Edith Evans (1888–1976,) fully Dame Edith Mary Evans, was an English stage and film actress. She performed in a wide range of Shakespearean and contemporary roles but is chiefly remembered as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.
Born in London, Evans made her professional début in 1912 as Cressida in Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida, directed by William Poel. She became distinguished for her versatility and appeared in The Way of the World, The Late Christopher Bean, and Daphne Laureola. Her most prominent role was as a memorable Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest (also on film, 1952.) During World War II, she entertained the troops at home and abroad.
Evans played her first significant film role in The Queen of Spades (1948.) She continued to act until her eighties, securing nominations for three Academy Awards 1964–68.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Edith Evans
When a woman behaves like a man why doesn’t she behave like a nice man?
—Edith Evans
Topics: Women
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