British actresses born in 1917
Here are 10 famous actresses from United Kingdom were born in 1917:
Valerie Hobson
Valerie Hobson (April 14, 1917 Larne-November 13, 1998 Westminster) also known as Valerie Babette Louise Hobson or Babette Valerie Louise Hobson was a British actor. Her children are called Simon Anthony Clerveaux Havelock-Allan, David Profumo and Mark Havelock-Allan.
Valerie Hobson began her career as a stage actress before transitioning to the big screen in 1934. She appeared in many notable films throughout her career, including "Great Expectations" (1946) and "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949). She was also known for her role as the female lead in the classic horror film "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935).
In addition to her successful acting career, Hobson was also known for her philanthropic work. She was a dedicated supporter of several charities, including the International Red Cross and the NSPCC, and was awarded the OBE for her services to the community.
Hobson was married three times, first to the film producer Anthony Havelock-Allan, then to the politician John Profumo, and finally to businessman Dr. Bruce Belfrage. She had three children from her first marriage and had a happy and fulfilling life until her passing in 1998.
Read more about Valerie Hobson on Wikipedia »
Joan Fontaine
Joan Fontaine (October 22, 1917 Tokyo-December 15, 2013 Carmel-by-the-Sea) also known as Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland, Joan Burfield or Joan St. John was a British actor. She had two children, Debbie Dozier and Martita Pareja.
Fontaine was one of the most famous actresses of the 1940s, known for her roles in classic films such as "Rebecca" and "Suspicion", for which she won an Academy Award. She began her career on stage in the 1930s before transitioning to film and quickly becoming one of Hollywood's leading ladies. In addition to her film work, Fontaine was also a successful television actress, starring in shows such as "The Love Boat" and "Crossings". Later in life, she became involved in animal welfare and was a supporter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Read more about Joan Fontaine on Wikipedia »
Megs Jenkins
Megs Jenkins (April 21, 1917 Birkenhead-October 5, 1998 Suffolk) also known as Muguette Mary Jenkins or Muguette Mary "Megs" Jenkins was a British actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s and went on to appear in over 50 films and numerous television shows. Some of her notable film roles include "Oliver Twist" (1948), "The Chiltern Hundreds" (1949), and "The Innocents" (1961). On television, she appeared in popular shows such as "The Forsyte Saga" (1967) and "Doctor Who" (1976). Jenkins was also a seasoned theater performer, appearing in productions such as "Separate Tables" and "The Importance of Being Earnest." Aside from acting, she was an avid bridge player and even wrote a book about the card game. Jenkins passed away in 1998 at the age of 81.
Read more about Megs Jenkins on Wikipedia »
Lally Bowers
Lally Bowers (January 21, 1917 Oldham-July 18, 1984 London) also known as Kathleen Bowers or Kathleen "Lally" Bowers was a British actor.
During her career, Lally Bowers appeared in numerous plays, films, and television shows. She started her career in the theater and worked with many famous actors and directors, including Laurence Olivier and Terence Rattigan. Her notable stage performances include roles in plays like "The Madwoman of Chaillot," "The Importance of Being Earnest," and "The Duchess of Malfi."
In the 1950s and '60s, Bowers appeared in several British films, including "The Man Who Knew Too Much," "The Belles of St. Trinian's," and "The Mouse That Roared." She also made appearances on popular television shows like "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who."
Bowers was known for her versatility as an actor, and her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters. She continued to work in the entertainment industry until her death in 1984, and her contributions to British theater and film continue to be celebrated today.
Read more about Lally Bowers on Wikipedia »
Virginia Field
Virginia Field (November 4, 1917 London-January 2, 1992 Palm Desert) also known as Margaret Cynthia Field or Katherine Burke was a British actor. She had two children, Margaret Field Douglas and Johnnie Douglas.
Field started her acting career in British films during the 1930s and later moved to Hollywood to continue her career. She appeared in more than 40 films including "Waterloo Bridge" (1940), "The Body Snatcher" (1945), and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" (1949).
