Hilary Heath

Hilary Heath was a British actress and producer who is best known for her roles in “Witchfinder General,” “The Oblong Box,” and “Cry of the Banshee.” Born on March 6, 1945, in Liverpool, England, she later moved into production after a successful acting career.

Personal and Family Life

Hilary Heath, born Hilary Dwyer, was raised in a family with a strong academic background; her father was an orthopedic surgeon. In 1973, she married talent agent Duncan Heath, and they had two children together: Laura (born 1974) and Daniel (born 1980). After their divorce in 1989, she continued to support her family through her work in the entertainment industry.

Career

Heath began her acting career in the 1960s, making a name for herself in various horror films, particularly those with Vincent Price. In the mid-1970s, she shifted her focus from acting to producing, where she played a significant role in creating adaptations of classic literature. She also obtained a Master’s degree in Psychology from Oxford later in life and worked as an addiction counselor, showcasing her diverse talents beyond the film industry.

Death and Legacy

Hilary Heath passed away on April 3, 2020, at the age of 75 due to complications caused by COVID-19. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances and contributions to film production, solidifying her place in British cinema history. She is remembered particularly for her impactful roles during the 1960s and her later career as a producer.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Witchfinder General 1968-05-17 Sara
The File of the Golden Goose 1969-10-13 Ann Marlowe
The Oblong Box 1969-06-11 Lady Elizabeth Markham
Wuthering Heights 1970-06-09 Isabella Linton
Two Gentlemen Sharing 1969-09-17 Ethne Burrows
The Comic 1969-11-29 Judy
The Body Stealers 1969-03-21 Julie Slade
Cry of the Banshee 1970-07-22 Maureen Whitman
The Blood Beast: The Films of Michael Reeves 1999-12-19 Herself
Callan 1967-07-08
Van der Valk 1972-09-13 Nana Schneers
Hadleigh 1969-09-16
Eurotika! 1999-10-03 Self
Space: 1999 1975-09-04 Laura Adams
The Prisoner 1967-09-29 Number Seventy-Three