Gretchen Franklin made her debut in the 1954 British suspense film Shadow of Fear, directed by Albert S. Rogell, alongside notable actors Mona Freeman, Jean Kent, and Maxwell Reed. During the 1960s and 1970s, she solidified her reputation with recurring roles on various sitcoms, including the popular series Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, starring Michael Crawford, and the BBC's The Morecambe & Wise Show in 1968.
However, it was her iconic portrayal of Ethel Skinner on the BBC's EastEnders, commencing at the age of 75 in 1985, that catapulted her to household fame. As one of the original cast members, she remained with the show until her semi-retirement in 1993, making sporadic appearances in Christmas episodes and special occasions until 1997.
In a surprising turn of events, Gretchen Franklin was asked to reprise her role on EastEnders in June 2000, at the age of 88, claiming she was thrilled to be free from the monotony of retirement. With a career spanning over four decades, she proved her versatility, stating, "I can play the comedy scenes or the tearjerkers. The directors and producers have realised that."
Off-screen, Gretchen devoted considerable time to charity work, generously donating the royalties from international syndication of EastEnders to organizations dedicated to animal welfare and senior care. Her legacy extended beyond her impressive acting career, as she left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.
Gretchen Franklin's life was marked by a remarkable career, with her passing at the age of 94 in 2005. Her contributions to the world of entertainment, as well as her dedication to charitable causes, will forever be remembered.
