Avril Elgar was an English actress best known for her roles in stage and television, including the character of Ethel in “George & Mildred,” and her performances in “Great Expectations,” “Pride and Prejudice,” and more. Born Avril Williams on April 1, 1932, in Halifax, Yorkshire, she built a remarkable career that spanned several decades before her passing.
Personal and Family Life
Avril Elgar was born into a military family and was the second of two daughters. She married actor James Maxwell in 1952, and they had two children together. After her husband’s death in 1995, she continued her acting career until her retirement.
Career
Elgar began acting in amateur dramatics in 1949 and trained at the Old Vic school. She made her professional stage debut in 1960 and was celebrated for her versatility in roles ranging from comedic to dramatic. Notable performances included Miss Havisham in “Great Expectations” and the Duchess of York in “Richard III.”
Death and Legacy
Avril Elgar passed away on September 17, 2021, in Bristol, England, at the age of 89. Her contributions to theater and television left a lasting impression, with audiences remembering her for her dynamic range and memorable characters.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Thirteen at Dinner | 1985-09-19 | Miss Carroll |
| Room at the Top | 1959-01-22 | Miss Gilchrist |
| Ladies Who Do | 1963-11-01 | Emily Parish |
| Betrayal | 1983-02-19 | Mrs. Banks |
| Alice in Wonderland | 1966-12-28 | Peppercook |
| Wilde | 1997-09-01 | Lady Bracknell |
| Lloyd George Knew My Father | 1975-08-19 | Maud Boothroyd |
| A Night Out | 1967-02-13 | The girl |
| Spring and Port Wine | 1970-10-02 | Betsy-Jane Duckworth |
| The Medusa Touch | 1978-04-13 | Mrs. Pennington |
| Under the Skin | 1982-01-19 | Grace |
| The Diary of a Nobody | 1964-12-12 | Caroline Pooter |
| Sakharov | 1984-06-20 | OVIR Administrator |
| Paying Guests (Part 1) | 1986-10-01 | Mrs. Bertram |
| Paying Guests (Part 2) | 1986-10-02 | Mrs. Bertram |
| Mary Rose | 1987-01-01 | Mrs Otery |
| I Can’t See My Little Willie | 1970-11-19 | Christine |
| Rosie | 1977-01-05 | |
| Tales of the Unexpected | 1979-03-24 | Thelma |
| Heartbeat | 1992-04-10 | Mrs. Kirkby |
| Agatha Christie’s Poirot | 1989-01-08 | Mrs. Oglander |
| Dalgliesh | 1983-04-08 | Emily Wharton |