Joan Hickson

Born:August 5, 1906

Place of Birth:Kingsthorpe, Northampton, Northamptonshire, England, UK

Died:October 17, 1998

Known For:Acting

Biography

Joan Hickson, a distinguished English actress, left an indelible mark on the worlds of theatre, film, and television throughout her illustrious career. Born in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, Hickson's passion for acting was evident from a young age. She honed her craft at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the performing arts.

Debuting on the stage in 1927, Hickson captivated audiences with her versatility and impeccable comedic timing. She effortlessly brought to life a myriad of characters, showcasing her talent for portraying eccentric and endearing personalities. Her performances in London's West End garnered critical acclaim, with standout roles like the lovable cockney maid Ida in "See How They Run" solidifying her reputation as a gifted actress.

While Hickson's stage presence was undeniable, she also made a significant impact on the silver screen. Her film career took off in 1934, marking the beginning of a series of memorable supporting roles that showcased her range as an actress. Notably, Hickson graced the screen in beloved classics such as the Carry On films, where she charmed audiences with her portrayals of characters like Sister in "Carry On Nurse" and Mrs. May in "Carry On Constable."

However, it was Hickson's iconic portrayal of Agatha Christie's beloved character Miss Marple that truly solidified her place in television history. Bringing the astute and endearing detective to life on the small screen, Hickson captivated audiences with her portrayal of the sharp-witted sleuth. Her nuanced performance and undeniable charm endeared her to fans around the world, making her synonymous with the beloved character.

Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Hickson's talent extended to the realm of audio books, where she lent her distinctive voice to narrate a number of Miss Marple stories. Her rich and captivating narration brought Christie's timeless tales to life in a new and engaging format, further showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Throughout her illustrious career, Joan Hickson's dedication to her craft and her ability to breathe life into a diverse array of characters left an enduring legacy in the world of entertainment. Her timeless performances continue to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as a beloved and respected figure in the realms of theatre, film, and television.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Murder She Said

Mrs. Kidder

1961

Miss Marple believes she's seen a murder in a passing-by train, yet when the police find no evidence she decides to investigate it on her own.

The Horse's Mouth

Lady in Gallery Queue (uncredited)

1958

Gulley Jimson is a boorish aging artist recently released from prison. A swindler in search of his next art project, he hunkers down in the penthouse of would-be patrons the Beeders while they go on an extended vacation; he paints a mural on their wall, pawns their valuables and, along with the sculptor Abel, inadvertently smashes a large hole in their floor. Jimson's next project is an even larger wall in an abandoned church.

Heavens Above!

Housewife

1963

A naive but caring prison chaplain, who happens to have the same last name as an upper class cleric, is by mistake appointed as vicar to a small and prosperous country town. His belief in charity and forgiveness sets him at odds with the conservative and narrow-minded locals, and he soon creates social ructions by appointing a black dustman as his churchwarden, taking in a gypsy family, and persuading the local landowner to provide free food for the church to distribute free to the people of the town. When the congregation leaders realise the mistake and call for the Church of England to remove him, this turns out to be a very, very difficult issue - until one clergyman realises that a British project to send a man into space is in need of an astronaut...