Una Stubbs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Una Stubbs
Una Stubbs in 2015, while filming Sherlock
Born	(1937-05-01)1 May 1937 Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England
Died	12 August 2021(2021-08-12) (aged 84) Edinburgh, Scotland
Occupation	Actress, dancer, TV presenter
Years active	1956–2017
Spouse(s)	Peter Gilmore ​ ​ (m. 1958; div. 1969)​ Nicky Henson ​ ​ (m. 1969; div. 1975)​
Children	3; including Christian Henson
Relatives	Ebenezer Howard (great-grandfather) Geoffrey Howard (uncle)

Una Stubbs (born May 1, 1937 – died August 12, 2021) was a famous British actress, dancer, and TV personality. She appeared in many British TV shows, plays, and some movies. Una became well-known after starring in the film Summer Holiday in 1963.

She also played Rita Rawlins in the BBC comedy shows Till Death Us Do Part (1965–1975) and In Sickness and in Health (1985–1992). Kids might remember her as Aunt Sally in Worzel Gummidge (1979–1981). She was also Miss Bat in The Worst Witch (1998–2001). Later, she became famous for playing Sherlock Holmes's kind landlady, Mrs. Hudson, in the award-winning TV series Sherlock (2010–2017).

Una Stubbs' Acting Journey

Una Stubbs started her career as a dancer when she was just 16 years old. In 1953, she danced in a musical show called "Pardon My French" in London. She first appeared on TV in 1956 as one of the Dougie Squires Dancers on a music show called Cool for Cats. She also performed as a dancer at the famous London Palladium.

Early Roles and Big Breaks

From 1958 to 1959, Una was the "cover girl" for Dairy Box chocolates. She even called herself the "Rowntree's Chocolate Girl." Her first movie role was in the Cliff Richard film Summer Holiday in 1963. She also appeared in his next film, Wonderful Life.

Soon after, she became very popular in TV comedy. She played Rita, the married daughter of Alf Garnett, in the BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part (1966–1975). She played Rita again in later shows like Till Death... (1981) and In Sickness and in Health (1985–1992).

Popular TV Shows and Characters

Una Stubbs was in many well-loved British TV shows. In 1979, she appeared in an episode of the classic comedy Fawlty Towers called "The Anniversary".

From 1979 to 1981, she played Aunt Sally in the children's TV series Worzel Gummidge. She starred alongside Jon Pertwee and Barbara Windsor. For several years in the 1980s, she was a team captain on the game show Give Us a Clue.

She also had roles in popular shows like Midsomer Murders, Heartbeat, Casualty, and Keeping Up Appearances. From 1998 to 2001, she played Miss Bat in The Worst Witch.

Becoming Mrs. Hudson in Sherlock

One of her most famous roles later in her career was playing Mrs. Hudson, the landlady of Sherlock Holmes, in the hit series Sherlock (2010–2017). She appeared in all 13 episodes of the show. Interestingly, Una had known her Sherlock co-star Benedict Cumberbatch since he was four years old. This was because she had worked with his mother, Wanda Ventham.

In 2015, she also helped present The Big Painting Challenge on BBC One.

Una Stubbs' Life Story

Una Stubbs was born in 1937 in Welwyn Garden City, England. Her parents were Angela K. Rawlinson and Clarence Reginald Stubbs. She grew up in Hinckley, Leicestershire. Her mother sent her to a dancing school in Slough.

Family Life

Una was married twice. Her first husband was the actor Peter Gilmore, from 1958 to 1969. They adopted a son named Jason. After they divorced, she married actor Nicky Henson in 1969. They divorced in 1975 but remained good friends. Una and Nicky had two sons: Christian Henson, who is a composer, and Joe Henson, who is a musician and composer.

Hidden Talents and Family History

For many years, Una Stubbs enjoyed sketching pictures of people around London. She even held art exhibitions near her home. Her paintings were shown at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition several times.

In 2013, Una was featured on the BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?. This show helps people discover their family history. She learned that her great-grandfather was Sir Ebenezer Howard. He was famous for starting the garden city movement. He helped design and create the first garden cities, Letchworth Garden City and Welwyn Garden City.

Una Stubbs passed away at her home in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 12, 2021, at the age of 84, after being unwell for several months.

Una Stubbs' Film and TV Roles

Una Stubbs had a long and successful career in both films and television. Here are some of her notable appearances:

Film Roles

Television Roles