British actress Georgina Cates has died at the age of 51, but news of her death only became public in October 2026, months after she passed away. According to reports, Cates died on May 6, 2026, yet the world only learned of it when 2point4 Children creator Andrew Marshall shared the news on social media on October 17.
Marshall wrote on X that he had only just discovered the news himself, and expressed sympathy for her family and children. The revelation stunned fans of the BBC sitcom and of Cates’ film work, many of whom had no idea she had died.
A daughter’s tribute came first
Before Marshall’s post, Cates’ daughter Naiia Rose Ulrich had already paid tribute to her mother on Instagram in June, remembering her as a free-spirited woman whose creativity, humour and individuality remained important parts of her identity.
“My beautiful, free-spirited mom lived a hard life and still found ways to make herself and others laugh and smile,” Naiia wrote. Her father, actor Skeet Ulrich, replied under the post: “Love you more than words can say sweetheart.”
Cates married Ulrich in 1997, and the couple welcomed twins Jakob and Naiia in 2001 before divorcing in 2005. Her last film credit was Everlasting in 2016, and she had been working as a photographer before her death, according to reports.
From teen sitcom star to film actress
Born Clare Elaine Woodgate on April 4, 1975, in Colchester, Essex, Cates began attracting attention as a teenager. At 16, she played Jenny Porter in 2point4 Children, appearing in the sitcom’s first two seasons and becoming the show’s original Jenny.
She went on to star alongside Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman in the 1995 film An Awfully Big Adventure, and appeared in the 1998 crime comedy Clay Pigeons with Joaquin Phoenix and Vince Vaughn. Her other credits included television appearances and later projects such as Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa.
Marshall remembered that early connection when announcing her death, saying he had no further details beyond information listed on IMDb, and asking anyone with additional information to share it.
No cause of death disclosed
A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, according to multiple reports, and fans and colleagues have been careful not to speculate. Entertainment Weekly noted her death in its own report, while Parade and other outlets confirmed that the news had gone unreported for more than five months.
The strange delay has added to the sadness for fans, who never got the chance to say goodbye in real time. Yet the tributes now pouring in, from her daughter’s loving words to Marshall’s fond remembrance, paint a picture of a talented, funny and fiercely individual woman. For those who remember her as the first Jenny Porter, or as the young actress who held her own beside Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, Georgina Cates will be remembered with affection.