Aside from her film career, Field was also a successful television actress, appearing in many popular TV shows such as "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," "77 Sunset Strip," and "Perry Mason."
In addition to her work in entertainment, Field was actively involved in charitable work, particularly in raising funds for arthritis research. She was also a devout Christian Scientist and adhered to the church's teachings throughout her life.
Field continued acting throughout the 1970s and 1980s before passing away in 1992 at the age of 74.
Read more about Virginia Field on Wikipedia »
Rosalyn Boulter
Rosalyn Boulter (February 1, 1917 Burton-upon-Trent-March 6, 1997 Santa Barbara) was a British actor.
She began her acting career in the 1940s and became well known for her performances on stage, screen and radio. Boulter's notable film credits include "Sons and Lovers" (1960), "The Mouse on the Moon" (1963) and "The Family Way" (1966). She also appeared in several television shows such as "Z Cars", "The Avengers" and "The Dukes of Hazzard". Boulter was a versatile actor who was highly regarded for her ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles. In addition to her acting work, she was a dedicated activist for various causes including animal rights and environmentalism.
Read more about Rosalyn Boulter on Wikipedia »
Googie Withers
Googie Withers (March 12, 1917 Karachi-July 15, 2011 Sydney) also known as Georgette Lizette Withers, Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers, Georgette Lizette Withers CBE, AO or Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers CBE, AO was a British actor and entertainer. She had three children, Joanna McCallum, Nicholas McCallum and Amanda McCallum.
Withers began her acting career in 1929 at the age of 12 in the film "The Vagabond Queen." She went on to star in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including "Jamaica Inn" (1939), "Nine Days a Queen" (1936), and "The Lady Vanishes" (1938).
In the 1950s, Withers moved to Australia with her husband, fellow actor John McCallum. She continued to act in films and on stage, including several roles in Australian television series. Withers was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 for her services to drama, and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2007.
Despite retiring from acting in her 80s, Withers remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry throughout her life. She passed away in Sydney in 2011 at the age of 94.
Read more about Googie Withers on Wikipedia »
Pamela Brown
Pamela Brown (July 8, 1917 Hampstead-September 19, 1975 Avening) also known as Pamela Mary Brown was a British actor.
Brown was born in Hampstead, London and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She was known for her distinctive appearance, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes.
Brown had a successful career in both stage and screen acting, appearing in productions such as "Noël Coward's Private Lives" and the film adaptation of "A Passage to India". She was also a regular performer with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Aside from her acting career, Brown also worked as a writer, director and producer. She co-wrote the screenplay for the film "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and directed various stage productions.
Sadly, Brown died at the age of 58 in Avening, England.
Read more about Pamela Brown on Wikipedia »
Hilary Mason
Hilary Mason (September 4, 1917 London-September 5, 2006 Milton Keynes) also known as Hilary Lavender Mason was a British actor.
Mason started her acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous stage productions in London's West End before transitioning to film and television in the 1950s. She is best remembered for her role as the housekeeper in the 1963 film "The Birds," directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Mason went on to appear in several more films and television shows throughout her career, including "A Night to Remember," "Crown Court," and "Doctors." She was also known for her voice work in radio dramas and audiobooks. Mason remained active in acting well into her later years, and was eventually honored with an OBE for her contribution to the arts in 2001.
Read more about Hilary Mason on Wikipedia »
Lesley Brook
Lesley Brook (February 18, 1917 Folkestone-February 7, 2009 Odiham) was a British actor.
She made her screen debut in the 1930s, appearing in several British films such as "The Stars Look Down" (1940) and "The Way Ahead" (1944). She later transitioned to television and had roles in popular shows like "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". Brook was also a stage performer, appearing in productions in London's West End and on Broadway. Additionally, she was a frequent voiceover artist for radio programs, narrating documentaries and dramas. In 1991, Brook was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Read more about Lesley Brook on Wikipedia »