Peggy Ashcroft was an English actress who is best known for her roles in “A Passage to India,” “The Nun’s Story,” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” She received wide acclaim for her work on stage and screen throughout her career.
Personal and Family Life
Peggy Ashcroft was born on December 22, 1907, in Croydon, Surrey, England. She was married three times, first to Theodor Komisarjevsky, then to Sir Rupert Hart-Davis, and lastly to Jeremy Hutchinson, with whom she had two children. Ashcroft had a close family, including grandchildren, Manon and Emily Loizeau, as well as nieces and nephews.
Career Highlights
She made her acting debut in 1926 and quickly became a prominent figure in both theatre and film. Ashcroft was recognized as a leading actress in the British theatre scene, often taking on challenging Shakespearean roles. Her portrayal of sympathetic characters in film earned her critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for “A Passage to India.” In 1956, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to drama.
Death and Legacy
Peggy Ashcroft passed away on June 14, 1991, in Hampstead, London, due to a stroke. She left a lasting legacy in the world of acting and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Her contributions to film and theatre continue to be celebrated, and she is remembered as one of the great actresses of her time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Murder by the Book | 1986-01-01 | Agatha Christie |
| The Nun’s Story | 1959-06-18 | Mother Mathilde |
| A Passage to India | 1984-12-14 | Mrs. Moore |
| Sunday Bloody Sunday | 1971-07-01 | Mrs. Greville |
| Secret Ceremony | 1968-10-23 | Hannah |
| The Cherry Orchard | 1962-04-17 | Madame Ranevsky |
| Caught on a Train | 1980-10-31 | Frau Messner |
| Madame Sousatzka | 1988-10-14 | Lady Emily |
| 3 Into 2 Won’t Go | 1969-07-02 | Belle |
| Quiet Wedding | 1941-04-19 | Flower Lisle |
| The Wars of the Roses | 1965-04-08 | Queen Margaret |
| Edward & Mrs. Simpson | 1978-11-06 | Queen Mary |
| Little Eyolf | 1982-07-19 | The Rat Wife |
| The 39 Steps | 1935-06-06 | The Crofter’s Wife Margaret |
| She’s Been Away | 1989-07-09 | Lillian Huckle |
| When the Wind Blows | 1986-10-24 | Hilda Bloggs (voice) |
| The Jewel in the Crown | 1984-01-09 | Barbie Batchelor |