At the age of 87, the entertainment and political worlds are mourning the loss of the iconic Glenda Jackson, whose multi-faceted career spanned the realms of cinema, politics and theatre. Her recent death, which followed her final film appearance alongside Sir Michael Caine in The Great Escaper, marks the end of an illustrious journey that encompassed both artistic brilliance and dedicated public service.
Jackson enjoyed great success in the film industry, but took a leave of absence in 1992 to serve in Parliament, a position she held for more than 20 years.
Jackson starred in the upcoming film The Great Escaper, co-starring 90-year-old Sir Michael Caine, before her untimely death. In the film, Caine portrayed 80-year-old Bernard Jordan, who left his assisted living facility in 2014 to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France, a pivotal moment in WWII for the Allied forces. collaborated in the resistance against Adolf Hitler.
In 2015, Jackson resigned from her position as an MP. Instead of disappearing into thin air, she decided to return to her theater roots and pursued a television role in the 2019 play Elizabeth Is Missing. In this production, Jackson portrayed an old woman in the early stages of dementia.
After Glenda Jackson’s agent announced her passing, actors and politicians flooded social media with condolences. According to a letter written by Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer, Jackson’s untimely death “leaves a void in our cultural and political life that can never be filled”.
Following the release of Elizabeth Is Missing, Jackson performed in Three Tall Women, a Broadway musical that received high praise and a Tony Award. Jackson’s portrayal was hailed in the New York Times as a “casting coup… Politically and personally, she epitomizes that she won’t be gentle until the good night.”
82 years later, she returned to the New York stage for a performance of King Lear, starring in a role that defied gender norms.
The Guardian called her performance “thrilling”.
Jackson has won two Academy Awards in her acting career. Her first was for her role in the romantic drama Women in Love, released in 1970.
In this film she starred with Alan Bates and Oliver Reed. Her performance in the 1973 British romantic comedy A Touch of Class earned her a second Academy Award.
For the last fifteen years of her life, Jackson lived in a basement flat under the home of her son Dan Hodges, a columnist for the Mail on Sunday. Dan was born in her marriage to Roy Hodges. Hodges and Jackson met while working together at Butlin’s holiday camps and married in 1958. In 1976, after several years of marriage, the couple divorced.
“Glenda Jackson, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, passed away peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a short illness,” agent Lionel Larner said in a statement announcing her death. She recently finished filming The Great Escaper starring Michael Caine.”
Glenda Jackson, a renowned actress known for her remarkable career on stage and screen, has sadly left an indelible void in both the world of entertainment and politics. At the age of 87, she retired after completing her final film role, leaving behind a legacy defined by her artistic prowess and unwavering commitment to public service.
Her death came shortly after she finished her role in The Great Escaper, where she shared the screen with Sir Michael Caine. Spanning the realms of cinema, politics and theater, Jackson’s journey has shown her versatility and dedication throughout her life.
Glenda Jackson, who transitioned from a successful film career to a two-decade stint in British politics, was revered for her multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to her constituents. Her return to the stage after leaving politics showed her abiding passion for the arts.
In addition to exceptional performances in films such as Women in Love and A Touch of Class, Jackson’s portrayals on stage and on television resonated deeply with audiences and earned her acclaim and recognition. Her recent roles in productions such as Elizabeth Is Missing and Three Tall Women embodied her tenacity and ability to breathe life into complex characters, earning her widespread praise and admiration.
With tributes pouring in from actors, politicians and admirers, Glenda Jackson’s passing has left an immense void in both the cultural and political spheres. Marked by her acting brilliance and political commitment, her legacy will forever remain a testament to her unique contribution to both art and public life.