Elizabeth Spriggs was a British actress known for her roles in Sense and Sensibility (1995), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001), and Paradise Road (1997). Born on September 18, 1929, in Buxton, Derbyshire, England, she became a prominent figure in film and television until her passing on July 2, 2008.
Personal and Family Life
Elizabeth Spriggs was married three times; her husbands were Kenneth Spriggs, Marshall Jones, and her final husband, Murray Manson, until her death. She had one child from her first marriage. Despite facing challenges in her early singing career due to health issues, she successfully transitioned to acting and made a notable impact.
Career
Spriggs began her acting career in a repertory company after working as a speech and drama teacher. She often played supporting roles as strong matriarchs and aristocratic characters, prominently appearing in the series Jeeves and Wooster (1990). Additionally, she had a significant role in the BBC children’s series Simon and the Witch (1987).
Death and Legacy
Elizabeth Spriggs passed away on July 2, 2008, in Oxford, England, due to complications following surgery. She left behind a legacy of diverse performances in film, television, and stage, characterized by her ability to portray formidable women. Her contributions to the arts, especially in British television, are fondly remembered.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| For My Baby | 2000-10-19 | Olga Jenikova |
| Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | 2001-11-16 | The Fat Lady |
| Sense and Sensibility | 1995-12-13 | Mrs. Jennings |
| Paradise Road | 1997-02-11 | Mrs. Roberts |
| 3 Into 2 Won’t Go | 1969-07-02 | Marcia |
| Julius Caesar | 1979-02-11 | Calphurnia |
| Doctor Who: Paradise Towers | 1987-10-26 | Tabby |
| Jeeves and Wooster | 1990-04-22 | Aunt Agatha |
| Martin Chuzzlewit | 1994-11-07 | Mrs. Gamp |
| Midsomer Murders | 1997-03-23 | Iris Rainbird |