Beryl Reid

Beryl Reid was born on 17th June, 1920 in Hereford and grew up in Manchester. At the age of 16 she left home and got a job in a shop. She soon managed to get a part in a review in Bridlington, during the summer season.

She joined the National Theatre, London as a comedy actress and made her name in BBC radio's 'Educating Archie'. She became famous with her 'Brummie' Marlene character. She appeared in a few films, the most famous being 'The Killing of Sister George' in 1968.

Beryl is also remembered for some of her TV roles such as in the 'The Beiderbecke Tapes' in 1987. She married twice and was presented with an OBE in 1986. She was dyslexic and always found it hard to learn her lines.

Beryl lived in Honeypot Cottage, on the banks of the Thames in Berkshire and had a number of stray cats. She died of pneumonia on 13th October, 1996.