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Glenda Jackson: A Life of Acting and Politics

Glenda Jackson was an English actress who was known for her intense and sexually-charged talent.

15 June 2023 · 20:17 UTC

She began her career in acting after attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and worked in rep for six years.

Jackson joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 1964 and had her breakthrough in Peter Brook's production of Marat/Sade.

She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1969 for her role in Ken Russell's adaptation of Women in Love.

Jackson later left acting to pursue a career in politics, and served as a Member of Parliament from 1992 to 2015.

Glenda Jackson is a British actress who has had a successful career in stage, film, and television.

She is known for her versatility and range, having played a variety of roles, including Shakespearean plays, contemporary dramas, and comedies.

In 1971, she made her first appearance on the Morecambe and Wise Show, playing a comedy Cleopatra.

She won an Oscar for her performance in the romantic comedy A Touch of Class in 1973.

Jackson's marriage ended in 1976, and she returned to the Royal Shakespeare Company in the title role of Ibsen's Hedda Gabler.

She was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the film version of the play.

In 1984, she starred in Scenes from an Execution on BBC Radio 4 and later on Broadway, receiving critical acclaim.

In 1989, she appeared in The Rainbow with director Ken Russell.

In 1992, she announced she was quitting acting to stand as a Labour parliamentary candidate in the general election, which she won.

She became a junior minister with responsibility for London Transport and later resigned to make a bid for the London mayoralty, but was defeated.

Jackson is known for her left-wing political views and has been critical of Tony Blair's New Labour project.

In 2013, she caused controversy by attacking Margaret Thatcher's policies during a Parliament session.

Glenda Jackson, a former Conservative MP, was a prominent political figure in the UK.

She played the role of Margaret Thatcher in the TV series "The Crown" and won an Academy Award for her role in "Women in Love." After retiring from politics, she returned to acting and had successful performances in "Emile Zola: Blood Sex and Money" and "King Lear." She won a Tony Award for her role in "Three Tall Women" and was praised for her voice, expressive face, and commanding authority.

Jackson passed away in 2020 at the age of 80.