Katharine Blake was an American actress known for her roles in “Anne of the Thousand Days,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “The Dark Light.” She was a notable presence on British television in the 1960s and 1970s.
Personal and Family Life
Katharine Blake, born Illonne Katharine Inglestone on September 11, 1921, in Johannesburg, South Africa, was raised by parents of German Jewish and Russian Jewish descent. She had three marriages, including to director David Greene and actor Charles Jarrott, both of whom were involved in the television industry. Katharine had two daughters, Jenny and Lindy, from her marriages, and they were born in London.
Career Overview
A talented dark-haired actress, Katharine struggled with a stammer in her youth but received elocution lessons that helped her succeed in acting. She began her stage career in repertory theatre before making her West End debut at 17 alongside Edith Evans. She particularly enjoyed writing and adapted literary works for television, often collaborating with her husband Charles Jarrott.
Death and Legacy
Katharine Blake passed away on March 1, 1991, in London, England. Her contributions to television and film, as well as her diverse talents as a writer and actress, have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. She is remembered for her roles and her ability to overcome personal challenges throughout her life.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Anne of the Thousand Days | 1969-12-18 | Elizabeth Boleyn |
| The Dark Light | 1951-04-23 | Linda |
| To Have and to Hold | 1963-07-01 | Claudia |
| Assassin for Hire | 1951-04-01 | Maria Riccardi |
| Hunted | 1952-03-17 | Waitress |
| Hell’s Angel | 1971-01-21 | Cynthia McKenna |
| Saturday Island | 1952-03-20 | Nurse |
| Hammer the Toff | 1952-05-01 | Janet Lord |
| Trottie True | 1949-09-29 | Ruby Rubarto |
| Now That April’s Here | 1958-06-19 | Hilda Adams |
| The Man Out There | 1961-03-12 | Marie |
| Male of the Species | 1969-01-03 | Miss Saville |
| Wuthering Heights | 1948-03-07 | Catherine Earnshaw |
| What’s Wrong with Humpty Dumpty? | 1967-02-11 | Hilary |
| Beyond Our Means | 1973-09-18 | Sylvia Forsyth |
| Sir Francis Drake | 1961-11-12 | The Dark Lady |
| Public Eye | 1965-01-23 | Mrs. Nourse |
| Crown Court | 1972-10-11 | Irene Rutland |
| Folio | 1955-09-25 | Lady Macbeth |
| Armchair Theatre | 1956-07-08 | Hilary |
| Play for Today | 1970-10-15 | Cynthia McKenna |