Sydney Sturgess

Sydney Sturgess was an American actress best known for her roles in various television shows and films. Born Dorothy Anna Sturgess on March 5, 1915, in Ipoh, Malaysia, she made significant contributions to stage and screen until her passing.

Personal and Family Life

Sydney Sturgess was married to fellow actor Barry Morse from March 26, 1939, until her death on September 30, 1999. Together, they had three children, including Hayward Morse and Melanie Morse MacQuarrie. Sturgess also had a close relationship with her family and was well-regarded as a mother and mother-in-law.

Career

Sydney began her acting career with the Arthur Brough Players in Folkestone, England, and performed for over 50 years across various notable stages in England, Canada, and the U.S. She achieved fame in London’s West End and created memorable performances in productions like ‘The First Mrs. Fraser’ and ‘Hadrian VII’ on Broadway. Her versatility on stage was evident as she appeared in classics such as ‘Pygmalion’ and performed dual roles in ‘A Christmas Carol’ during her final public appearances in Canada in the early 1980s.

Death and Legacy

Sydney Sturgess passed away on September 30, 1999, in Toronto, Canada, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Her contributions to theatre and television have left a lasting imprint, and she is remembered for her dedication to the craft of acting. Sturgess’s work continues to inspire aspiring actors and followers of classic theatre.

Filmography

Title Year Role Type
The Ugly Little Boy 1977 Medical Assistant (uncredited) TV Movie
A Picture of Katherine Mansfield 1973 Frau Fischer TV Series
The Visitors 1972 Amy Schwelling TV Mini Series
Mr. Dickens of London 1967 Unknown TV Movie
Festival 1963 Eyrudice TV Series
The Serial 1963 Miss Railey TV Series
Quest 1962–1963 Mother TV Series
Playdate 1962 Mrs. Trafford TV Series
First Person 1961 Mrs. Coates TV Series
Encounter 1960 Alice TV Series
The Unforeseen 1960 Waitress TV Series
Startime 1960 Nurse Braddock TV Series
Great Catherine 1958 Catherine the Great TV Movie
On Camera 1954–1957 Prudell TV Series
Anne of Green Gables 1956 Mrs. Barry TV Movie