British cinema and the world of entertainment mourns the loss of one of its iconic figures as actress Shirley Anne Field has passed away at the age of 87. Her career, which spanned more than five decades, left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and legacy of this beloved actress.
Shirley Anne Field first came into the public eye as a model in the 1950s. Her natural beauty and charm quickly made her a sought-after face in the world of fashion. However, it was her transition to acting that truly propelled her to stardom. In 1960, she starred alongside the legendary Laurence Olivier in “The Entertainer,” a role that catapulted her into the limelight and showcased her exceptional talent. Her portrayal of Tina Lapford in the film earned her widespread acclaim and marked the beginning of a remarkable career in the entertainment industry.
Throughout the 1960s, Shirley Anne Field continued to captivate audiences with her performances in various films. Notably, she portrayed Doreen, Albert Finney’s on-screen girlfriend, in the New Wave classic “Saturday Night And Sunday Morning.” Her ability to bring authenticity and depth to her characters endeared her to both critics and moviegoers alike.
One of the standout moments in her career was her role in the film “Alfie” opposite Michael Caine. The movie, released in 1966, explored the life of Alfie Elkins, a charming womanizer who faces the consequences of his playboy lifestyle. Shirley Anne Field’s portrayal of one of Alfie’s love interests added a layer of complexity to the story, and her performance was a testament to her versatility as an actress.
In her later years, Shirley Anne Field continued to contribute to the world of entertainment. She appeared in popular television series such as “Doctors,” “Last Of The Summer Wine,” “The Bill,” and “Dalziel And Pascoe.” Her enduring presence in both film and television demonstrated her passion for her craft and her dedication to entertaining audiences.
Beyond her acting career, Shirley Anne Field’s life was marked by remarkable personal experiences. She was known for her romantic relationships with notable figures, including Dudley Moore, Labour politician Anthony Crosland, and renowned photographer Terry O’Neill. These high-profile connections added an extra layer of intrigue to her life story.
Shirley Anne Field’s journey to stardom was not without its challenges. Born in May 1936 as Shirley Broomfield, she faced a tumultuous childhood. At the tender age of five, her family’s East London home was bombed during World War II, leading to her separation from her family for many years. Unable to be evacuated due to her age, she found herself in a Bolton orphanage run by Methodist Sisters. The separation from her family left a lasting impact on her, and she often spoke candidly about her early life experiences.
She once recalled in an interview, “I kept crying and getting into a temper. I kept saying ‘I’ve got a little baby brother, who is two years younger.’ I had two sisters as well, but they were old enough to be evacuated. Finally, the nuns brought my brother up to Bolton, and he was put into a boys’ building on the other side of a field, which was full of cows, which I was terrified of. I only got to see him at special times.”
Shirley’s family remained fragmented throughout her childhood and early adulthood. Her sister Sonny experienced multiple marriages and had six children before succumbing to cancer. Shirley didn’t meet her other sibling, Joy, until she was in her 30s. Meanwhile, her mother had ventured to South America, where she married a South American serviceman. Shirley’s father had remarried and did not visit the orphanage until she was 13 years old.
It was not until 1978 that Shirley Anne Field finally reunited with her mother and extended family. This reunion, after decades of separation, brought both joy and closure to her life. She often spoke about the significance of this reunion and the impact it had on her.
In her later years, inspired by her own upbringing in care, Shirley Anne became an ambassador for the charity Action for Children. Her advocacy for the organization, which began in 1993, reflected her deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children facing adversity. She even participated in “Cash in the Celebrity Attic,” where she sold mementoes from her illustrious film career to support the charity’s noble cause.
Shirley Anne Field’s journey to fame was a remarkable one. After leaving the orphanage at the age of 15, she returned to London and found herself working in the Gas Board typing pool, a job that left her feeling unfulfilled. However, destiny had other plans for her. A chance encounter with a photographer led her to pursue a career in modeling. Her striking beauty graced the pages of magazines such as Reveille and Titbits, and she even earned the title of “Miss Titbits.”
It was her modeling career that opened the doors to acting. A casting director noticed her and offered her a role in the film “The Extra Day” (1956). This was the beginning of her journey in the world of cinema, and it would ultimately define her legacy.
Throughout her career, Shirley Anne Field demonstrated remarkable resilience, talent, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Her life story serves as an inspiration to many who face adversity and seek to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.
As the news of her passing reverberates through the world of entertainment, fans and colleagues alike remember Shirley Anne Field for her contributions to film and her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children. Her legacy will continue to live on through her memorable performances and her advocacy for charitable causes.
In a statement, her family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and friends and requested privacy during this difficult time. Shirley Anne Field’s passing is a profound loss to the world of cinema, and she will be remembered as a beloved actress, advocate, and enduring icon in the history of British entertainment.