Patricia Laffan

Patricia Laffan was a British actress who is best known for her roles in Quo Vadis, Devil Girl from Mars, and 23 Paces to Baker Street. She was born on March 19, 1919, in Wandsworth, London, and passed away on March 10, 2014, in Chelsea, London.

Personal and Family Life

Patricia Laffan was the daughter of Arthur Charles Laffan, an Irish rubber planter, and Elvira Alice Vitali, who was born in London. She received her education at the Institut français du Royaume-Uni and trained in acting at the Douglas-Webber School. Laffan had a passion for writing and had several short stories published, showing that she could have pursued a career as a writer if she hadn’t become an actress.

Career

Patricia Laffan made her stage debut in 1937 and entered the film industry in 1945. She gained fame for her portrayal of the scheming Empress Poppaea in MGM’s Quo Vadis, which showcased her ability to play captivating and villainous roles. Her performance as Nyah, the Martian invader in Devil Girl from Mars, became a cult classic, despite the film’s low budget and poor reviews. After her most memorable roles, Laffan had limited opportunities in film but maintained a presence in television.

Death and Legacy

Patricia Laffan passed away from multiple organ failure just days before her 95th birthday. Her death was not publicly announced until years later when her death certificate was discovered, which may explain the absence of obituary notices. Despite being an underappreciated actor during her lifetime, Laffan’s performances continue to be remembered, especially by fans of classic cinema and science fiction.

Filmography