Diana played Charlies mother (Pictures: Paramount)

Diana Sowle has died aged 88.

The actress, who played Charlie Buckets mother Mrs Bucket in 1971 film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory, passed away on Friday morning, her agent said.

Their statement reads: It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of beloved friend, family member and actress Diana Sowle at the age of 88.

PARSIPPANY, NJ - OCTOBER 26: Diana Sowle attends the Chiller Theatre Expo at Sheraton Parsippany Hotel on October 26, 2013 in Parsippany, New Jersey. (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage)
Diana Sowle died aged 88 (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage)

Diana passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, October 19, with family by her side.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and will be dearly missed.

The statement also reads that for 23 years Sowle ran a free tutoring programme for underprivileged children in Washington DC, where she resided.

Sowle found fame for her role as Charlie Buckets caring but soup-obsessed mother Mrs Bucket in the film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket in the 1971 film (Picture: Getty)

After the passing of Gene Wilder in 2016 from complications relating to Alzheimers disease, Sowle became the last surviving adult principle cast member of the 1971 film.

Sowle frequently appeared as the character Mrs Schubert in Shear Madness, one the worlds longest running non-musical plays which next year will celebrate its 40th anniversary; she also appeared in two 1994 films Clear And Present Danger, and Guarding Tess.

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