British actresses died at age 78
Here are 12 famous actresses from United Kingdom died at 78:
Rosalind Ivan
Rosalind Ivan (November 27, 1880 London-April 6, 1959 New York City) otherwise known as Ivan the Terrible was a British actor.
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Rosalind Ivan began her career on stage in London before transitioning to film. She appeared in over 70 films during her career, often playing strict or domineering characters. She is perhaps best known for her role as Mrs. Danvers in the 1940 film adaptation of "Rebecca," for which she received critical acclaim. In addition to her film work, Ivan also acted on radio and television. She was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Despite her imposing and sometimes villainous on-screen persona, Ivan was known to be warm and friendly in real life.
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Hilda Braid
Hilda Braid (March 3, 1929 Northfleet-November 6, 2007 Brighton) was a British actor.
She started her acting career in the late 1940s after studying drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Over the next several decades, she appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. Braid is perhaps best known for her television work, including her role as Victoria "Nana" Moon on the popular BBC soap opera, EastEnders. She continued to act well into her seventies, and was widely respected and beloved in the British entertainment industry, both for her talent and for her kind and generous nature.
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Mary Clare
Mary Clare (July 17, 1892 Lambeth-August 29, 1970 Harrow, London) a.k.a. Mary Clare Absalom was a British actor.
She began her acting career in the early 1920s and appeared in over 70 films throughout her career. She was also known for her stage work, including performances in notable productions such as "The Winslow Boy" and "The Importance of Being Earnest". Clare was a versatile actress, known for her ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles. She was also a regular on British television, appearing in shows such as "Z-Cars" and "Dixon of Dock Green". In addition to her acting work, Clare was a committed activist for various social causes, including animal rights, and was a member of the organization "Actresses for Nuclear Disarmament". She was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1953 for her contributions to British theater and film.
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Elizabeth Spriggs
Elizabeth Spriggs (September 18, 1929 Buxton-July 2, 2008 Oxford) a.k.a. Elizabeth Jean Williams, Elizabet Spriggs or Elisabeth Spriggs was a British actor. She had one child, Wendy Spriggs.
Elizabeth Spriggs was best known for her work in film and television. Some of her most memorable film roles include Mrs. Jennings in "Sense and Sensibility," Mrs. Blatherwick in "The Secret Garden," and the Fat Lady in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."
In addition to her work in film, Spriggs was a highly respected stage actor. She spent much of her early career performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and went on to appear in numerous West End productions. Later in her career, she also appeared in television series, including "Peak Practice" and "Midsomer Murders."
In addition to her acting work, Spriggs was an accomplished voice actor and appeared in several radio productions. She was also a mentor to many aspiring actors and was highly regarded for her commitment to the craft of acting. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.
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Marie Tempest
Marie Tempest (July 15, 1864 London-October 15, 1942 London) also known as queen of her profession, Dame Marie Tempest, Marie Susan Etherington or reina de su profesión was a British singer and actor. She had one child, Norman Izard.
Tempest began her career as a child performer, making her stage debut at the age of 10. She became well-known for her roles in popular musical comedies of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. She was particularly renowned for her interpretation of the works of W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, and was a regular performer in their productions.
In addition to her work on the stage, Tempest also appeared in several films throughout her career. She retired from the stage in 1925, but continued to perform occasionally in concerts and recitals.
Tempest was widely admired for her powerful voice, elegant stage presence, and dramatic abilities. She received numerous honors throughout her career, including being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1922. Today, she is remembered as one of the greatest musical performers of her era.
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Diana Coupland
Diana Coupland (March 5, 1928 Leeds-November 10, 2006 Coventry) otherwise known as Betty Diana Coupland was a British singer and actor.
She died caused by surgical complications.
Diana Coupland began her career in entertainment as a singer in the 1950s, performing in clubs and on television. She later transitioned into acting, with notable roles in British productions such as the TV series "Bless This House" and the film "The Railway Children". Coupland also appeared in several West End productions, including "Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be" and "Lock Up Your Daughters". In addition to her successful career in the entertainment industry, Coupland was also a trained opera singer and taught singing at the Royal Academy of Music. She is remembered for her distinctive voice and her contributions to British culture.
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Sheila Allen
Sheila Allen (October 22, 1932 Chard-October 13, 2011 London) was a British actor and teacher. She had two children, Jesse Jones and Joseph Jones.
Sheila Allen began her acting career in the 1950s and went on to appear in numerous films, television shows and stage productions. Some of her notable performances include her role as Countess Scarlatti in the film "The Witches," and as Aunt March in the mini-series "Little Women." She was also a well-respected theatre director and teacher, and was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1987 for her services to drama. Sheila Allen was known for her warm personality and dedication to her craft, and remained active in the industry until her passing in 2011.
