Charlotte Coleman facts for kids

Charlotte Ninon Coleman (born April 3, 1968 – died November 14, 2001) was an English actress. She was famous for her roles in movies and TV shows. Many people remember her as Scarlett in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. She also played Jess in the TV drama Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. As a child, she was known for playing Sue in Worzel Gummidge and the character Marmalade Atkins.

Charlotte Coleman as Marmalade Atkins in Educating Marmalade (1982–83)

Charlotte Coleman's Early Life

Charlotte Coleman was the first of two daughters. Her mother, Ann Beach, was an actress. Her father, Francis Coleman, was a TV producer from Canada. Charlotte's younger sister, Lisa Coleman, also became an actress. Charlotte went to Camden School for Girls. She also took acting classes at the Anna Scher Theatre School in London. She said she went there because she thought it was cooler than joining the Brownies.

When she was 15, Charlotte tried a different school called Dartington Hall. It was a very free-spirited school. She later said it wasn't the best choice for her. After that, she studied cooking at a cookery school.

Charlotte Coleman's Acting Career

Charlotte's first big TV role was playing Sue in Worzel Gummidge. This show was on TV from 1978 to 1981. She also appeared in other early shows like A Choice of Evils (1977) and Two People (1979). For her role in Two People, she chose a stuffed toy. She named it "Haggis" and kept it for many years.

Soon after, she became well-known for playing the rebellious teenager Marmalade Atkins. She starred in a special drama called Marmalade Atkins in Space (1981). Then she had two TV series: Educating Marmalade (1982–83) and Danger: Marmalade at Work (1984). All these shows were written by Andrew Davies.

In 1990, Charlotte played Jess in the BBC drama Oranges Are Not Not the Only Fruit. This show was based on a book by Jeanette Winterson. Charlotte won a Royal Television Society Best Actress award for her role. She was also nominated for a BAFTA award. She even read the book for an audiobook release.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Charlotte appeared in many other TV shows. These included The Bill and Inspector Morse. She was also in the comedy series Freddie and Max with Anne Bancroft. She played a character named Barbara Gale in the show Giving Tongue (1996). Charlotte also voiced Primrose in the cartoon Brambly Hedge. Her last TV role was as Miss Debenham in Double Act.

Charlotte played Scarlett in the popular film Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). She starred alongside actors like Hugh Grant and Kristin Scott Thomas. She was nominated for a BAFTA Film Award for this role. Charlotte continued to act in films in the 1990s. Her last main film role was Portia Thornton in Beautiful People (1999).

Charlotte Coleman's Theatre Work

In April 1991, Charlotte performed in the play Our Own Kind. She played the character of Lorna, a teenager. The play was shown at the Bush Theatre in London. She acted with Kevin Whately and Jane Horrocks. Critics praised her performance. One reviewer said she brought the character to life "vividly."

Charlotte Coleman's Personal Life

Charlotte Coleman passed away on November 14, 2001, at the age of 33. She died from bronchial asthma. A memorial service was held for her in London. Her family and close friends attended.

Charlotte Coleman Scholarship Award

The New London Performing Arts Centre (NLPAC) started an award in Charlotte's honor in 2003. It is called the Charlotte Coleman Scholarship. Every November, a special event is held. One performer is chosen to receive the award. The winner gets a year of free classes in dance, drama, and music at NLPAC.

Charlotte Coleman's Roles

Film Roles

• Bodywork (2001) ... Tiffany Shades
• A Loving Act (2001) ... Det. Jane Thompson
• Beautiful People (1999) ... Portia Thornton
• Faeries (1999) ... voice of Merrivale
• If Only... (1998) ... Alison Hayes
• Sweet Revenge (1998) ... Norma
• Different for Girls (1996) ... Alison
• The Young Poisoner's Handbook (1995) ... Winnie
• Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) ... Scarlett
• Map of the Human Heart (1993) ... Julie
• Bearskin: An Urban Fairytale (1989) ... Kate

Television Roles

• Double Act ... Miss Debenham; June 2, 2002, Channel 4
• McCready and Daughter ... Shelley Bennett in "No Bed of Roses" (1.5); BBC
• How Do You Want Me? ... Lisa Lyons; February 24, 1998 – December 22, 1999, BBC
• Wycliffe ... Laura Kessell in "Bad Blood" (4.6); August 3, 1997, ITV
• Oliver's Travels ... Cathy; 1995, BBC Wales
• The Vacillations of Poppy Carew ... Mary; March 5, 1995
• Olly's Prison ... Sheila; May 1993, BBC
• The Comic Strip Presents... ... Patsy in "Gregory: Diary of a Nutcase"; May 13, 1993
• The Bill ... Sharon Palmer in "Happy Families" (8.93); November 19, 1992, ITV
• Inspector Morse ... Jessica White in "Happy Families" (6.2); March 11, 1992, ITV
• Freddie and Max ... Freddie Latham; November 12 – December 18, 1990
• Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit ... Jess; January 10–24, 1990
• Inappropriate Behaviour ... Helen Bardsley; March 8, 1987, BBC Two
• The Insurance Man ... Seamstress; February 22, 1986, BBC
• Danger: Marmalade at Work ... Marmalade Atkins; February 20 – April 30, 1984, Thames Television for ITV
• Educating Marmalade ... Marmalade Atkins; October 25, 1982 – January 3, 1983, Thames Television for ITV
• Marmalade Atkins in Space ... Marmalade Atkins; November 2, 1981, Thames Television for ITV
• Worzel Gummidge ... Sue Peters; February 25, 1979 – October 31, 1981, Southern Television for ITV

See also

In Spanish: Charlotte Coleman para niños