Emma Chambers, Notting Hill Star, Dead At 53

The Notting Hill actress has sadly passed away.

Emma Chambers died on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, of natural causes. She was 53 years old.

"We are very sad to announce the untimely death, from natural causes, of the acclaimed actress Emma Chambers," her agent, John Grant, said in a statement on Saturday, Feb. 24 (via Deadline). "Over the years, Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work. She brought laughter and joy to many and will be greatly missed." 

The statement continued, "At this difficult time we ask that the privacy of the family and loved ones be respected."

Best known for playing Hugh Grant's sister Honey in the 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill, Chambers also portrayed Alice Tinker on the BBC comedy The Vicar of Dibley between 1994 and 2007.

A number of celebrities have since reacted to the sad news, including Grant. "Emma Chambers was a hilarious and very warm person and of course a brilliant actress," he tweeted. "Very sad news." 

Meanwhile, Emma Freud, the British broadcaster wife of Notting Hill producer Richard Curtis, wrote, "Our beautiful friend Emma Chambers has died at the age of 53. We're very very sad. She was a great, great comedy performer, and a truly fine actress. And a tender, sweet, funny, unusual, loving human being."

Dawn French, who starred alongside the British actress on The Vicar of Dibley, also paid tribute to her friend. "I was regularly humped like this by the unique & beautiful spark that was Emma Chambers," she shared, captioning a snapshot of Chambers lying on top of her. "I never minded. I loved her. A lot."

Chambers is survived by her husband of 27 years, actor Ian Dunn.

Our thoughts are with Chambers' loved ones during this difficult time.