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Fenella Fielding

Fenella Fielding (17 November 1927 – 11 September 2018) was an English stage, film, and television actress renowned for her distinctive husky voice and portrayal of sultry, comic femme fatales, particularly in the films such as the series. Born Fenella Marion Feldman in , to a Romanian-Jewish mother, Tilly Katz, and a Lithuanian-Jewish father, Philip Feldman, a manager, she grew up in Clapton before the family relocated to in 1940 amid . Educated at , she briefly attended the on a scholarship but left after one year due to familial pressure to pursue a "proper job," instead beginning her acting career in 1952 with stage productions. Fielding rose to prominence in the late 1950s through West End revues and radio work, including appearances on , establishing her as a versatile performer in both comedy and serious drama. Her breakthrough stage role came in 1958 as the vampish Lady Parvula de Panzoust in Sandy Wilson's musical Valmouth, which earned her the moniker "England's first lady of the " for her breathy, seductive delivery. She reprised this role in a 1982 revival at and later played Madame Arcati in Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit (1997–2000). In film, she starred as the vampire Valeria in (1966), delivering the iconic line "Do you mind if I smoke?", and appeared in other entries like (1961), as well as the Doctor comedy series, including Doctor in Distress (1963). Fielding also tackled classical roles, such as in Ibsen's (1969) and Chekhov's , and lent her voice to television shows like The Avengers and Bring Me the Head of Mavis Davis (1997). Despite offers for more films and even a role in a project, she selectively avoided typecasting to maintain a balance between comedic and dramatic work. In her personal life, Fielding never married but maintained two separate long-term relationships for about 20 years without the partners' knowledge, including one with journalist Jeffrey Bernard. She endured a challenging upbringing marked by her parents' opposition to her career and attempted suicide at age 16, later becoming politically left-leaning and critical of figures like Margaret Thatcher. Facing financial hardship in her fifties due to an agent's embezzlement, she declared bankruptcy and sold her home, yet continued working into her nineties, including voice roles in Skins (2007–2013) and her autobiography Do You Mind If I Smoke? (2017). Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in June 2018 for services to drama, she died on 11 September 2018 following a stroke in London, survived by her brother, Basil, Lord Feldman. Her legacy endures as a symbol of 1960s British wit and elegance, celebrated for her inimitable voice and range across genres.

Early life

Family background

Fenella Marion Feldman was born on 17 November 1927 in Hackney, London, to Jewish parents of Eastern European descent: her father, Philip Feldman, a Lithuanian immigrant who worked as a cinema manager and later as a ladies' underwear factory boss, and her mother, Tilly Feldman (née Katz), originally from Romania. The family later anglicized their surname to Fielding, though the exact timing remains unclear in records. She had an elder brother, Basil, who later became Baron Feldman, a Conservative peer. The Feldmans provided a middle-class upbringing, initially in a mansion flat in Clapton, east London, before relocating to Edgware, Middlesex, in 1940 when Fenella was 13. Family dynamics were strained, particularly with her father, who was described as abusively violent toward Fenella and firmly opposed her ambitions in , viewing it as an unsuitable profession for a Jewish girl amid prevailing societal prejudices. Her parents pressured her to train in secretarial work and secure a conventional job, leading her to take a shorthand and course while covertly pursuing performance opportunities. Despite these tensions, the household offered a sheltered environment, with Fenella as the younger sibling in a close-knit but restrictive Jewish . From an early age, Fenella was exposed to the through family-arranged classes on , overseen by a figure, and regular visits to cinemas where her father managed operations, fostering her fascination with stage and screen performance. This immersion in artistic environments, combined with her Jewish , shaped her initial interests, though formal pursuits were deferred due to familial expectations.

