Ida Shepley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ida Shepley
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publicity shot
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| Born |
Ida Mary Humphrey
9 December 1908 |
| Died | 12 March 1975 (aged 66) Sydenham
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| Nationality | United Kingdom |
| Occupation | singer and actor |
| Employer | BBC |
| Spouse(s) | Charles Frederick Skilbeck Smith |
Ida Shepley, whose birth name was Ida Mary Humphrey, was a talented British actress and singer. She was born on December 9, 1908, and passed away on March 12, 1975. Ida started her career as a singer, working with the famous BBC. Later, she became an actress, performing on stage in London and appearing on television.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Ida Shepley was born in Nantwich in 1908. Her father was Clement Humphrey, who was a herbalist from the Caribbean. Her mother was Gladys May Worthington. Ida also had a younger brother, born in 1912.
In 1919, Ida's mother married John Henry Elvin Shepley. The entire family then decided to use the new last name, Shepley. Ida kept this name for her acting career. She continued to use it even after she married Charles Frederick Skilbeck Smith.
Singing Career and BBC Work
Ida Shepley was known for her amazing singing voice. In 1937, her singing skills were noticed by the BBC. The next year, she worked on a show called Mississippi Nights.
She sang live with Elisabeth Welch on a BBC Radio show called Brief Interlude. The following year, she appeared on the BBC's Band Waggon. Ida sang regularly for the BBC, sharing her talent with many listeners.
Becoming an Actress
Ida's friendship with Amanda Aldridge helped her career grow. Amanda Aldridge was a coach for actors like Paul Robeson. With Amanda's help, Ida was able to start acting.
Ida used to describe herself as "The bronze girl with the golden voice." Now, she added acting to her talents.
Stage and Television Roles
In 1944, Ida Shepley performed in a play by Eugene O'Neill. The play was called All God's Chillun Got Wings. It had an "all coloured cast" and was shown at the Repertory Theatre in Colchester. Other actors in the play included Earl Cameron and Robert Adams. The play was so popular that it ran for a second week.
In 1946, Ida was in another production of All God's Chillun Got Wings. This time, it was for the Unity Theatre. That same year, the BBC started its television service again. Ida appeared in a show called Black, Brown or Beige.
When the musical Flower Drum Song came to London's West End, Ida Shepley was cast in a role. She played the Chinese character, Madame Liang.
Ida also played many small parts on television. She appeared three times in ITV Play of the Week. She was also in BBC's Sunday Night Theatre twice. In 1959, she was in a television version of All God's Chillun Got Wings. This version was directed by Joan Kemp-Welch. It also featured actors like Lloyd Reckord and Connie Smith.
Ida Shepley passed away in Bromley, Kent, in 1975.
