Dandy Nichols was an English actress who is best known for her role as Else Garnett in the British comedy series “Till Death Us Do Part,” as well as appearances in “The Alf Garnett Saga” and “The Vikings.” Born on May 21, 1907, in Fulham, London, she had a career that spanned several decades, becoming a recognizable figure in British television.
Personal and Family Life
Dandy Nichols was born as Daisy Sander and married Stephen Baguley Waters in 1942. The couple later divorced in 1955. Throughout her career, she was known for portraying affectionate, humorous characters that represented the ‘frumpy wife’ archetype, enhancing her popularity in British comedy.
Career Highlights
She gained significant fame in the 1960s for her role in “Till Death Us Do Part,” where she portrayed the long-suffering wife of a controversial character, Alf Garnett, played by Warren Mitchell. Her work on the show influenced American television, leading to the creation of “All in the Family,” which featured Jean Stapleton as a counterpart to Nichols’ character.
Death and Legacy
Dandy Nichols passed away on February 6, 1986, in Whitechapel, London, due to pneumonia and heart disease. Her death came while filming the second sequel of “Till Death Us Do Part,” and the series was adapted to reflect her character’s passing, continuing to explore the life of her on-screen husband as a widower.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Carry On Doctor | 1967-12-02 | Mrs. Roper |
| Yield to the Night | 1956-06-19 | Mrs. Price |
| The Fallen Idol | 1948-09-30 | Mrs. Patterson |
| Confessions of a Window Cleaner | 1974-08-16 | Mrs. Lea |
| Till Death Us Do Part | 1966-06-06 | Else Garnett |
| The Deep Blue Sea | 1955-11-01 | Mrs. Elton |
| The Alf Garnett Saga | 1972-08-30 | Else Garnett |
| In Sickness and in Health | 1985-09-01 | |
| All in the Family (American version) | 1971-01-12 | Edith Bunker (inspired) |