Brenda Cowling was an American actress known for Octopussy, You Rang, M’Lord?, and Pink Floyd: The Wall. Born on April 23, 1925 in Islington, London, England, she had a successful career in both film and television. She passed away on October 2, 2010, in Denville Hall, Northwood, London, England.
Personal and Family Life
Brenda Cowling was the daughter of a father who worked in publishing. Before she pursued acting, she worked as a secretary for a London stockbroker. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in the 1940s, where she was classmates with notable personalities such as Warren Mitchell and Jimmy Perry.
Career
Brenda made guest appearances in several sitcoms co-written by Jimmy Perry, including Dad’s Army, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, and Hi-de-Hi!. In 1988, she landed a regular role as Mrs. Lipton in the sitcom You Rang, M’Lord? Her performances made her a familiar face in British television.
Death and Legacy
Brenda Cowling passed away on October 2, 2010, due to a stroke. Before her death, she had retired from acting in 2006 after suffering from her health issues. Her contributions to British television and film continue to be remembered by her fans.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Man and the Snake | 1972-01-01 | Molly |
| Jabberwocky | 1977-03-28 | Mrs Fishfinger |
| Octopussy | 1983-06-05 | Schatzi |
| The Railway Children | 1970-12-21 | Mrs Viney |
| St. Ursula’s in Danger | 1983-12-20 | Mrs. Trimble |
| The Many Lives of Albert Walker | 2002-03-24 | Jean Crowley’s Mother |
| The Bells of Astercote | 1980-12-23 | Mrs Fletcher |
| Greenfingers | 2001-07-27 | Bookshop Customer |
| Brown Skin Gal, Stay Home and Mind Bay-Bee | 1971-09-07 | Mrs. Knowles |
| The Black Panther | 1977-12-26 | |
| The Legend of the Tamworth Two | 2004-04-12 | Mrs Martin |
| Pink Floyd: The Wall | 1982-07-14 | Teacher |
| Please Sir! | 1971-05-01 | Mrs. Duffy |
| The Flood | 1963-01-01 | Mrs. Grout |
| The Black Windmill | 1974-05-17 | Secretary (uncredited) |
| Bindle (One of Them Days) | 1966-01-01 | Martha Hearty |
| Carry On Girls | 1973-11-09 | Matron |
| Miss Marple: They Do It with Mirrors | 1991-12-29 | Mrs. Rodgers |
| Stage Fright | 1950-02-23 | Plump RADA Girl (uncredited) |
| You Rang, M’Lord? | 1990-01-14 | Blanche Lipton |
| Fawlty Towers | 1975-09-19 | Sister |
| The Detectives | 1993-01-27 | Bride’s Grandmother |
| Seal Morning | 1986-03-09 | Mrs. Bates |
| Hammer House of Horror | 1980-09-13 | Nurse Davies |
| Jonathan Creek | 1997-05-09 | Mrs. Thrimpson |
| Justice | 1971-10-08 | Mrs. Cosgrove |
| The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes | 1971-09-20 | Maid |
| The Last Detective | 2003-02-07 | Old Lady |
| The Upper Hand | 1990-05-01 | The Nun |
| Potter | 1979-03-01 | Jane |
| Miss Marple | 1984-12-26 | Mrs. Rodgers |