The British Shakespearean actress Elizabeth Spriggs died on Wednesday at the age 78. Her theatre career, which lasted more than four decades, included thirteen years at the Royal Shakespeare, roles in several popular British TV series and even a part in a Harry Potter movie.
Spriggs joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1962 at the time when Peter Hall was establishing the theatre as a permanent company. Spriggs became an associate artist with the RSC and one of the company’s most accomplished performers. Spriggs also appeared in the BBC’s television productions of “Julius Caesar” and “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”
Spriggs later performed with the National Theatre and was nominated for a Tony Award in 1975 as best supporting or featured actress in a play for “London Assurance.” She stopped performing live theatre when a bad hip prevented her from standing on stage for long periods of time.
Spriggs appeared in many television shows but she is probably best known for the role of Nan in the ITV series “Shine On Harvey Moon.” Spriggs also appeared in several movies including Emma Thompson’s adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility” and “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
For a comprehensive article on her career, read the Telegraph obituary - Elizabeth Spriggs, actress who made her name with Peter Hall’s RSC and excelled in television costume dramas.
Web Resources:
BBC interview with Elizabeth Spriggs - discussion about her years at RSC starts at 4:48
One Comment
If, for most of my life, Elizabeth Spriggs has seemed ‘old’ - she has also been a consistent feature.
She excelled in character roles - especially comedy linked.
Her two appearances in Midsommer Murders are absolute classics.
I saw her live a couple of times - at the Royal Exchange in Manchester - and a great time was had by all.
If you look at the Shakespeare roles she has played, the early Spriggs must have had a talent for romance too.
I shall miss her.
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[...] Spriggs also appeared in several movies including Emma Thompson’s adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility” and “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” For a comprehensive article on her career, read the Telegraph obituary - Elizabeth … Source: Obituary: Actress Elizabeth Spriggs, 1929-2008 [...]