Zena Walker

Zena Walker was an English actress known for her work in theatre and notable appearances in television and films. She was born on March 7, 1934, in Birmingham, England, and gained recognition for her roles in various plays and television series.

Personal and Family Life

Zena was born into a family where her father, George Walker, ran a grocery store, and her mother was Elizabeth Louise Hammond. She was educated at St. Martin’s School and later trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Throughout her life, she married three times, including actor Robert Urquhart, and had two children with him. Sadly, her son passed away in his teenage years.

Career Highlights

Walker made her stage debut in 1950 and became well-known for her performances in Shakespearean plays at prestigious venues like the Stratford and Old Vic theatres. She gained acclaim for her role in the black comedy “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg,” which led her to Broadway and earned her a Tony Award. Although she had several roles in films throughout the 1960s and 70s, she found more success and recognition on television, particularly in the series “Man at the Top.”

Death and Legacy

Zena Walker passed away on August 24, 2003, in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, at the age of 69. Despite her talents being underutilized in film, her significant contributions to theatre and television are remembered. Walker is considered a significant figure in British acting history, with many believing that she could have had an even greater career had she received more opportunities in film.

Filmography

TitleRelease DateCharacter
The Dresser1983-12-06Her Ladyship
Girl in the Headlines1963-11-15Mildred Birkett
The Reckoning1970-01-31Hilda Greening
Troubled Waters1964-12-01Janet Carswell
The Hellions1961-11-27Julie Hargis
The Last Shot You Hear1969-05-14Eileen Forbes
The Marked One1963-01-01Kay Mason
The Likely Lads1976-02-01Laura
Change Partners1965-07-01
Emergency1962-03-02Joan Bell
The Traitors1962-05-01Annette Lane
Daylight Robbery1964-12-01
Snowball1960-01-01Mary Donovan
Danger Tomorrow1960-03-31Ginny
A Splinter of Ice1972-05-29Bridget
Baby Blues1973-12-06Lavinia
C2H5OH1980-10-28Mary Purser
Sorry…1978-11-21Vera – ‘Private View’
Sammy Going South1963-03-18Aunt Jane
Cromwell1970-08-14Mrs. Cromwell
‘That Crazy Woman’1980-02-21Dr. Barbara Moore
Random Moments in a May Garden1981-05-22Sophie
A Collier’s Friday Night1976-09-30Mrs. Lambert
The Chocolate Tree1963-10-27Rachel Strang
The Beast1979-05-08Millie Hopkins
Shotgun1966-07-11Harriet
Albert and Victoria1970-06-13
Heartbeat1992-04-10Ellen Birley
Callan1967-07-08
The Adventures of Sir Lancelot1956-09-15Lady Angela
Number 101983-02-13
Thriller1973-04-14Betty Drew
The Prisoner1967-09-29Janet Portland
Dead Ernest1982-02-15
Our Mutual Friend1958-11-07Miss Bella Wilfer
ITV Saturday Night Theatre1969-01-11Peg
Tony Awards1956-04-01Self – Nominee
Sunday-Night Play1960-09-25
Great Performances1971-01-28Iris
Agatha Christie’s Poirot1989-01-08Vanda Chevenix
Drama 61-671961-03-19Belinda