Education and early influences

Fielding received her early education at in , a prestigious institution for girls where she demonstrated academic promise and an early interest in the arts. In , at the age of 21, she secured a to of Dramatic Art (RADA), embarking on formal acting training that lasted one year. There, she refined her signature husky voice and theatrical style, drawing on exercises in , , and , though her progress was disrupted by familial pressure to abandon the pursuit for a "proper job" in secretarial work or . Her parents, Lithuanian-Jewish father Philip Feldman and Romanian-Jewish mother Tilly Katz, viewed acting as an unstable and unsuitable path for their daughter, leading her to leave RADA prematurely. This Jewish family background, marked by the challenges of and cultural , instilled a subtle resilience that aided Fielding in navigating such opposition and persisting in her artistic ambitions. Prior to her professional entry, she explored her talents through early amateur dramatics, including a 1952 at the London School of Economics alongside future , where she performed comedic sketches that honed her flair for dramatic delivery and timing. These experiences, combined with her training, laid the groundwork for her unique persona, blending sophistication with playful allure.

Stage career

Debut and early roles

Fenella Fielding trained at the in the mid-1940s, where she won a scholarship but left after one year due to familial pressures, later pursuing secretarial work and art studies while performing in amateur productions. Her professional stage career began in at Bolton's in London's Drayton Gardens, where she started as an understudy and stage hand, sweeping floors, prompting lines, and selling programs, before taking on her first acting role as in Still Waters for one week from February 26 to March 18. That year, she also appeared in small parts such as the Chatty Lady in The High Bid (February-March) and Evelyn in Constant Lover (April 19), marking her entry into amid modest beginnings. Fielding's early repertory experiences extended to companies in , , where she performed as a teenager in the late and early , honing her skills in various productions before transitioning to more prominent venues. She was talent-spotted during a at the London School of Economics, written by , which led to her first West End opportunities. Following this, Fielding continued building her stage presence with the 1954 revue Cockles and Champagne at the , her official West End debut, where she contributed to sketches that emphasized her glamorous and witty persona. In 1956, she took on the exotic role of Luba Tradjejka in Jubilee Girl at the Victoria Palace, further demonstrating her range in lighter theatrical fare during these developing years. These initial roles in the early to mid-1950s laid the groundwork for her reputation as a multifaceted performer capable of both comedic flair and dramatic depth.

Major theatre productions

Fenella Fielding's major theatre productions in the late and established her as a versatile performer capable of excelling in both comedic and dramatic roles, particularly in adaptations of classic works. Her breakthrough came with the role of Lady Parvula de Panzoust in Sandy Wilson's musical Valmouth at the Lyric Theatre in 1958, where her portrayal of the flamboyant centenarian brought her widespread acclaim and solidified her status as a West End star. Fielding's dramatic range was evident in her interpretations of , including the lead in Hedda Gabler in 1969 at the Phoenix Theatre, . Later, she returned to with notable revivals, such as her appearance as Madame Arcati in Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit (1997–2000). Throughout her career, Fielding amassed over 100 credits, spanning revues, Shakespearean works, and Ibsen adaptations, underscoring her versatility in both light and profound dramatic roles.

Screen career

Film roles

Fielding made her screen debut in an uncredited role as a lingerie shop manageress in the crime drama (1959). Her early film work included supporting parts in comedies such as Follow a Star (1959) alongside and (1960), where she portrayed the flustered Mrs. Tadwich, marking the beginning of her association with the popular British "Doctor" series. These initial roles, influenced by her sophisticated stage persona honed in theatre productions like Valmouth, began to establish her as a poised, alluring presence on screen. In the 1960s, Fielding appeared in two key entries of the enduring Carry On comedy franchise, which highlighted her talent for campy, seductive characterizations. Her first involvement was a brief but memorable turn in Carry On Regardless (1961), followed by her signature performance as the vampish medium Valeria Watt in Carry On Screaming! (1966), a Hammer horror spoof where she delivered the iconic line, "Do you mind if I smoke?" amid theatrical smoke effects. This role, often cited as her most enduring cinematic contribution, epitomized her husky-voiced, femme fatale allure and led to typecasting in similar sophisticated, flirtatious parts. She also appeared in The Old Dark House (1963) as the mysterious Morgana Femm. That same year , she featured in additional films including Doctor in Clover as the enigmatic Tatiana Rubikov and Drop Dead Darling opposite Tony Curtis, further showcasing her versatility within genre comedies and thrillers. Fielding continued sporadic film work into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, amassing approximately 30 feature film credits over her career, frequently embodying the elegant vamp or eccentric sophisticate. Notable later appearances included Lock Up Your Daughters (1969) as Lady Eager. Her final major roles encompassed the eccentric Mrs. Foxfur in the cult comedy (1999) with and , and smaller parts in independent films like (2001) and Over the Edge (2011) as Mrs. van Eisner. These performances sustained her reputation for delivering arch, witty characterizations that blended sensuality with sharp .

