Life in the Spotlight: A Tribute to Actress Wendy Richard MBE (1943 - 2009)

Earlier this year, the nation mourned one of Britain’s favourite actresses. Now is the time to remember why she became so loved by the viewing public.

Born Wendy Emmerton on 20th July 1943 in Middlesborough, she was the daughter of publicans Beatrice and Henry. The family moved several times when she was very young, finally settling in London. Her childhood was idyllic until age eleven when she discovered her father’s body after he took his own life. Her mother then sent her to boarding school, after which she attended the Italia Conti Academy stage school in London. Even though she enjoyed her time at stage school, the only thing she disliked were the elocution lessons and she refused to let go of her strong cockney accent. This accent became Wendy’s trademark as an actress. She became Wendy Richard when she took up acting professionally.

Her first TV appearances included small roles in “Dads Army”, “Up Pompeii!” and “The Likely Lads”. She also played a regular character in the BBC’s 1960’s soap opera “The Newcomers”, and performed twice with the “Carry On” team in “Carry On Matron” and “Carry On Girls”. In 1962, she featured on the no. 1 single “Come Outside” by Mike Sarne. She also appeared in the Beatles film “Help”, although was very disappointed when her only scene ended up on the cutting room floor.

However, she will be best known for two completely contrasting roles. Firstly as Miss Shirley Brahms in “Are You Being Served” which ran for 12 years, from 1972 to 1984. Wendy Richard’s character was that of a cheeky confident cockney, whilst both feisty and flirtatious, she was also quite naïve in some respects. In this role, Wendy Richard became a household name, and her character was much loved. Wendy also reprised the role in the sequel “Grace and Favour” in 1992 and 1993.

Wendy Richard as Miss Brahms in "Are You Being Served?"

“Are You Being Served” was followed soon afterwards by her portrayal of the downtrodden Pauline Fowler in “Eastenders”. She played this role for almost 22 years, from the very first episode in 1985 until she made the decision to leave the programme. Pauline famously died in Albert Square on Christmas Day 2006.

Wendy Richard as Pauline Fowler in "Eastenders"

As Pauline Fowler in “Eastenders”, Wendy Richard was at the heart of many of the programme’s most dramatic storylines. Notable examples of this being dealing with her husband’s nervous breakdown and later his affair, her daughter’s teenage pregnancy and also her son contracting the HIV virus.

Wendy Richard was a natural actress, and won much acclaim for her work. She was presented with the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2000. Also in 2007 she won the award for Lifetime Achievement at the British Soap Award Ceremony.

Wendy Richard with husband John Burns

Wendy married and divorced three times before finally finding happiness with John Burns, who was twenty years her junior. They lived together for twelve years before marrying on 10th October 2008.

In 1996 Wendy Richard was diagnosed with breast cancer, and although she recovered, it returned in 2002. Even though she managed to beat this a second time, the cancer returned in a more aggressive form in October 2008. Tragically this time she was unable to fight it again, and she died on the morning of 26th February 2009 at the Harley Street Clinic in London.

Wendy will be much missed for her talent and wit, along with her sense of humour, which she retained until the end.