Yootha Joyce facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yootha Joyce
Joyce on the sleeve of "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" by The Smiths, 1986
Born	Yootha Joyce Needham (1927-08-20)20 August 1927 Wandsworth, London, England
Died	24 August 1980(1980-08-24) (aged 53) Marylebone, London, England
Alma mater	Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Occupation	Actress
Spouse(s)	Glynn Edwards ​ ​ (m. 1956; div. 1969)​

Yootha Joyce Needham (born August 20, 1927 – died August 24, 1980), known as Yootha Joyce, was an English actress. She was most famous for playing Mildred Roper. She starred alongside Brian Murphy in the TV show Man About the House (1973–1976). Later, they continued their roles in the spin-off show George and Mildred (1976–1979).

Early Life and Education

Yootha Joyce Needham was born in Wandsworth, London. She was the only child of musical parents. Her father, Percival "Hurst" Needham, was a singer. Her mother, Jessie Maud, was a concert pianist. Yootha was named after a dancer her father knew. She later said she really disliked her first name.

The family lived in a basement flat in Wandsworth. Yootha often stayed with her grandmother while her parents were touring. When the Second World War started, Yootha was sent away for safety. She went to Petersfield, Hampshire, and attended Petersfield County High School for Girls. Even though she said she "hated" her time there, she and other girls used a local church hall for acting, dancing, and singing.

In 1941, Yootha returned to London. Her family lived in Croydon. She finished her schooling at Croydon High School. Her family did not really want her to become an actress. They said she wasn't good at singing or playing piano. But Yootha was inspired by her performances in Petersfield. She decided to become a "straight dramatic actress."

Despite her parents' doubts, Yootha got into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). She started there in September 1944. Her first role was playing Lydia Bennet in a play called Pride and Prejudice. Even though her director once said she had "nothing to offer," Yootha kept going. She worked as an assistant stage manager. She also joined a repertory company, which is a group of actors who perform many different plays. She starred in plays like Escape Me Never. In 1945, she started using "Yootha Joyce" as her stage name. She left RADA in early 1946.

Acting Career

After leaving RADA, Yootha Joyce toured the UK. She worked with many different repertory theatre groups. She received many good reviews for her acting. In 1955, she joined a new group at the King's Theatre in Gainsborough. The producer, Glynn Edwards, hired her. They became good friends and later fell in love. A theatre director named Joan Littlewood saw Yootha perform. She was so impressed that she asked Glynn Edwards to join her Theatre Workshop.

By 1956, Yootha and Glynn lived together in Hampstead. Joan Littlewood was looking for more actresses. Glynn suggested Yootha. She joined the Theatre Workshop. Other famous actors like Barbara Windsor and Brian Murphy were also part of this group. Yootha married Glynn Edwards on December 8, 1956. Yootha often told Glynn that she was afraid of not having work.

Yootha appeared in many of Littlewood's plays. She first became well-known in Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be. In 1962, Yootha made her first TV appearance. It was in an episode of Brothers in Law. She also made her first film in 1963, called Sparrows Can't Sing. Yootha and Glynn divorced in 1969, but they stayed close friends.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Yootha Joyce was seen in many TV shows and films. She often played supporting roles. Her first regular role was Miss Argyll in Me Mammy (1968–71). She also had a small but memorable role in the film The Pumpkin Eater (1964). She played a housekeeper in Our Mother's House (1967). Yootha also appeared in the Hammer Horror film Fanatic (1965). She was good at playing villains. She used this talent in TV shows like The Saint and The Avengers.

Her comedy skills were also used in shows like Steptoe and Son and On the Buses. She appeared in films such as Catch Us If You Can (1965) and A Man for All Seasons (1966). She also appeared in TV spin-off films. These included Nearest and Dearest (1972) and Steptoe and Son Ride Again (1973). She was also in the first episode of Open All Hours (1973).

Playing Mildred Roper

In 1973, Yootha Joyce got a main role. She was cast as Mildred Roper in the sitcom Man About the House. Mildred was the wife of landlord George. The show was about two young women and a young man sharing the flat above the Ropers. Richard O'Sullivan, Paula Wilcox, Sally Thomsett, and Brian Murphy also starred. This show ran until 1976.

When Man About the House ended, a new show was made just for the Ropers. It was called George and Mildred. It first aired in 1976. The couple moved from their old London house to a new home in Hampton Wick. The new show often focused on Mildred wanting to improve her life. But her plans were usually stopped by George, who just wanted a quiet life.

Later Years and Passing

A film version of George and Mildred (1980) was Yootha's last work. She was admitted to hospital in the summer of 1980. Yootha Joyce passed away in hospital on August 24, 1980. This was four days after her 53rd birthday. Her co-star and good friend Brian Murphy was with her. Yootha's funeral took place on September 3, 1980.

Yootha appeared on TV one last time after her passing. She sang a song with Max Bygraves on his show Max. The episode aired on January 14, 1981.

Legacy and Tributes

In 1986, the band The Smiths used a picture of Yootha Joyce. It was on the cover of their single "Ask". It was also on the German release of "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others". This made her part of their famous album artwork.

In October 2001, a special TV show was broadcast. It was called The Unforgettable Yootha Joyce. It was a tribute to her. Glynn Edwards and many of her co-stars and friends shared their memories of Yootha.

In 2014, a biography about her was written by Paul Curran. It was called Dear Yootha... The Life of Yootha Joyce. People who knew and worked with her helped with the book. Curran also released other books about her life. In 2019, a play about Yootha's life was performed. It was called Testament of Yootha.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles