Heather Sears was a British actress who is best known for her roles in The Story of Esther Costello, Room at the Top, and The Phantom of the Opera. Born on September 28, 1935, in Whitechapel, London, she enjoyed a successful career in film and stage.
Personal and Family Life
Heather Sears was married to Anthony Masters from April 1957 until his death in May 1990. They had three sons together: Giles, Dominic, and Adam. She was also known to be a heavy chain smoker, which may have impacted her health later in life. Heather had a younger sister named Ann Sears and was the sister-in-law of Michael Holden.
Career
Heather began her acting journey in repertory theatre, making her debut in 1955 with “The Love Match.” She gained recognition for her performances, especially in The Story of Esther Costello in 1957, where she portrayed a deaf-mute character. In the 1970s, she was prolific on stage, earning acclaim for her work in Shakespearean and other classic plays.
Death and Legacy
Heather Sears passed away on January 3, 1994, in Hinchley Wood, Esher, Surrey, England, due to multiple organ failure. Her contributions to British cinema and theatre are remembered, and her early roles helped pave the way for future generations of actors. Despite her early death, she left behind a legacy of diverse performances that continue to be celebrated.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday Night Out | 1964-04-01 | Penny |
| Room at the Top | 1959-01-22 | Susan Brown |
| The Phantom of the Opera | 1962-06-25 | Christine Charles |
| Great Expectations | 1974-01-01 | Biddy |
| Sons and Lovers | 1960-08-29 | Miriam Leivers |
| The Black Torment | 1964-10-19 | Lady Elizabeth Fordyke |
| The Siege of Pinchgut | 1959-08-01 | Ann Fulton |
| The Story of Esther Costello | 1957-11-06 | Esther Costello |
| Dry Rot | 1956-10-31 | Susan Wagstaff |
| The Love Goddesses | 1965-03-03 | (archive footage) |
| Tales of the Unexpected | 1979-03-24 | Margaret Pearson |
| The Main Chance | 1969-06-18 | Mary Wingrove |