Barbara Leigh-Hunt dies aged 88: Actress that starred in Pride and Prejudice and Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy passes way peacefully at home in Warwickshire

Barbara Leigh-Hunt dies aged 88: Actress that starred in Pride and Prejudice and Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy passes way peacefully at home in Warwickshire

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for the arts, I am deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Barbara Leigh-Hunt at the age of 88. Her brilliant career spanning over six decades has left an indelible mark on both the big and small screens, as well as the stage.


Iconic actress Barbara Leigh-Hunt has passed away aged 88.

The well-known British actress, recognized for portraying the tragic character Brenda in the classic film Frenzy directed by Alfred Hitchcock, passed away serenely on September 16 at her residence in Warwickshire, as stated by her family.

The winner of the Olivier Award is also famously known for portraying Lady Catherine de Bourgh in the 1995 television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, starring alongside Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

Some might even remember her playing the vice principal in the blockbuster Billy Elliott (2000).

For over several decades, she has captivated viewers on both large and small screens. Some of her notable roles include Henry VIII and His Six Wives (1972), Bequest to the Nation (1973), Oh Heavenly Dog directed by Joe Camp (1980), Paper Mask (1990), A Merry War (1997), Billy Elliot (2000), and Mira Nair’s Vanity Fair (2004).

Barbara Leigh-Hunt dies aged 88: Actress that starred in Pride and Prejudice and Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy passes way peacefully at home in Warwickshire

Barbara Leigh-Hunt dies aged 88: Actress that starred in Pride and Prejudice and Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy passes way peacefully at home in Warwickshire

Beyond just her outstanding professional journey, it’s important to note that Barbara has also devoted a significant portion of her life to the world of theater. Notably, she has been involved in Broadway performances of plays like Hamlet, Sherlock Holmes, and Justice.

1993 saw her awarded the Olivier Prize for Best Supporting Actress, recognizing her exceptional performance in the National Theatre’s staging of “An Inspector Calls.

She graduated in 1953 and was accoladed as the ‘most promising student’.

The renowned actress honed her skills at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and eventually became a member of the Old Vic company in London. In 1968, she achieved massive acclaim for her role in the West End play titled ‘Mrs Mouse Are You Within’.

After gracing the stage for the very first time in my theatrical debut of 1954, I embarked on a journey across the United States and Canada with the company, performing timeless classics like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night.

In 1956, she made her first television appearance on The Recording Angels, paving the way for numerous show appearances such as Callan in 1967, Special Branch in 1969, A Perfect Hero in 1991, and countless others.

Instead of saying “The actress’ first film debut was nevertheless than Hitchcock’s Frenzy (1972)”, you could rephrase it as “Her acting career started with a role other than that of Hitchcock’s Frenzy in 1972.

In the following year, she made an appearance with acting icons Glenda Jackson and Peter Finch in a joint feature for Bequest The Nation.

Barbara Leigh-Hunt dies aged 88: Actress that starred in Pride and Prejudice and Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy passes way peacefully at home in Warwickshire
Barbara Leigh-Hunt dies aged 88: Actress that starred in Pride and Prejudice and Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy passes way peacefully at home in Warwickshire
Barbara Leigh-Hunt dies aged 88: Actress that starred in Pride and Prejudice and Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy passes way peacefully at home in Warwickshire

Barbara, born in Bath on December 14, 1935, has been married to her late husband and popular television actor, Richard Pasco, since 1967. Unfortunately, Richard passed away in 2014.

The A Marry War sensation is also a long-time pal of Dame Judi Dench and her ex husband Michael Williams – as she was made godmother of the former couple’s daughter Finty Williams.

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2024-09-28 00:50

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