EastEnders star Kellie Bright has paid an emotional tribute to the late Sylvia Young, the legendary drama school founder and mentor, who she credits as the reason she is “still an actress today.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kellie shared her deep gratitude for Sylvia, whose influence has had a lasting impact on her career. The tribute came after the sad news of Sylvia’s passing at the age of 86 on July 30, 2025.

Sylvia Young, who founded the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School in 1972, has been credited with helping launch the careers of some of the biggest stars in the UK entertainment industry, including Amy Winehouse, Billie Piper, and Rita Ora. In her tribute, Kellie reflected on the profound role Sylvia played in her own life and career, recalling how she first joined the school in 1987. Kellie described her time there as some of the happiest years of her life, learning her craft and being surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared her passion for acting.

The EastEnders actress praised Sylvia for her ability to nurture raw talent, a skill that helped countless aspiring performers find their footing in the competitive world of entertainment. Kellie, who has become a beloved character as Linda Carter on EastEnders, acknowledged that the opportunities provided by Sylvia Young’s school were pivotal in helping her pursue her dreams.

Kellie also fondly remembered her first solo performance in a Sylvia Young Show, which she shared with her friend Aaron Carrington. This moment marked a key milestone in her acting career, and the memory has stayed with her to this day. Reflecting on Sylvia’s legacy, Kellie expressed her admiration for the way Sylvia helped her students “respect our profession and the people we met along the way,” lessons that Kellie has carried with her throughout her career.

Alongside the heartfelt words, Kellie shared a video of her performing a song from the show, which holds special meaning to her as it was the first solo performance she ever had in a Sylvia Young production. The performance was an emotional reminder of the impact Sylvia had on her life, and Kellie expressed how difficult it is to imagine a world without Sylvia’s guidance and wisdom.

In her post, Kellie sent her love to Sylvia’s family, including her husband Norman, and daughters Alison and Frances, who were deeply affected by the loss of a woman who touched so many lives. Sylvia’s family described her as a “true visionary,” someone who devoted her life to giving young people the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of background.

Kellie’s tribute to Sylvia Young highlights not only the deep connection between the two but also the lasting impact of Sylvia’s legacy in the entertainment industry. Sylvia’s teachings continue to inspire new generations of performers, with many stars, including Kellie, paying homage to the woman who gave them the tools to succeed.

As Kellie reflects on the profound influence Sylvia had on her journey, she honors her mentor’s memory by carrying forward the lessons of dedication, passion, and respect for the craft of acting. Sylvia Young’s legacy, both in the lives of her students and in the world of performing arts, will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly for years to come.