Sheila Hancock

Current Role

Sheila Hancock played Frau Schneider in the long-running successful show, Cabaret at the Lyric Shaftesbury Theatre London, her interpretation of the role was met by wide acclaim.

Early Life

Sheila Hancock is a well known British actress with a wealth of experience in stage, film and television. She was born in 1933 on The Isle of Wight, England. Sheila attended the Dartford County Grammar School and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Sheila's first marriage was to actor Alec Ross from 1954 until his death in 1971 from cancer. Sheila and Alec had one daughter, Melanie, who was born in 1964. Sheila Hancock later married the acclaimed British actor John Thaw in 1973 and John Thaw adopted Sheila's daughter, Melanie. Sheila Hancock and John Thaw also had another daughter, Joanna Thaw, who was born in 1974. Both of Sheila Hancock's daughters have become actresses.

As well as losing both of her husbands to cancer, Sheila Hancock is also a survivor of breast cancer. Sheila Hancock is a patron of The Food Chain, a London based HIV charity. She has also been a spokesperson for Cancer BACUP. Sheila Hancock was awarded an OBE in 1974 for her services to drama and she was the first female artistic director at the RSC. Sheila recently published an autobiography detailing her life with John Thaw - 'The Two of Us - My Life with John Thaw.'

Career Highlights

Sheila Hancock has appeared in over 40 films throughout the 5 decades of her long-running career. Sheila Hancock was particularly prominent in films during the 1960s with roles in films such as Carry on Cleo(1964) and Night Must Fall (1964). Sheila has appeared in films on both the big screen and the small screen. Sheila Hancock has also appeared in major television shows such as Eastenders and Doctor Who. More recently Sheila has appeared in Dawn French's Girls Who Do: Comedy, Saturday Night with Miriam, Richard & Judy and The Paul O'Grady Show. Her film credits include:

• Yes - 2004
• Bait - 2002
• Alice in Wonderland - 1999
• Hold Back the Night - 1998
• Love and Death on Long Island
• A Business Affiar - 1994
• Three Men and a Little Lady - 1990
• Hawks - 1989
• Buster - 1988
• The Love Child - 1987
• The Anniversary - 1968
• How I Won the War - 1967
• Carry On Cleo - 1964
• Night Must Fall - 1964

Sheila Hancock has also enjoyed a hugely successful stage career. She has starred in many plays and musical revues. Sheila is looking forward to performing in musical theatre again and is also in the process of writing a book, and creating a new comedy show. The long running career of this hugely talented actress does not look like it will come to an end anytime soon.

Interesting Facts

• When Sheila appeared on Room 101 and nominated Chiswick Post Office and, strangely, herself.
• Sheila is a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Awards

• Sheila was awarded the O.B.E in 1974 for her services to drama