Joan Sims facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joan Sims
Sims in 1957
Born	Irene Joan Marion Sims (1930-05-09)9 May 1930 Laindon, Essex, England
Died	27 June 2001(2001-06-27) (aged 71) Chelsea, London, England
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1950–2000
Known for	Carry On Till Death Us Do Part Sykes As Time Goes By On the Up

Irene Joan Marion Sims (born May 9, 1930 – died June 27, 2001) was a much-loved English actress. She is best known for her funny roles in the Carry On movies. She appeared in 24 of these films, which is more than any other actress!

On television, Joan Sims played many memorable characters. She was Gran in Till Death Us Do Part (1967–1975) and Madge Kettlewell in Sykes (1972–1978). She also appeared as Mrs Bloomsbury-Barton in Worzel Gummidge (1979-1981) and Mrs Wembley in On the Up (1990–1992). Later, she played Madge Hardcastle in As Time Goes By (1994–1998).

Early Life and Acting Dreams

Joan Sims was born on May 9, 1930. She was the only child of John Henry Sims, who was a station master, and Gladys Marie Sims. Joan's interest in acting started when she was young. She lived at the railway station and often put on shows for people waiting for trains!

As a teenager, she decided she wanted to be an actress. She started appearing in many local amateur plays. In 1946, Joan tried to get into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), a famous acting school. Her first try wasn't successful, but she didn't give up! After trying four times, she was finally accepted and trained at RADA. She graduated in 1950 when she was 19 years old.

Joan Sims' Acting Career

First Roles in Films

Joan Sims started her film career in 1953 with a movie called Will Any Gentleman...?. Soon after, she appeared in Trouble in Store. In 1954, she was in The Belles of St. Trinian's and Doctor in the House. She became a regular in the Doctor film series, which helped her get noticed by film producer Peter Rogers.

Starring in Carry On Films

In 1958, Joan Sims received a script for a new film called Carry On Nurse. The first Carry On film, Carry On Sergeant, had been very popular. So, the creators decided to make more.

Joan Sims quickly became a main actress in the Carry On series. She starred in Carry On Nurse, Carry On Teacher, Carry On Constable, and Carry On Regardless. These films made her a well-known Carry On performer. She continued to appear in many Carry On movies, including Carry On Cleo, Carry On Camping, and Carry On Screaming!.

Later Television Work

After the Carry On series ended in 1978, Joan Sims continued to work a lot on television. She appeared with famous actors like Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier in the TV film Love Among the Ruins in 1975.

From 1979 to 1980, she played Mrs Bloomsbury-Barton in the TV show Worzel Gummidge. She also had a role in the science fiction series Doctor Who in 1986. In 1989, she appeared in a music video for the song "Ouija Board, Ouija Board" by Morrissey.

Later, she played Mrs Wembley in the BBC comedy series On the Up from 1990 to 1992. From 1994 to 1998, she was Madge Hardcastle in the popular show As Time Goes By.

Music Career

Joan Sims also tried her hand at music in the 1960s. She released a few songs, like "Hurry Up Gran" and "Spring Song." These songs were produced by George Martin, who also worked with The Beatles! However, her songs didn't become big hits. Today, some of her songs can be found on comedy music albums.

Personal Life

Joan Sims never married. She was a very dedicated daughter to her parents. She had a few relationships throughout her life, but none of them led to marriage. She once said, "I never married because the right person never came along."

Death

Joan Sims passed away on June 27, 2001. She had been in the hospital since November 2000. Her lifelong friend, Norah Holland, said that Joan showed great strength during her illness. Joan Sims was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at Putney Vale Crematorium.

A book about her life, called Too Happy A Face, was published in 2014.

Selected Filmography

Images for kids

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  A blue plaque in London marks where Joan Sims lived.

See also

In Spanish: Joan Sims para niños