July 30).
“It is with great sadness we let you know that our incredible Mum Sylvia Young passed away peacefully this morning 30th July 2025,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Our Mum was a true visionary. She gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard. Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students contributed to the richness of today’s theatre and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way.”
She continued: “She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself. She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation’s heart.”
Out of all her incredible accomplishments, Frances said Sylvia “leaves the memory of an East End girl who worked hard to achieve her goals, took hold of life, and lived it to the full”.
“Her family were everything to her, her wonderful husband, our dad, Norman and her grandchildren Eliza, Nat, Felix and Coral plus her great grandson Rex. We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students. You all meant the world to her. We will miss her so very much.”
The tribute was signed off: “Alison and Frances.”