British actresses born in 1921
Here are 11 famous actresses from United Kingdom were born in 1921:
Jane Freeman
Jane Freeman (March 15, 1921 London-) is a British actor.
Jane Freeman is best known for her role as Ivy in the popular British TV sitcom Last of the Summer Wine, which she played from 1984 until the end of the show's run in 2010. Freeman made her stage debut in her early 20s and went on to act in various TV shows, movies, and commercials throughout her career. She also appeared in shows such as The Benny Hill Show, Coronation Street, and Casualty. In 1993, Freeman was honored with a British Academy Television Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance for her portrayal of Ivy in Last of the Summer Wine. In addition to her acting career, Freeman was a dedicated animal rights activist and supported various animal welfare organizations.
Read more about Jane Freeman on Wikipedia »
Muriel Pavlow
Muriel Pavlow (June 27, 1921 Leigh-) a.k.a. Muriel Lilian Pavlow is a British actor.
She began her acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. Pavlow appeared in numerous popular productions including "Reach for the Sky" (1956), "The Battle of the River Plate" (1956), and "The Silent Enemy" (1958). In the 1960s, she also had guest appearances on TV shows such as "The Saint," "The Avengers," and "Doctor Who." Pavlow continued acting throughout her life, often working on stage productions. She also wrote a memoir titled "There's Always Tomorrow" which was published in 2012. Pavlow was married to the late British film director Derek N. Twist and passed away in 2019 at the age of 97.
Read more about Muriel Pavlow on Wikipedia »
Pat Kirkwood
Pat Kirkwood (February 24, 1921 Pendleton, Greater Manchester-December 25, 2007 Ilkley) otherwise known as Pat Kirkwood, Pat or Patricia Kirkwood was a British actor, singer and dancer.
Pat Kirkwood started her career as a child performer, and by the age of 14, she had made her first appearance in London's West End. Throughout her career, she appeared in several successful stage productions both in London and on Broadway, including "No, No, Nanette" and "Valmouth". Kirkwood also made several films, including "London Town" and "The Limping Man". She was a popular television personality in the 1950s, with her own show "The Pat Kirkwood Show". Kirkwood was also known for her personal life, as she was romantically linked with several high-profile men, including Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Read more about Pat Kirkwood on Wikipedia »
Liz Smith
Liz Smith (December 11, 1921 Scunthorpe-) otherwise known as Elizabeth Smith, Betty Gleadle or Liz Smith, MBE is a British actor.
She began her career as an actress in her 50s, and became a familiar face on British television and in films over the following decades. Smith appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." She was awarded an MBE in 2009 for her services to drama. Despite suffering from ill health in her later years, Smith continued to work, and her last film credit was in 2016's "The More You Ignore Me." She passed away in December of that year at the age of 95.
Read more about Liz Smith on Wikipedia »
Lesley Osmond
Lesley Osmond (November 23, 1921 London-March 1, 1987 Fulham) also known as Lesley Helen Osmond was a British actor.
She was best known for her work on stage, but also appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career. Osmond began her acting career in the 1940s, performing in various theater productions in London's West End. She made her film debut in 1953 in the crime drama "Street Corner," which led to several more film roles throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
In addition to her film work, Osmond had a successful career on television. She appeared in popular British shows such as "The Avengers," "Doctor Who," and "Minder." She also had a recurring role in the sitcom "Never Say Die."
Osmond was known for her versatility as an actor and her ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles. She was admired for her talent, dedication, and professionalism, and was considered to be one of the most respected actors of her time.
Osmond passed away in 1987 at the age of 65, but her legacy as a talented and versatile actor lives on.
Read more about Lesley Osmond on Wikipedia »
Deborah Kerr
Deborah Kerr (September 30, 1921 Glasgow-October 16, 2007 Botesdale) also known as Deborah Jane Kerr-Trimmer, Deborah Kerr-Viertel, Deborah Kerr-Trimmer, The English Rose, Deborah Jane Trimmer, Deborah Jane Kerr, CBE or Deborah Jane Kerr was a British actor and ballet dancer. Her children are called Melanie Jane Bartley and Francesca Shrapnel.
Throughout her career, Deborah Kerr appeared in over 50 films and television shows. She was known for her poise and elegance on-screen, as well as her ability to portray complex and nuanced characters. Some of her most famous roles include Karen Holmes in From Here to Eternity, Anna Leonowens in The King and I, and Sister Clodagh in Black Narcissus.
Kerr was nominated for six Academy Awards throughout her career, but unfortunately never won. She did, however, receive an honorary Oscar in 1994 for her contributions to the film industry.