Television appearances

Fenella Fielding began her television career in the mid-1950s, appearing in and early live broadcasts that showcased her versatility in dramatic and comedic roles. Her debut significant TV role came in 1957 on Sunday-Night Theatre, where she portrayed a in the "The Magnificent Egoist," an adaptation highlighting her ability to handle intense character work in live productions. She continued with guest spots in series like (1958) as an evangelist NAAFI girl and The Four Just Men (1959) as the Contessa in "Treviso Dam," establishing her presence in both comedy and adventure formats. Throughout the 1960s, Fielding's television work gained prominence through iconic guest appearances that extended her sultry stage persona to episodic television. In The Avengers (1964), she played the seductive Kim Lawrence in the episode "The Charmers," a role that played on her femme fatale image and earned acclaim for its witty interplay with Patrick Macnee's John Steed. She provided the distinctive voice of the Village's loudspeaker announcer and telephone operator across multiple episodes of The Prisoner (1967–1968), contributing to the series' atmospheric tension without on-screen visibility. Her comedic flair shone in sketches on The Morecambe & Wise Show, including the 1969 Christmas special and episodes in 1970, where she appeared as herself and characters like Lady Bedworthy, delighting audiences with her timing and exaggerated delivery. Fielding also featured in panel shows like Call My Bluff starting in 1965, becoming a regular for her sharp wit and charismatic presence. In her later career, spanning the 1970s to 1990s, Fielding amassed over 50 television credits, blending dramatic adaptations with light entertainment and guest roles that reflected her enduring appeal. Notable dramatic turns included Zena Prothero in the mystery series Cribb (1981) and Mrs. Leo Hunter in the BBC adaptation of The Pickwick Papers (1985), roles that allowed her to explore nuanced, authoritative women. She continued in comedy with appearances on shows like Blankety Blank (1982) and Give Us a Clue (1987), while also contributing to specials such as the Paul Daniels Christmas Show (1985) as the Wicked Witch. These diverse engagements underscored her transition from early anthology work to a staple of British television, often typecast yet skillfully subverting expectations in both drama and variety formats.

Voice and radio work

Notable voice acting

Fenella Fielding's distinctive husky and seductive voice became a hallmark of her career, often described as quintessentially British in its sultry allure. This lent itself particularly well to , where she infused characters with a blend of elegance and mischief, making her a sought-after talent in and recorded media during the 1960s and 1970s. One of her most iconic voice roles was as the Blue Queen (also known as Madam Blue or the Blue Voice), the enigmatic in the 1970 animated film , a from the popular children's series . Fielding's performance provided a sinister, otherworldly contrast to the whimsical tone of the story, her velvety delivery heightening the film's surreal elements as the character schemed to dominate the colorful world of the . This role, part of the broader phenomenon that captivated British audiences through the late 1960s and 1970s, showcased her ability to elevate animated narratives with dramatic flair. Fielding's voice also featured prominently in commercials, where her seductive style promoted a range of products with playful and charm. She lent her tones to advertisements for everyday items like OMO soap powder and upscale spirits such as Carson's liqueur whisky, contributing to her reputation as a versatile artist whose work permeated television and radio in the mid-20th century. These spots highlighted the commercial appeal of her persona, blending sophistication with accessibility to engage listeners on a level. In later years, Fielding extended her narration skills to audiobooks, bringing her expressive delivery to literary works and her own memoir. She narrated titles including Night of the Wolf by Victor Pemberton and her autobiography Do You Mind If I Smoke?, where her intimate, breathy style drew listeners into personal anecdotes and dramatic tales alike. These recordings preserved her voice as a timeless asset, allowing her to connect with audiences through long after her on-screen prominence.

