Mary Millar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary Millar
Millar as Rose in Series 5 of Keeping Up Appearances (1995)
Born	Irene Mary Wetton (1936-07-26)26 July 1936 Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died	10 November 1998(1998-11-10) (aged 62) Brockley, London, England
Occupation	Actress, singer
Years active	1952–1998
Spouse(s)	Rafael Frame ​ (m. 1962)​
Children	1

Mary Millar (born Irene Mary Wetton, 26 July 1936 – 10 November 1998) was a talented English actress and singer. Many people remember her best for playing the character Rose in the popular BBC TV show Keeping Up Appearances. She played Rose from 1991 to 1995.

Early Life and Beginnings

Mary Millar was born Irene Mary Wetton in Doncaster, England, on 26 July 1936. Her parents, Horace and Irene Wetton, were both singers who performed in music halls. Music halls were like variety shows with singing, dancing, and comedy.

Mary first thought about becoming a stable hand, working with horses. But she soon decided she wanted to be an actress and singer instead. She even toured around the country with her parents, who had a singing act called "Sweethearts in Harmony."

A Career on Stage and Screen

Mary Millar first appeared on television in 1953 when she was 17. The show was called Those Were the Days. She also appeared in other TV shows like The Dick Emery Show.

One of her most famous roles was playing Rose in the TV comedy Keeping Up Appearances. She took over the role from another actress, Shirley Stelfox, in 1991. Mary played Rose until the show ended in 1995.

In 1960, Mary traveled to New York. There, she was the understudy for the famous actress Julie Andrews in the musical Camelot. An understudy learns a role so they can perform if the main actor is sick.

Mary started her career in London's West End (the main theatre district) in 1962. She played Cloris in the musical Lock Up Your Daughters. In 1969, she had the main role in the musical Ann Veronica.

A very important part of her career was playing Madame Giry in Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous musical The Phantom of the Opera. She started this role in 1986 and played it for four years. You can even hear her voice on the original cast album of the show!

Later, from 1997 to 1998, Mary played Mrs. Potts in the London production of Beauty and the Beast. She also appeared on that show's cast album. Sadly, she had to leave the show in February 1998 because her health was getting worse.

Personal Life

Mary Millar was married to Rafael D. Frame in 1962. They had one daughter named Lucy, who was born in 1972. Mary was also a practicing Christian.

Later Years and Passing

In January 1998, Mary Millar was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She received chemotherapy treatment. She passed away on 10 November 1998, at the age of 62. She was in Brockley, London, with her husband and daughter by her side.

Mary was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium. Just three weeks before she died, someone asked her what she would do when she got to heaven. She replied, "Rehearse for a part in the Angelic choir, darling." The week after she passed away, an episode of Keeping Up Appearances was shown on BBC One and dedicated to her memory.

Works

Television Roles

Theatre Roles