Despite a lifelong fear of public performance and fear of failure, she
became an acclaimed stage actor, noted for her work with the Royal
Shakespeare Company and in Harold Pinter pieces.
Born in London and educated at St Catherine's school in Bramley,
Surrey, she tended to be a reclusive, self-conscious child, which was
propelled by the sudden death of her 10-year-old elder brother Eric
when she was only six.
She was made a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the 1967 Queen's New Year Honours List for services to drama.
She was made a DBE (Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the 2000 Queen's New Year Honours List for services to drama.
A memorial service was held for her at St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden on 21st June 2002.