In Memoriam: Glenda Jackson
Legend of the stage and screen and pillar of Masterpiece Glenda Jackson passed away this week at the age of 87. Jackson’s multifaceted career led her not only to the stage and screen but also to the UK Parliament. Jackson was a rare recipient of acting’s triple crown (multiple Academy and Emmy Awards, plus a Tony) and was appointed CBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1978.
According to a statement from her agent, Lionel Larner, Jackson “died peacefully at her home in London this morning after a short illness with her family by her side,” He added, “Today we lost one of the world’s greatest actresses, and I have lost a best friend of over 50 years.”
Born in 1936, Jackson grew up in a working-class family and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art on a scholarship. After a number of small theater roles and odd jobs, Jackson joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1964 and made waves overseas when one of its plays transferred to Broadway in 1967. Having conquered the stage, she turned to the screen. Her first major film was Women in Love (1969), which earned her her first Academy Award.
