Carmen Silvera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carmen Silvera
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Silvera as Edith Artois in 'Allo 'Allo!
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| Born |
Carmen Blanche Silvera
2 June 1922 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Died | 3 August 2002 (aged 80) Denville Hall, Northwood, London, England
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| Resting place | Golders Green Crematorium, London, England |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1962–2001 |
| Spouse(s) |
John Cunliffe
(m. 1941; div. 1948) |
| Children | 1 |
Carmen Blanche Silvera (born June 2, 1922 – died August 3, 2002) was a British actress known for her comedy roles. She was born in Canada and had Spanish family roots. When she was a child, her family moved to Coventry, England.
Carmen Silvera appeared on television often in the 1960s. She became very famous in the 1980s for her main role in the British TV show 'Allo 'Allo!. In the show, she played the character Edith Artois.
Contents
A Life in Acting
Early Life and Close Call
During World War II, Carmen Silvera was sent to Montreal, Canada, for safety. She had a very close call with danger. She was supposed to be on a ship called the SS Athenia. However, at the last minute, her name was taken off the passenger list. Soon after, the ship was sunk by the enemy.
While in Canada, she took dance classes with the famous Ballets Russes and performed in some of their shows. When she returned to Britain, she decided she wanted to be an actress. She trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. After her training, she gained experience by acting in local theatre groups.
Becoming a TV Star
Carmen Silvera first became known as a TV actress in the 1960s. She appeared in the British police drama Z-Cars in 1962. From 1964 to 1965, she played Camilla Hope in the BBC soap opera Compact. In 1978, she played Mrs Van Schuyler in Lillie, a drama series about Lillie Langtry.
She also appeared twice in the popular science fiction show Doctor Who. She played three different characters in The Celestial Toymaker: Clara the Clown, Mrs. Wiggs, and the Queen of Hearts. Later, she played Ruth in Invasion of the Dinosaurs. In 1970, she was in an episode of Dad's Army called Mum's Army. She played Fiona Gray, a character written just for her by David Croft.
Her most famous and longest-running role was as Edith Artois in 'Allo 'Allo!. Edith was the wife of cafe owner Rene Artois. Carmen played Edith throughout the entire series, from 1982 to 1992.
Stage and Charity Work
Carmen Silvera also performed on stage. In 1997, she appeared with Ted Rogers in the musical That's Showbiz. She also acted in many plays in London's West End. These included Waters of the Moon with Ingrid Bergman and Hobson's Choice with Penelope Keith. She also performed in A Coat of Varnish and School for Wives, which was directed by Peter Hall.
In 1997, she played a grandmother in the film La Passione. In 1991, she was the special guest on the TV show This Is Your Life, which celebrates people's lives. She also did charity work for the Grand Order of Lady Ratlings, a group that helps people in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Carmen Silvera really enjoyed horse racing. Her grandfather first took her to a race in Warwick. She even won a bet on a horse called Light of Love, which had long odds.
In 1949, Carmen married John Cunliffe, who was also an actor. They had met in 1941. They later divorced and she never married again. Carmen Silvera passed away on August 3, 2002, at the age of 80. She died at Denville Hall, a retirement home for actors.
Her Family
Carmen's father, Roland Silvera (1895–1986), was born in Jamaica. He was a very well-known player of bowls, a sport similar to bocce. He was a member of the Stoke Bowling Club in Coventry. Roland moved to Canada in 1910 and worked on ships. He later fought for Canada in World War I.
Roland married Dorothy White in Warwick in 1918. They returned to Canada, where Carmen and her brother Roger were born. In 1924, the family moved back to Warwickshire, England. Roland was the President of the Warwickshire County Bowls Association in 1970. That year, his team won the English Bowling Association Middleton Cup competition. The Coventry & District Bowls Association still holds an annual competition for the Silvera Shield, named after him.
Images for kids
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Carmen Silvera as Edith Artois in 'Allo 'Allo!