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Ivy Close
Ivy Close (June 15, 1890 Stockton-on-Tees-December 4, 1968 Goring-on-Thames) a.k.a. Ivy Lilian Close was a British actor. She had two children, Ronald Neame and Derek Neame.
Ivy Close began her acting career in the early 1900s, performing on stage with various repertory companies. She made her film debut in 1921, appearing in the drama film "The Bachelor's Club." Close appeared in dozens of films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including the popular crime dramas "Mystery of the Mary Celeste" (1935) and "The Saint in London" (1939). She was known for portraying strong, independent women on screen.
In addition to her acting career, Close was also a screenwriter and producer. She co-wrote the screenplay for the 1933 drama "The Fortunate Fool" and produced the crime thriller "The Ware Case" (1938).
Close's sons, Ronald and Derek Neame, also went on to have successful careers in the film industry. Ronald was a renowned cinematographer and director, known for films such as "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" (1969) and "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972), while Derek was a film producer and executive, known for films such as "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" (1961) and "Scrooge" (1970).
Ivy Close passed away in 1968 at the age of 78.
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Maureen Swanson
Maureen Swanson (November 25, 1932 Glasgow-November 18, 2011) a.k.a. Maureen Ward, Countess of Dudley or Maureen Ward was a British actor. Her children are Hon. William Ward, Lady Susanna Louise Ward, Lady Melissa Patricia Eileen Ward, Lady Victoria Larissa Cecilia Ward, Lady Amelia Maureen Erica Ward, Lady Cressida Emma Sophia Ward and Leander Ward.
Maureen Swanson was born on November 25, 1932 in Glasgow, Scotland. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before beginning her acting career. Swanson is best known for her work in the theatre, having appeared in numerous productions on the West End, as well as on Broadway. Some of her notable stage performances include "Love in Idleness", "The Master Builder", and "The Importance of Being Earnest".
In addition to her stage work, Swanson made occasional appearances in film and television, including roles in "The Scapegoat" (1959) and "The Avengers" (1966).
Swanson married William Ward, 3rd Earl of Dudley in 1957, and became known as the Countess of Dudley. Together, they had seven children, including four daughters who also went on to have titles of their own in the peerage system.
Maureen Swanson passed away on November 18, 2011, just shy of her 79th birthday. Throughout her life, she was known for her talent as an actor and her dedication to her family.
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Una O'Connor
Una O'Connor (October 23, 1880 Belfast-February 4, 1959 New York City) also known as Agnes Teresa McGlade was a British actor.
She died as a result of cardiovascular disease.
Una O'Connor began her acting career on stage in London before making her way to Hollywood in the 1930s. She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, including notable roles in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Invisible Man." O'Connor was known for her distinctive voice and eccentric character portrayals. In addition to her work in film, she also performed in television and radio productions. Despite her success in Hollywood, O'Connor eventually returned to Britain and continued to perform on stage until her death at the age of 78.
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Nellie Wallace
Nellie Wallace (March 18, 1870 Glasgow-November 24, 1948 London) also known as Wallace, Nellie, Eleanor Jane Wallis Tayler, Eleanor Jane Wallace (Wallis) Tayler or The Essence of Eccentricity was a British actor, comedian, singer and songwriter.
Nellie Wallace's career spanned over five decades and she was known for her eccentric and comedic performances on stage and screen. She began her career in the 1890s performing in music halls and quickly became a popular entertainer in London. Wallace was known for her unique style, often wearing colorful and outrageous outfits, which added to her allure as a performer.
Aside from her work in entertainment, Wallace was also a prolific songwriter, penning hits such as "The Honeysuckle and the Bee" and "My Old Dutch". These songs, along with her unique stage presence, helped establish her as a beloved figure in British popular culture.
Despite her success, Wallace faced personal tragedies throughout her life, including the death of her husband and son. She continued to perform on stage and in films until the 1940s, and was awarded an OBE in 1937 for her contribution to entertainment. Nellie Wallace passed away in 1948 at the age of 78, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of British entertainment.
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Noel Dyson
Noel Dyson (December 23, 1916 Newton Heath-June 29, 1995 Winchcombe) a.k.a. Elsie Noel Dyson, Noël Dyson or Nöel Dyson was a British actor.
She was best known for playing characters in popular TV series and films such as "The Avengers", "Doctor Who", "The Good Life", "To Sir, with Love" and "Please Sir!". Dyson began her acting career in the 1950s and was a regular on the stage and radio before transitioning to on-screen work. She was also a writer and contributed scripts to various TV shows. Dyson continued to work in the entertainment industry until her retirement in the late 1980s.
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