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 |