Pauline Yates facts for kids

Pauline Lettice Yates (born June 16, 1929 – died January 21, 2015) was a talented English actress. She was most famous for her role as Elizabeth Perrin in the funny BBC television show The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin. She also appeared in other popular shows like Bachelor Father and Keep It in the Family.

Pauline's Early Life and Acting Start

Pauline Yates was born in St Helens, Lancashire, England, on June 16, 1929. After finishing at Childwall Valley High School for Girls, she immediately started her acting journey. She joined the Oldham Rep theatre group. At just 17 years old, she made her first stage appearance. This was in a play based on Jane Eyre, where she played the character Grace Poole.

Becoming a TV Star

In 1957, Pauline got a role as Estelle Waterman in the TV show Emergency Ward 10. After this, she became a familiar face on British television. She also appeared in a few British films.

During the 1960s, she made guest appearances on many popular TV shows. These included Armchair Theatre, Dixon of Dock Green, Z-Cars, and Gideon's Way. She also worked with famous comedian Ronnie Barker. They appeared together in a radio comedy show called Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead in 1971.

In 1972, Pauline Yates starred in her very own TV series, Harriet's Back in Town. This show was made by Thames Television. Later, in 1975, she co-starred with Derek Nimmo in the sitcom My Honourable Mrs. In this show, she played Jane Prendergast, a housewife who becomes a politician, just like her husband.

Her Most Famous Role

Pauline Yates then landed her most well-known role. She was cast as Elizabeth Perrin in The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin. This popular comedy series ran from 1976 to 1979. She later returned to the role in the follow-up show, The Legacy of Reginald Perrin, in 1996.

Later Acting Roles

Pauline Yates was very good at playing funny characters. This skill was used again in the ITV sitcom Keep It in the Family. She played the wife of Dudley Rush, a quirky comic-strip artist. This show ran for five series from 1980 to 1982.

Stage Performances

Pauline also continued to act on stage. She performed in a play by Joe Orton called What the Butler Saw in Wales. In 1987, she played the main character in Alan Ayckbourn's play Woman in Mind. She also acted in a stage version of Jane Austen's famous novel, Pride and Prejudice, in 1985. In 1989, Pauline appeared in the play Talking to Angels in London.

Pauline's Family Life

Pauline Yates married actor and writer Donald Churchill in 1960. They had two daughters together, Jemma and Polly. The family lived in Primrose Hill, North London, for many years.

Sadly, Donald Churchill passed away in 1991. He died while filming his last episode of the TV show El C.I.D.. Pauline's daughter, Jemma Churchill, also became an actress. Her other daughter, Polly Churchill, was a writer. Polly passed away in 2018. Pauline Yates had three grandchildren.

Passing Away

Pauline Yates died in London on January 21, 2015. She was 85 years old.

Film and TV Appearances

Pauline Yates appeared in many films and television shows throughout her career. Here are some of them: