Phyllida Law facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phyllida Law
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Law at the Nanny McPhee London premiere in 2005
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| Born |
Phyllida Ann Law
8 May 1932 Glasgow, Scotland
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1958–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Eric Thompson
(m. 1957; died 1982) |
| Children | Emma Thompson Sophie Thompson |
| Honours | Honorary degree, Glasgow Caledonian University |
Phyllida Ann Law (born 8 May 1932) is a Scottish actress. She has appeared in many movies and TV shows. She is known for her roles in films like Much Ado About Nothing and The Winter Guest.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Phyllida Law was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on May 8, 1932. Her mother, Meg, worked in a dress shop. Her father, William Law, was a journalist. He worked for the Glasgow Herald.
When World War II started in September 1939, Phyllida and her brother, James, were sent to live with family friends outside Glasgow. This was for their safety. She went to different local schools during this time.
At age 13, she went to Badminton School in Bristol as a boarder. After leaving school at 17, she first tried university to study French. But she didn't like it and left.
Then, she tried out for the Bristol Old Vic School. She wanted to become a stage designer. But by chance, she found out she loved acting instead!
Family Life
Phyllida Law was married to actor Eric Thompson. They got married in 1957. Eric Thompson passed away in 1982.
Their two daughters, Emma Thompson and Sophie Thompson, are also famous actresses. It's a family of talented performers!
Acting Career Highlights
Phyllida Law has had a long and busy career in acting. She has worked a lot in television. Some of her early TV appearances include Dixon of Dock Green and Rumpole of the Bailey. She also appeared in a 1972 TV show called The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club.
Film Roles
Phyllida Law has acted in many movies. In 1992, she was in Peter's Friends. A year later, in 1993, she played Ursula in Much Ado About Nothing. Her daughter, Emma Thompson, also starred in that movie.
In 1997, she appeared in The Winter Guest. Again, she acted alongside her daughter, Emma. She also had roles in films like Saving Grace (2000) and Nanny McPhee (2005), where she voiced Mrs Partridge.
In 2012, she starred with John Hurt in a short film called Love at First Sight. This film was even considered for an Oscar award!
Television Appearances
Phyllida Law has been a guest star in many popular TV shows. In 2004, she was in an episode of Rosemary & Thyme.
In 2007, she appeared in two spin-off shows from Doctor Who. She played Bea Nelson-Stanley in The Sarah Jane Adventures. She also voiced Beldonia in an audio drama called Doctor Who: The Bride of Peladon.
From 2007 to 2009, she played Aunt Auriel in the drama series Kingdom, which starred Stephen Fry. In 2008, she was a guest star in Foyle's War.
Published Work
In November 2009, Phyllida Law wrote her first book. It's called Notes to my Mother-In-Law. The book is about the 17 years her mother-in-law lived with her family.
Awards and Honours
Phyllida Law has received special recognition for her work.
In 2013, she was given an Honorary Doctorate from Glasgow Caledonian University. She also received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II appointed her an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This honour was given for her services to drama and her charity work.
Selected Filmography
Phyllida Law has been in many films. Here are some of them:
- 1968 – Otley as Jean
- 1973 – Hitler: The Last Ten Days as Fräulein Manzialy
- 1992 – Peter's Friends as Vera
- 1993 – Much Ado About Nothing as Ursula
- 1996 – Emma as Mrs Bates
- 1997 – The Winter Guest as Elspeth
- 2000 – Saving Grace as Margaret Sutton
- 2002 – The Time Machine as Mrs. Watchit
- 2005 – Nanny McPhee as Mrs Partridge (Voice)
- 2010 – Love at First Sight as Ruth (Short film)
- 2011 – Albert Nobbs as Mrs. Cavendish
- 2014 – A Little Chaos as Suzanne
Selected Television Roles
Here are some of the TV shows Phyllida Law has appeared in:
- 1960 – ITV Television Playhouse
- 1964 – Play School
- 1972 – The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club
- 1987 – Rumpole of the Bailey
- 1994 – Taggart
- 1999 – Midsomer Murders
- 2004 – Rosemary & Thyme
- 2007 – The Sarah Jane Adventures
- 2007–2009 – Kingdom as Aunt Auriel
- 2008 – Foyle's War
- 2010 – Doc Martin
- 2013 – New Tricks
See also
In Spanish: Phyllida Law para niños
