Sandra James‑Young, a celebrated English actress whose career spanned more than three decades on stage and screen, has died peacefully at the age of 67, her family confirmed. She passed away on 18 February 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born in England in 1959, Sandra discovered a passion for performance early in life. She studied creative arts at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating in 1983, before embarking on a career that brought depth and nuance to audiences across the UK and beyond.
Her television work included appearances in iconic British series such as EastEnders, Casualty, Doctors, and Emmerdale. She was praised for her ability to bring humanity and emotional depth to every character. Her film work included roles in the 1980s production of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and later in the Netflix adaptation of The Sandman. Sandra’s stage career was equally distinguished. She performed in acclaimed West End productions and notable National Theatre plays such as Small Island, earning recognition for her stage presence and versatility.
