Emma Chambers, a veteran actress likely best known for her sizable and very funny role in Notting Hill, died this week of natural causes.

She was 53 years old.

The surprising news was confirmed by Chambers’ agent in a statement to The Guardian.

“We are very sad to announce the untimely death, from natural causes, of the acclaimed actress Emma Chambers,” said John Grant to the British publication.

He added:

“Over the years, Emma created a wealth of characters and an immense body of work. She brought laughter and joy to many and we be greatly missed.”

Overseas, Chambers rose to fame by portraying Alice Tinker in the BBC’s The Vicar of Dibley.

She earned acclaim Stateside in 1999 by playing the character of Honey – opposite Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant – in the aforementioned romantic comedy.

Tweeted Grant in response to his former co-star’s passing:

“Emma Chambers was a hilarious and very warm person and of course a brilliant actress. Very sad news.”

British broadcaster Emma Freud, who is married to Notting Hill writer and producer Richard Curtis, also jumped on Twitter Saturday to express her condolences, writing:

“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.”

And here is Dawn French, her Vicar of Dibley co-star:

“Emma was a very bright spark and the most loyal and loving friend anyone could wish for. I will miss her very much…

“I loved her. A lot.”

Here is a look at other Twitter reactions to this unfortunate news:

Prior to making it big on television in 1994, Chambers worked for years as a stage actress.

She was asthmatic and had a severe allergy to animals, but it’s unknown if either of these traits played a role in her death.

In 2002, Chambers told The Telegraph that her allergy could leave her needing a steroid injection or being rushed to hospital.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years.

May Emma Chambers rest in peace.

Source: celebweddings