Hattie Jacques

Best known for playing Matron - as in "ooh, Matron!" - in four films: _Carry on Nurse (1959)_ (qv), _Carry on Doctor (1967)_ (qv), _Carry on Again Doctor (1969)_ (qv) and, of course _Carry on Matron (1972)_ (qv). Key roles included: Grace Short in _Carry On Teacher (1959)_ (qv), Sophie Bliss in _Carry on Loving (1970)_ (qv) and Peggy Hawkins in _Carry on Cabby (1963)_ (qv). She was married to 'John Le Mesurier' (qv) (Sergeant Wilson in _Dad's Army (1968)_ (qv)), but left him for another man. They divorced but remained friends. An unexpectedly attractive woman in her time, she played parts which depended upon and mocked her weight. Only in _Carry on Cabby (1963)_ (qv) was she allowed to escape her dragon persona and play the romantic lead opposite 'Sidney James' (qv). She died prematurely at the age of 58 from a heart attack.::Joolz