Gladys Henson facts for kids
Gladys Henson (born September 27, 1897 – died December 21, 1982) was a talented Irish actress. Her acting career was very long, lasting from 1932 to 1976. She performed in many different ways, including on stage in plays, on the radio, in movies, and on television shows. Two of her most well-known movies were The History of Mr. Polly (1949) and The Blue Lamp (1950).
Life and Career
Early Life and Start in Acting
Gladys Henson was born Gladys Hilda Barbara Kate Gunn in Dublin, Ireland. Her birthday was September 27, 1897. Her father, John Gunn, was the director of the famous Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. This meant she grew up around the world of theater.
In 1926, she married an English actor named Leslie Henson. Gladys began her acting career on stage. In 1932, she appeared in a brand new play called Design for Living by the famous writer Noël Coward. This play was shown on Broadway in New York City. She also performed in other plays in London and on Broadway, including another of Coward's plays, Set to Music (1939).
Becoming a Film Star
After her marriage ended, Gladys Henson started acting in many popular movies, especially after World War II. She often acted alongside an actor named Jack Warner. In two movies, Train of Events and The Blue Lamp, she played his character's wife.
One of her most famous scenes is from The Blue Lamp. In this movie, her character finds out her husband has died. People have said her acting in this scene was amazing because she showed deep sadness in a very quiet and real way. It was powerful without being overly dramatic.
Gladys Henson continued acting for many years. She passed away in London on December 21, 1982, when she was 85 years old.
A Look at Her Films
Gladys Henson appeared in many films and television shows throughout her long career. Here are some of her notable works:
- The Demi-Paradise (1943)
- The Captive Heart (1946)
- It Always Rains on Sunday (1947)
- The History of Mr. Polly (1949)
- The Blue Lamp (1950)
- The Happiest Days of Your Life (1950)
- The Magnet (1950)
- Happy Go Lovely (1951)
- I Believe in You (1952)
- The Cockleshell Heroes (1955)
- Doctor at Large (1957)
- The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)
- A Night to Remember (1958)
- The Trials of Oscar Wilde (1960)
- The Leather Boys (1964)
- First Men in the Moon (1964)
- The Newcomers (1965-1969, TV Series)
- Follow Me! (1972)
