Sheila Keith was a Scottish-born American actor known for her roles in horror films like “Frightmare,” “House of Whipcord,” and “House of Mortal Sin.” She gained recognition for portraying sinister middle-aged women, earning a cult following.
Personal and Family Life
Sheila Keith was born on June 9, 1920, to Scottish parents in London, England. When she was two, she was raised by her aunt in Aberdeen, Scotland. Keith studied acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, beginning her career in repertory theater.
Career Highlights
Sheila started appearing in British TV shows in the mid-1960s and made her film debut in the early 1970s. She became beloved for her chilling performances in several horror films directed by Pete Walker. Her roles as a cruel prison warder in “House of Whipcord” and a deadly cannibal in “Frightmare” remain particularly memorable.
Death and Legacy
Sheila Keith passed away on October 14, 2004, in Chertsey, Surrey, England, at the age of 84. She left behind a son and is remembered as an iconic character actress in the horror genre, often referred to as the ‘Female Boris Karloff.’
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Frightmare | 1974-11-05 | Dorothy Yates |
| House of the Long Shadows | 1983-06-17 | Victoria Grisbane |
| House of Whipcord | 1974-04-19 | Walker |
| House of Mortal Sin | 1976-02-03 | Miss Brabazon |
| The Comeback | 1978-06-16 | Mrs. B |
| Venus Peter | 1989-03-05 | Epp |
| Wild Flowers | 1990-03-15 | Marguerite |
| The Rainbow Thief | 1994-01-19 | Bernadette |
| The Paradise Club | 1989-09-19 | Ma Kane |
| Hamish Macbeth | 1995-03-26 | Auntie Ella |