British actress Georgina Cates, known for her role in the film Clay Pigeons (1998) and various BBC projects, has died at 51. It has been publicly confirmed that she passed away in May, although the news did not become widely known until months later.
The definitive announcement came from Andrew Marshall, creator of the BBC sitcom 2point4 Children, the series in which Cates made her debut at just 16 years old playing Jenny Porter. No official cause of death has been made public to date.
How Georgina Cates’ death was confirmed
Andrew Marshall shared the news on Saturday via X (formerly Twitter), explaining that he had just learned of her passing. "I am very sad to report, I have just found out, that the lovely and talented Claire Woodgate, known as Georgina Cates, our first Jenny in 2p4, died last May," the show's creator wrote. Marshall added that he had no further details beyond what was listed on IMDb and asked those with more information to share it, sending his condolences to the actress's family and children.
Marshall's message came several months after Cates' daughter, Naiia, from her marriage to actor Skeet Ulrich, publicly announced her mother's death in June via Instagram.
Her daughter’s emotional farewell message
In her post, Naiia described her mother as a "beautiful and free-spirited" person who, despite having lived "a hard life," always found a way to make those around her laugh and smile. "Now she can rest easy," she wrote.
The actress's daughter also evoked very personal memories in her tribute: "I will always see you in black and white photos, Virginia Slims cigarettes, baggy clothes, no bra, big sunglasses, doodling while you talk, Pleaser shoes, flip flops and everything in between." Naiia closed her message by thanking her mother for "her creativity, her curiosity and her bravery to always be true to herself, no matter what."
From Claire Woodgate to Georgina Cates: Her acting career
Georgina Cates was born Claire Elaine Woodgate on April 4, 1975, in Colchester, Essex, England. She rose to fame during the first two seasons of 2point4 Children, before appearing in other British productions such as The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, The Bill, and Chris Cross.
In film, the actress added roles in titles such as An Exchange of Fire (1993), Au Pair (1994), An Awfully Big Adventure (1995), Frankie Starlight (1995), Big City Blues (1997), and A Soldier's Sweetheart (1998).
That same year, Cates gained recognition for her performance as Amanda in Clay Pigeons, a film produced by Ridley Scott and also starring Vince Vaughn and Joaquin Phoenix.
After several years away from acting, Cates returned in 2007 and received the Best Lead Actress award for her work in Sinner, a prize granted during the 41st edition of the Brooklyn Arts Council International Film & Video Festival.
Georgina Cates’ family
Georgina Cates is survived by her two children, Naiia and Jakob, from her marriage to actor Skeet Ulrich.
Frequently asked questions about the death of Georgina Cates
When did Georgina Cates die?
According to publicly confirmed information, Georgina Cates passed away in May. Her daughter's announcement occurred in June, while 2point4 Children creator Andrew Marshall confirmed the news in October.
What did Georgina Cates die of?
To date, no official cause of death for the actress has been made public.
What is Georgina Cates known for?
Georgina Cates is primarily known for playing Jenny Porter in the BBC sitcom 2point4 Children and for her role as Amanda in the film Clay Pigeons, produced by Ridley Scott and also starring Vince Vaughn and Joaquin Phoenix.
What was Georgina Cates’ real name?
Georgina Cates was born Claire Elaine Woodgate on April 4, 1975, in Colchester, Essex, England.
Who survives Georgina Cates?
The actress is survived by her two children, Naiia and Jakob, born from her marriage to actor Skeet Ulrich.
