Two time Oscar winning actress Glenda Jackson, has died aged 87.
Jackson made her mark as an actress in the 1970s, landing two Academy Awards for her roles in Women In Love (1969), and A Touch Of Class (1973).
She also starred BBC drama Elizabeth R as Queen Elizabeth I.
In 1992, Jackson left the world of acting to pursue a career in politics, having joined the House of Commons as a Labour MP in North London until 2015.
She later returned to acting, where she won a BAFTA Award for her role in TV drama Elizabeth Is Missing in 2020.
Glenda Jackson's death was confirmed by her agent Lionel Larner, who released this statement.
“Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side", he wrote.
“She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine".
British politicians and TV stars paid tributes in their droves to Glenda Jackson on social media.
TV presenter Carol Vorderman stated Jackson made a huge impression on her, and other women looking to make a name for themselves.
“A part of my growing up years… Watching the Oscar winning actress Glenda Jackson be her extraordinary self. And then to see this unique woman turn into a firebrand in politics was deeply impressive for young girls like me. May she Rest In Peace", Vorderman wrote.
A part of my growing up years...
Watching the Oscar winning actress Glenda Jackson be her extraordinary self.
And then to see this unique woman turn into a firebrand in politics was deeply impressive for young girls like me.
May she Rest In Peace 🙏🏼 https://t.co/i3eO9E53Ef— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) June 15, 2023
Referring to a moment from Morcambe & Wise, comedian David Baddiel also added, “I know she achieved extraordinary heights in many fields, but the thing I will always love Glenda Jackson for is unironically saying in a radio interview that she felt the height of her acting career was performing with Morecambe And Wise".
I know she achieved extraordinary heights in many fields, but the thing I will always love Glenda Jackson for is unironically saying in a radio interview that she felt the height of her acting career was performing with Morecambe And Wise. pic.twitter.com/LWPdEn32lF
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) June 15, 2023
Along with TV stars, several political figures paid their respects to Glenda Jackson.
“Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda", wrote Tulip Siddiq who sits in Jackson's former seat.
Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda. pic.twitter.com/X7JzgrzLDR
— Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) June 15, 2023
Former Labour MP Diane Abbott also added, “Very sad to hear of the death of Glenda Jackson. I served alongside her in Parliament for many years. She was a kind and extremely principled woman".
Labour MP Chris Bryant also wrote, “Really saddened to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. She was a great actor and I loved campaigning for her in Hampstead and Highgate. My thoughts are with her son Dan".
Allistair Campbell who served under Tony Blair's goverment also paid tribute to Jackson.
“Sad to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. One of the finest actresses of our lifetime, our local MP and for a time minister in TB government. I sometimes felt she found the transition to politics harder than she expected. But a great life well lived", Campbell tweeted.
Sad to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. One of the finest actresses of our lifetime, our local MP and for a time minister in TB government. I sometimes felt she found the transition to politics harder than she expected. But a great life well lived 1/2
— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) June 15, 2023
Earlier this week, tributes were also paid to the last Aslan singer Christy Dignam, including from Irish singer Imelda May. More on this here.
