Sheila Mercier facts for kids

Sheila Betty Mercier (born Rix; January 1, 1919 – December 4, 2019) was an English actress. She was famous for her roles on stage and television. Many people know her best for playing Annie Sugden in the TV show Emmerdale. She was on the show for over 20 years, starting from its first episode in 1972. She even returned for a guest appearance in 2009.

Early Life and Acting Start

Sheila Mercier was born in Kingston upon Hull, England. Her father was Herbert Rix, and her mother was Fanny. She was the third of their children. Her younger brother, Brian Rix, also became a famous actor.

Sheila went to school at the French Convent in Hull and then at Hunmanby Hall. She later studied acting at the Stratford-upon-Avon College of Drama.

A Career on Stage and Screen

Sheila Mercier had a long acting career before she became famous on TV.

Early Stage Work

In 1939, a talent scout named Donald Wolfit noticed her skills. She then toured with Wolfit's Shakespeare acting group. During World War II, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She served in the fighter command and became an adjutant.

After the war, she worked in many different plays. Critics often praised her performances. For example, in a play called The Enchanted Cottage, people said she was "outstanding." In another play, Hay Fever, she was called "superb" for her role as an emotional mother.

Working with Her Brother

From 1951 to 1972, Sheila worked with her brother, Brian Rix. They performed in many popular comedies called Whitehall farces. These plays were shown at the Whitehall Theatre in London. They also toured to other cities and were even shown on BBC Television.

Critics often said she was funny and quick in these shows. She also appeared in a TV series called Dial RIX in 1963. Her husband, Peter Mercier, was also in that show.

Starring in Emmerdale

In 1972, Sheila got the role she is most known for: Annie Sugden. Annie was a main character in a new British TV show called Emmerdale Farm. This show later became known simply as Emmerdale.

Sheila was a main cast member until 1994. She made a few guest appearances after that, like for her on-screen son Joe's funeral in 1995. A critic once wrote that Sheila's acting as Annie Sugden was always "convincing." Sheila returned to the show several times after her character retired in 1994.

Personal Life

In 1951, Sheila Mercier married fellow actor Peter Mercier. They were married for 42 years until Peter passed away in 1993. Their son, Nigel Mercier, also worked in TV. He was a videotape editor for BBC Television News and later for London Weekend Television.

In 1994, Sheila wrote a book about her life called Annie's Song: My Life & Emmerdale. Her nephew, Jamie Rix, is a well-known children's author. Sheila Mercier lived to be 100 years old. She passed away on December 4, 2019.

Filmography

Selected Filmography