Joan Hickson, a renowned British actress, was born in 1906 at Kingsthorpe, Northampton, and embarked on her stage career in 1927, initially performing in provincial theater, followed by a long series of West End comedies, often taking on the role of a befuddled or eccentric middle-aged woman. Her theatrical endeavors continued unabated, with appearances at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, a hub of artistic expression amidst the tumult of World War II's London bombing raids. As her screen credits expanded, she featured in over 80 films, including "The Outsider" (1948),"The Promoter" (1952),and "The 39 Steps" (1959),while her stage career remained robust, with notable roles in three Peter Nichols plays, Noël Coward's "Blithe Spirit" (1976),and a Tony award-winning supporting actress performance in Alan Ayckbourn's "Bedroom Farce" (1977).
Joan Hickson's association with Agatha Christie's works began with her portrayal of "Miss Pryce" in the play "Appointment With Death" (1946),which so impressed Christie that she penned a personal message, hoping Hickson would one day play her iconic character, Miss Marple. Hickson waited nearly four decades to take on the role, which she played with great distinction in a BBC television series that ran from 1984 to 1992. Her remarkable performance as Miss Marple did not go unnoticed, earning her the esteemed Order of the British Empire in 1987, an honor bestowed upon her by none other than Queen Elizabeth II, a devoted fan of the character.
Following the conclusion of the television series, Hickson continued to contribute to the world of Agatha Christie's works, recording audio books of the Christie mysteries. She passed away at the age of 92 in a hospital at Colchester, Essex, leaving behind a son and daughter, as well as a legacy that cemented her status as one of the most beloved and iconic actresses of her generation. Her husband, Eric Butler, a physician, had predeceased her in 1967.
