Ruth Madoc facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ruth Madoc
Madoc as Gladys Pugh in Hi-de-Hi!
Born	Margaret Ruth Llewellyn Baker (1943-04-16)16 April 1943 Norwich, Norfolk, England
Died	9 December 2022(2022-12-09) (aged 79) Torquay, Devon, England
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1959–2022
Spouse(s)	Philip Madoc ​ ​ (m. 1961; div. 1981)​ John Jackson ​ ​ (m. 1982; died 2021)​
Children	2

Ruth Madoc (born Margaret Ruth Llewellyn Baker; 16 April 1943 – 9 December 2022) was a British actress. She had a long career in plays, films, and TV shows for over 60 years. She was best known for playing Gladys Pugh in the BBC TV comedy Hi-de-Hi! from 1980 to 1988. For this role, she was nominated for a BAFTA TV award.

Ruth Madoc's Early Life and Training

Ruth Madoc was born Margaret Ruth Llewellyn Baker on 16 April 1943 in Norwich, England. Her parents, George and Iris, worked in healthcare. Her father was an administrator, and her mother was a nurse. They helped people with severe learning difficulties.

Ruth spent much of her childhood with her Welsh grandmother, Etta Williams, and her English grandfather in Llansamlet, Swansea. Later, she trained to be an actress at the famous Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

Ruth Madoc's Acting Career Highlights

After finishing her training at RADA, Ruth Madoc started her acting career. She worked on a show called The Black and White Minstrel Show for three years.

Early Film and TV Roles

In 1971, Ruth played a character named Fruma Sarah in the movie version of the musical Fiddler on the Roof. The next year, in 1972, she appeared in the film Under Milk Wood as Mrs Dai Bread Two. She also did voice work for the Cadbury's Smash commercials in the 1970s, playing one of the alien voices.

Becoming Famous in Hi-de-Hi!

Ruth Madoc became very well known for her role as Gladys Pugh in the TV show Hi-de-Hi. This comedy was set in a fictional 1950s holiday camp called Maplins. Her character, Gladys, was the camp's sports organizer. She was known for her love for the entertainment manager, Professor Jeffrey Fairbrother. Gladys also made announcements over the camp's tannoy system, often with three special notes played on a mini xylophone.

Other TV Shows and Stage Work

Ruth Madoc appeared in many theatre plays, including the stage version of Under Milk Wood and the musical Annie. She also performed twice at the Royal Variety Performance, which is a special show for the British Royal Family.

In 2005, she played Daffyd Thomas's mother in the BBC comedy show Little Britain. She also appeared in other TV series like Big Top (2009), Doctors (2014, 2018), Benidorm (2015), Stella (2016), and Casualty (2016, 2019).

In 2019, she joined the cast of Calendar Girls The Musical for its autumn tour.

Ruth Madoc's Personal Life

Ruth Madoc was married twice. Her first husband was actor Philip Madoc. They had a son named Rhys and a daughter named Lowri. They were married for 20 years before divorcing in 1981.

In 1982, she married her second husband, John Jackson. They lived in Glynneath, Wales. They were married until John passed away in September 2021.

Ruth Madoc was given an honorary degree by Swansea University in July 2006. This is a special award that recognizes her achievements.

Ruth Madoc's Passing

In December 2022, Ruth Madoc was scheduled to perform in the pantomime Aladdin in Torquay. However, she had a fall and could not appear in the show. After surgery, Ruth Madoc sadly passed away the next day, on 9 December 2022, at the age of 79.

Ruth Madoc's Film and TV Appearances

Television Shows

Movies