Joan Greenwood, renowned for her distinctive plummy feline voice, was born in the affluent London district of Chelsea, the daughter of esteemed portrait painter Sydney Earnshaw Greenwood (1887-1949). From a young age, she was drawn to the world of dance, taking ballet lessons and later enrolling at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). After graduating at the tender age of 18, Joan made her theatrical debut in Molière's "Malade Imaginaire" at the Apollo Theatre. She went on to perform in Clare Boothe Luce's "The Women", catching the attention of Leslie Howard, who cast her as his leading lady in the wartime drama "The Gentle Sex" (1943).
As her career progressed, Joan seamlessly transitioned between stage and screen, effortlessly navigating comedy and drama. During the London Blitz, she worked with the Entertainment National Service Association (ENSA) and toured with the Donald Wolfit Company, performing in a range of classical plays, including George Bernard Shaw's "Heartbreak House", William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" (as Ophelia),and Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler". On screen, she delivered a standout performance in Eric Ambler's psychological thriller "The October Man" (1947),showcasing her versatility and sensitivity as an actress.
Joan's filmography boasts a range of memorable roles, including her portrayal of Sophie Dorothea, imprisoned in a loveless marriage, in Basil Dearden's period romance "Saraband" (1948). She is perhaps most fondly remembered for her trio of classic Ealing comedies, in which she conveyed a sense of eroticism while remaining quintessentially "correct" and "properly British". Her iconic performances in "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949),"Whisky Galore!" (1949),and "The Man in the White Suit" (1951) have cemented her status as a beloved British actress.
In between her major screen roles, Joan had a brief spell in Hollywood, paired with Stewart Granger for Fritz Lang's gothic period melodrama "Moonfleet" (1955). However, she did not enjoy the experience and opted instead for the uncomplicated life at Ealing, where actors "washed their hair in buckets" and lived on "toasted sandwiches, chocolates, and soup".
Joan Greenwood passed away on February 28, 1987, just a week shy of her 66th birthday, following a period of ill health.
