June Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
June Spencer
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Spencer in 2009
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| Born |
June Rosalind Spencer
14 June 1919 Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England
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| Died | 8 November 2024 (aged 105) Leatherhead, Surrey, England
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1943–2022 |
| Known for | The Archers (1950–1953, 1956–1958 and 1961–2022) |
| Spouse(s) |
Roger Brocksom
(m. 1942; died 2001) |
| Children | 2 |
June Rosalind Spencer, CBE (born June 14, 1919 – died November 8, 2024) was an English actress. She was most famous for playing Peggy Woolley in the BBC Radio 4 show The Archers. June played this character for a very long time, from 1950 to 1953, and then again from 1962 until 2022.
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Early Life and Learning
June Spencer was born in Sherwood, Nottingham, England. She was the only child of William and Rosalind Spencer. June had her very first acting role when she was only three years old!
She went to Mountford House preparatory school. Later, she attended Nottingham Girls' High School. June left school at 15 to help take care of her mother.
After school, she joined a local acting group. This helped her earn a certificate from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. She also studied music at Stockwin Music College from the age of 12.
Her Acting Career
June's first job was as a governess at a private school. This job helped her pay for more drama lessons. These lessons led to her performing at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham.
June also wrote her own short plays and funny stories. She wrote material for radio shows too. During the Second World War, she worked in the Nottingham City treasurer's office. After the war, she joined a theatre company. Then, she started working for BBC Radio. She appeared on shows like Children's Hour and Dick Barton: Special Agent.
Playing Peggy in The Archers
In 1950, June Spencer joined the cast of The Archers. This was a new radio show. She played the character of Peggy Woolley. Peggy was also known as Peggy Perkins and Peggy Archer.
June played Peggy from the very first episode in 1950. She continued in the role until 1953. At that time, she left the show to focus on her family. Another actress, Thelma Rogers, then took over the role of Peggy.
June later returned to The Archers twice. She played a different character named Rita Flynn. She played Rita from 1956 to 1958, and again in 1961.
In 1962, Thelma Rogers left The Archers. So, June Spencer returned to play Peggy again! She continued playing Peggy until July 31, 2022. This means she played the character for over 70 years!
Other Roles and Retirement
Besides The Archers, June also appeared on television. She was on the show Songs of Praise. She also acted in the drama series Doctors.
June retired from The Archers on August 8, 2022. She was 103 years old at the time! Her former co-star, Graham Seed, praised her. He said she had "remarkable strength and resilience."
Personal Life
In 1942, June Spencer married Roger Brocksom. They had met on holiday when they were both 17 years old. June and Roger adopted two children. Their son was named David, and their daughter was named Ros. Roger passed away in 2001.
Desert Island Discs
On February 28, 2010, June was a guest on the radio show Desert Island Discs. On this show, guests choose music, a book, and a luxury item they would take to a desert island.
June chose the "Hallelujah Chorus" and Fred Astaire's "Cheek to Cheek" as some of her music. Her favorite song was John Williams playing Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez. For her book, she chose Three Men in a Boat. Her luxury item was a Scrabble board.
June also wrote a book about her life. It was called The Road to Ambridge: My Life, Peggy and the Archers. It was published in 2010.
June Spencer lived a very long life. She turned 100 years old on June 14, 2019. She passed away on November 8, 2024, at the age of 105.
Awards and Recognition
June Spencer received many honors for her work.
- On July 12, 2012, the University of Nottingham gave her an honorary degree. She became a Doctor of Letters for her great work in broadcasting.
- In 2014, she won a Lifetime Achievement award. This was at the BBC Audio Drama Awards.
- She was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1991.
- In 2017, she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). These awards were for her services to drama and charity.
