The captivating Australian actress, who primarily made a name for herself in Britain, excelled in portraying superior, upper-crust characters with remarkable finesse.
Born and raised in Melbourne, she began her stage career on the Australian shores before relocating to England at the tender age of 21. Her impressive arrival on the British theatre scene was marked by her sharp delivery and impeccable sense of comedic timing, swiftly brightening the West End.
Despite her sporadic film appearances, she left an indelible mark on the silver screen, particularly in her memorable roles, including The Ruling Class (1972),where she brought to life the enchanting Lady Claire with her captivating presence.
During a Royal Shakespeare Company production of "Hamlet" in the Soviet Union, she had a chance encounter with the enigmatic expatriate British spy Guy Burgess, which later became the inspiration for the television film An Englishman Abroad (1983). Her outstanding performance in this film earned her the prestigious BAFTA Best Actress award for her portrayal of herself.
Her professional path crossed with the renowned Vincent Price when they co-starred in Theater of Blood (1973),and they went on to share a lifelong bond, tying the knot in 1974. Her loving husband stood by her side until her untimely passing at the age of 77, following a long and arduous battle with breast cancer.