Radio performances

Fenella Fielding began her radio career in the mid-1950s, quickly establishing herself as a versatile performer on airwaves through a mix of sketches, dramatic s, and literary readings that highlighted her distinctive husky voice and expressive delivery. Her early appearances included playing multiple female characters in the series Pertwee's Progress in 1955, followed by a as Varvara in the dramatic adaptation Bulichov on the in 1957. By 1959, she had featured in popular programs such as Educating Archie and , notably in the episode "The Poetry Society," where she portrayed the pretentious poet Greta. Throughout the , Fielding became a regular in comedies and dramas, contributing to her reputation for both humor and depth. She starred as the seductive secretary in the Something to Shout About from 1961 to 1962, a series set in a chaotic advertising agency that ran for three seasons. Other notable roles included Lydia Languish in (1962), the nymph Bryony in (1963), and Beatrice in (1969). In 1967, she appeared as a castaway on , selecting tracks ranging from to and discussing her career with host . In the later decades of her career, Fielding continued to excel in radio adaptations of classic literature and solo readings, often narrating with a commanding presence on BBC Radio 4. She took on roles such as Katherine in (1973), Lady Parvula de Panzoust in Valmouth (1975), and Mrs. Skewton in the Classic Serial adaptation of (2011). Her work extended to poetry and prose readings, including contributions to PM on Radio 4, where in 2017 she performed listener-suggested pieces to mark her 90th birthday. Across her extensive radio output, spanning over 60 years, Fielding amassed numerous credits in one-woman readings and ensemble productions, cementing her legacy in British broadcasting.

Personal life

Relationships

Fenella Fielding never married, a decision she attributed to the demands of her career, which she prioritized above all else. She once stated that could have "gone awful" and chose instead to maintain her , allowing her to focus fully on her artistic pursuits without the commitments of family life. This choice aligned with her emphasis on personal freedom, shaped in part by a strained relationship with her parents during her youth, who disapproved of her theatrical ambitions. Despite her private nature, Fielding revealed later in life that she enjoyed long-term romantic relationships, including maintaining two separate lovers concurrently for 20 years without their knowledge of each other—one of whom was married—describing it as "simply lovely to be loved by two very different men." She had no children and kept details of her romantic life discreet, amid rumors of admirers including prominent figures from the entertainment world, though she dismissed speculation about her sexuality or loneliness as unfounded. Her approach to relationships reflected a commitment to balance passion with privacy, ensuring they did not interfere with her professional dedication. Fielding's social circle included close friendships with notable contemporaries such as the artist , the writer , the hairstylist , and fellow performers like , whose shared experiences in the theater world provided mutual support and camaraderie. These connections, often formed in London's vibrant artistic scene of the 1950s and 1960s, enriched her personal life without overshadowing her career focus. She valued these bonds for their intellectual and emotional depth, contributing to her sense of fulfillment outside of romance.

Later years and interests

In the 1990s, Fenella Fielding transitioned into semi-retirement, residing in a flat in , , where she enjoyed a quieter life away from the spotlight of her earlier career. She devoted time to personal creative pursuits, including writing , which she occasionally recorded for radio and other projects in her later decades. She also continued reading extensively at Library and kept a . Fielding avoided public commentary on her health to maintain an air of mystique.

