Betty Astell was an English actress and writer who is best known for her roles in Strictly Illegal, Magpie Masquerade, and A Piece of Cake. Born Elizabeth Astell on May 23, 1912, in Brondesbury, London, she had a notable career in film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Betty Astell married Cyril Fletcher on May 18, 1941, and they had one child together, Jill Fletcher. The couple met in 1940 and collaborated in various performances before transitioning into theatrical management. They produced pantomimes and summer shows, discovering new talents like Harry Secombe. Betty’s marriage lasted until Cyril’s death on January 1, 2005, and she passed away seven months later.
Death and Legacy
Betty Astell died on July 27, 2005, in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands. Her contributions to early television include appearances in some of John Logie Baird’s pioneering broadcasts in the 1930s. Astell’s work as an actress and producer left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Great Stuff | 1933-06-01 | Vera Montgomery |
| A Piece of Cake | 1948-11-01 | Betty Clarke |
| Jack of All Trades | 1936-12-30 | Dancer |
| Strike It Rich | 1933-11-04 | Janet Wells |
| Cleaning Up | 1933-05-01 | Marian Brent / Chorus Girl |
| A Tight Corner | 1932-08-18 | |
| This Is the Life | 1933-09-01 | Edna Wynne |
| Sunshine Ahead | 1936-01-01 | Pat Wesley, The Girl |
| The Lost Chord | 1933-04-07 | Madge |
| Musical Film Revues | 1933-10-12 | |
| The Cyril Fletcher Show | 1959-04-09 |