In a deeply emotional twist for fans of Stephen King’s terrifying universe, the season 1 finale of HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry, titled “Winter Fire,” delivered not only a gripping conclusion to its 1962 storyline but also a bittersweet farewell to beloved actress Joan Gregson. The veteran performer, best known for her unforgettable portrayal of the eerie Mrs. Kersh in IT: Chapter Two (2019), reprised the role in a poignant epilogue scene—one that tragically became her final onscreen appearance. Gregson passed away on June 6, 2025, at the age of 91, just two months after wrapping filming on the series.
The Canadian actress, whose career spanned decades in theater, film, and television, left an indelible mark on the horror genre with her chilling performance in IT: Chapter Two. As Mrs. Kersh, the seemingly kindly elderly woman who welcomes adult Beverly Marsh (Jessica Chastain) into her old apartment before revealing a monstrous transformation, Gregson delivered one of the film’s most unnerving sequences. Her subtle shifts from warm hospitality to grotesque menace captivated audiences, blending vulnerability with pure dread.
In IT: Welcome to Derry, a prequel exploring Pennywise’s origins and earlier cycles of terror in the cursed town, Gregson’s return adds profound layers to the character’s backstory. The series introduces a younger Ingrid Kersh (played by Madeleine Stowe), revealing her as the daughter of the original Bob Gray—a carnival performer whose likeness Pennywise adopts. Traumatized by exposure to the Deadlights, Ingrid ends up institutionalized at Juniper Hill Asylum.
The finale’s epilogue flashes forward to October 1988, bridging directly to the events leading into the 2017 IT film. An elderly Ingrid, once again portrayed by Gregson, wanders the asylum halls amid chaos following a patient’s suicide. She encounters a grieving teenage Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis, reprising her role), whose mother has just taken her own life. Delivering the iconic line—”You know what they say about Derry? No one who dies here ever really dies”—with a creepy, knowing smile, Gregson ties the prequel seamlessly to the movies. This revelation recontextualizes Pennywise’s choice of Mrs. Kersh as a guise in Chapter Two: it’s not random, but rooted in Beverly’s childhood trauma.
Showrunners Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who helmed the IT films, described the cameo as a last-minute addition that enriched the franchise’s lore. They praised Gregson’s enthusiasm during the quick shoot, noting her joy and talent despite her age. This appearance, filmed shortly before her passing from cancer, has touched fans worldwide, many of whom discovered dedications in the credits honoring her legacy.
Gregson’s career included roles in projects like Hollywoodland and Awake, but her horror contributions—especially in the IT universe—cemented her as an icon. Tributes poured in from cast and crew, highlighting her warmth and professionalism. For horror enthusiasts, her final scene serves as a haunting reminder of Derry’s endless cycle of fear… and a fitting, eternal goodbye to a remarkable talent.
As IT: Welcome to Derry teases future chapters, Gregson’s performance lingers, proving that in Derry, some presences never truly fade.