In addition to her work in film, Kerr was also a trained ballet dancer and appeared in a number of stage productions throughout her career. She was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1998 for her services to drama.
Kerr retired from acting in the late 1980s and moved to a remote estate in Scotland with her second husband, screenwriter Peter Viertel. She remained active in charitable and philanthropic work until her death in 2007 at the age of 86.
Read more about Deborah Kerr on Wikipedia »
Joan Greenwood
Joan Greenwood (March 4, 1921 Chelsea-February 28, 1987 London) also known as Joan Mary W. Greenwood was a British actor. Her child is called Jason Morell.
Joan Greenwood was born into a theatrical family and began acting at a young age. She studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made her stage debut in 1940. Greenwood became known for her distinctive husky voice and often played roles that were darkly comedic or seductive. She had a successful career in both films and television, appearing in popular movies such as "Kind Hearts and Coronets" and "The Importance of Being Earnest". She was also a regular on the radio program "The Goon Show". Later in her career, she returned to the stage and appeared in several West End productions. Greenwood passed away in London at the age of 65.
Read more about Joan Greenwood on Wikipedia »
Jean Heywood
Jean Heywood (July 15, 1921 Blyth-) a.k.a. Jean Murray is a British actor.
She is best known for her role as the matriarch Rose in the film "The Boy With the Striped Pyjamas" (2008), which earned her critical acclaim. Heywood started her acting career in 1950 and has since appeared in several films, television shows and stage productions. Some of her notable film credits include "Billy Elliot" (2000), "Nicholas Nickleby" (2002) and "Vera Drake" (2004). One of her most significant roles was in the TV series "When the Boat Comes In" (1976-81). Heywood was also a founder member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and has performed at the National Theatre in London.
Read more about Jean Heywood on Wikipedia »
Katharine Blake
Katharine Blake (September 11, 1921 Johannesburg-March 1, 1991 London) a.k.a. Illonne Katharine Inglestone or Ursula Gray was a British actor. She had two children, Jenny Jacobs Greene and Lindy Greene.
Katharine Blake began her acting career in the 1940s, appearing in several films including "The Saint Meets the Tiger" (1943) and "Pink String and Sealing Wax" (1945). She was also a regular guest on various radio programs in the 1950s and 1960s. In the 1970s, she worked mainly in television, playing small roles in shows such as "The Onedin Line" and "Upstairs, Downstairs".
Aside from her acting work, Katharine Blake was also a talented vocalist and sang in several choirs throughout her life. She was a member of the Tudor Consort and later founded the vocal ensemble The Mediaeval Baebes in 1996, which achieved international success.
Katharine Blake passed away in 1991 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as both an accomplished actor and musician.
Read more about Katharine Blake on Wikipedia »
Elizabeth Kelly
Elizabeth Kelly (May 29, 1921 Newcastle upon Tyne-) is a British actor.
She is best known for her work in stage productions in London's West End, as well as for her appearances in films and television shows. Kelly began her career as a stage actress in the 1940s and eventually became a leading lady in the London theatre scene. Some of her notable stage credits include roles in productions of "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "Hay Fever". In addition to her success on the stage, Kelly also appeared in several films, including "The Mirror Crack'd" and "The First Great Train Robbery". She also made numerous television appearances throughout her career, including roles in popular shows such as "The Saint" and "The Avengers". Despite retiring from acting in the 1980s, Elizabeth Kelly remains a respected figure in British theatre and cinema.
Read more about Elizabeth Kelly on Wikipedia »
Elisabeth Kirkby
Elisabeth Kirkby (January 26, 1921 Bolton-) otherwise known as Elizabeth Kirkby or The Hon. Dr. Elisabeth Wilma Kirkby is a British politician and actor. She has one child, Debbie Baile.
Kirkby began her political career as a member of the Labour Party and was elected in 1964 as the Member of Parliament (MP) for St. Pancras North. She held the seat until 1983, when she lost her re-election bid. During her time in parliament, Kirkby became known as a vocal advocate for social justice and welfare issues, including affordable housing and rights for disabled people.
In addition to her political career, Kirkby had a successful acting career in television and film. She appeared in several popular British TV series in the 1950s and 1960s, including The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Avengers. Later in life, she focused more on her political work, but continued to appear in TV roles and on stage.
Kirkby was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University in 1986 for her contributions to British politics and social issues. She retired from politics in the 1990s and continues to be remembered as a dedicated public servant and a trailblazer for women in politics.
Read more about Elisabeth Kirkby on Wikipedia »