Critical reception and honors

Public and critical acclaim

Fenella Fielding earned a reputation as the quintessential of British cinema, celebrated for her breathy, aristocratic voice that exuded velvety sensuality and allure. Her throaty delivery, often described as outrageously kittenish, captivated audiences in roles that blended glamour with parody, positioning her as a in an era of swinging excess. Critics frequently highlighted this vocal signature as a defining trait, drawing loose parallels to the husky mystique of icons like , though Fielding's style infused it with British wit and exaggeration. Fielding received critical acclaim for her versatility across comedy and drama, particularly in the Carry On series where she demonstrated comic timing and scene-stealing presence, as in her iconic portrayal of the vampish Valeria in Carry On Screaming! (1966), which reviewers praised for elevating the film's parody of horror tropes. Her stage work further showcased this range, earning praise as a brilliant interpreter of and , with provincial productions of Chekhov and Ibsen drawing rave reviews for her nuanced dramatic depth. However, some critiques noted that in seductive, comedic roles limited opportunities for more serious dramatic exploration, a concern Fielding herself articulated, lamenting how success in confined her career path. Publicly, Fielding cultivated a drawn to her appeal and enigmatic , often revealed through rare interviews that underscored her sharp wit and deliberate reclusiveness. She shunned in later years, preferring seclusion while occasionally dispensing dry humor about her glamorous past, which endeared her to admirers who viewed her as a subversive of eccentricity.

Awards and recognition

Fenella Fielding was appointed Officer of the () in the 2018 for her services to and . This recognition came shortly before her death and highlighted her enduring contributions to the over seven decades. In 1962, Fielding received acclaim from Variety magazine, which named her the "Best in Revue" for her performance in the London revue Twists at the Arts Theatre. This honor underscored her early stage prowess and distinctive comedic timing during a period when she was establishing herself in British theatre.

Death and legacy

Death

Fenella Fielding died on 11 September 2018 at the age of 90, following a she suffered two weeks earlier on 25 August. She passed away peacefully at in , . Her death was announced by close friend and biographer Simon McKay in a statement on behalf of the family, expressing shock and sadness at her passing. The cause of death was publicly disclosed as the stroke, with no further details on her condition shared beyond that. A small private service was held shortly after for close friends and family, organized by and conducted by a celebrant in keeping with Fielding's non-religious preferences. Immediate tributes from and world highlighted her distinctive voice and enduring contributions to stage and screen. Colleagues and fans praised her as an "incredible talent" and "England's first lady of the ," with outlets like the and noting her versatility beyond comedic roles in her seven-decade career.

Posthumous impact and recent publications

Following Fenella Fielding's death in , the Fenella Fielding was established by her estate to preserve and promote her legacy through archival projects, including the production of , DVDs, , and exhibitions drawn from her extensive personal collection. The foundation maintains an official comprising photographs, correspondence, appointment diaries, press cuttings, and other materials dating back to the 1930s, which has facilitated ongoing scholarly and public access to her career. These efforts have ensured that Fielding's contributions to British , film, and voice work remain accessible, with recent updates to the foundation's website incorporating digitized elements such as her home video collection of nearly 300 tapes spanning 1982 to 2010. Fielding's roles in the Carry On film series, particularly her iconic portrayal of the seductive Valeria in Carry On Screaming! (1966), have continued to resonate through frequent television reruns and streaming availability, introducing her distinctive husky voice and comic timing to younger audiences and reinforcing her status as a cornerstone of . Posthumous commemorative events have further honored her, including a 2019 memorial service at St. Paul's Church in , known as the Actors' Church, attended by industry figures and featuring s to her stage and screen work. Additional exhibitions, such as the 2022 "Fenella Fielding: Actress" art at Gallery 286 in , displayed paintings, memorabilia, and personal artifacts curated with input from her archivist, highlighting her multifaceted career. In 2025, new scholarly attention emerged with the publication of Dear Fenella... 90 Years, 90 Letters by Simon McKay, Fielding's close friend and co-author of her 2017 memoirs, which narrates her life through 90 selected letters from her personal correspondence, accompanied by over 200 previously unseen photographs sourced from the archive. The book, released in August 2025 as a limited-edition hardback, emphasizes her professional relationships and personal insights, filling gaps in prior accounts of her 90-year life. Complementing this, a concurrent exhibition of Fielding's artifacts, including furniture and makeup items, opened in London in October 2025, curated by McKay to coincide with the biography's launch.

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    Artefacts belonging to Fenella Fielding go on show in London
    Oct 30, 2025 · They are being exhibited by Simon McKay, who met the actress famous for her sexy voice at a Pilates class and spent the nights before her death ...