Dame Sybil Thorndike was an English actress, best known for her roles in “Saint Joan,” “Major Barbara,” and “Gone to Earth.” Born on October 24, 1882, in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, she became one of the most respected actresses of the 20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Sybil was born Agnes Sybil Thorndike and was the eldest of four children. She married fellow actor Sir Lewis Casson on December 22, 1908, and together they had four children. Throughout her life, Sybil faced personal challenges, including her son John’s disappearance during World War II, which turned out to be a long capture. She was politically active alongside her husband, supporting leftist causes and advocating for social justice.
Career Highlights
Sybil Thorndike’s acting career spanned over six decades, during which she performed in numerous acclaimed productions across several countries. Although her film career was less prominent, she is celebrated for her theatrical performances. Sybil gained fame for her role as Joan of Arc in George Bernard Shaw’s play, which was written specifically for her. She was also recognized for her contributions to the arts, becoming a Dame of the British Empire in 1931.
Death and Legacy
Dame Sybil Thorndike passed away on June 9, 1976, from a heart attack at the age of 93. She is remembered not only for her remarkable talent on stage and screen but also for her contributions to acting and drama. Her ashes were interred in Westminster Abbey, a testament to her significant impact on the arts and culture of her time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Stage Fright | 1950-02-23 | Mrs. Gill |
| The Prince and the Showgirl | 1957-06-13 | The Queen Dowager |
| Major Barbara | 1941-05-14 | The General |
| The Magic Box | 1952-01-01 | Sitter in Bath Studio |
| Gone to Earth | 1950-11-06 | Mrs. Marston |
| Smiley Gets a Gun | 1958-05-01 | Granny McKinley |
| Britannia Mews | 1949-03-31 | Mrs. ‘The Sow’ Mounsey |
| Alive and Kicking | 1959-07-13 | Dora |
| Dawn | 1928-01-01 | Nurse Edith Cavell |
| The Big Gamble | 1961-07-25 | Aunt Cathleen |
| Shake Hands with the Devil | 1959-06-24 | Lady Fitzhugh |
| Jet Storm | 1959-09-16 | Emma Morgan |
| Tudor Rose | 1936-09-01 | Ellen |
| Hindle Wakes | 1931-10-02 | Mrs. Hawthorne |
| Hand in Hand | 1961-02-06 | Lady Caroline |
| A Gentleman of Paris | 1931-12-04 | Lola Duval |
| The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby | 1947-03-12 | Mrs. Squeers |
| The Weak and the Wicked | 1954-02-02 | Mabel Wicks, Millie’s friend |
| Uncle Vanya | 1963-11-20 | Marina, the nurse |
| The Lady with a Lamp | 1951-09-22 | Miss Bosanquet |
| Bleak House | 1922-06-01 | Lady Dedlock |
| Esmeralda | 1922-06-01 | Esmeralda |
| Melba | 1953-08-07 | Queen Victoria |
| To What Red Hell | 1929-11-01 | Mrs Fairfield |
| Macbeth | 1922-01-01 | Lady Macbeth |
| Bernard Shaw | 1957-01-01 | |
| A Passage to India | 1965-11-16 | Mrs Moore |
| Don’t Utter a Note | 1966-04-09 | Florence Pringle |
| BBC Play of the Month | 1965-10-19 | Mrs Moore |
| The Dick Cavett Show | 1968-06-06 | Self – Guest |