Flora Robson was an English actress known for her roles in films such as Fire Over England, Wuthering Heights, and The Sea Hawk. Born on March 28, 1902, in South Shields, she gained recognition for her ability to portray strong characters, especially monarchs.
Personal and Family Life
Flora was born to David Robson and Eliza McKenzie, and she grew up with her siblings John, Eliza, and Helen. She was close to her family and lived with her two unmarried sisters, Margaret and Sheila, until her death. Flora never married and had no children, though she was an aunt to her brothers’ children.
Career Highlights
Flora began her acting career at a young age and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She made her film debut in 1931 and progressed to prominent roles in the 1930s and 1940s, gaining acclaim for her portrayals of Queen Elizabeth I. Throughout her career, she was honored with prestigious titles like CBE and DBE for her contributions to drama.
Death and Legacy
Flora Robson passed away on July 7, 1984, in Brighton after a battle with cancer. She left behind a remarkable legacy as one of the finest character actresses of her time, and her work continues to be celebrated in film history. Flora was also honored posthumously with two portraits in London’s National Portrait Gallery.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Murder at the Gallop | 1963-06-24 | Miss Milchrest |
| Clash of the Titans | 1981-06-12 | A Stygian Witch |
| Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines | 1965-06-16 | Mother Superior |
| Eye of the Devil | 1966-11-18 | Countess Estelle |
| Wuthering Heights | 1939-04-07 | Ellen Dean |
| Les Misérables | 1978-12-27 | the Prioress |
| Fire Over England | 1937-03-05 | Queen Elizabeth I of England |
| Caesar and Cleopatra | 1945-12-11 | Ftatateeta |
| The Sea Hawk | 1940-08-10 | Queen Elizabeth |
| Two Thousand Women | 1944-11-06 | Miss Manningford |
| Black Narcissus | 1947-05-26 | Sister Philippa |
| Saratoga Trunk | 1945-11-21 | Angelique Buiton |
| The Lion Has Wings | 1939-11-03 | Queen Elizabeth I (archive footage) |
| 7 Women | 1966-01-05 | Miss Binns |
| The Gypsy and the Gentleman | 1958-01-15 | Mrs. Haggard |
| Innocent Sinners | 1958-03-25 | Olivia Chesney |