Glenda Jackson: Commemorating a Life of Art and Public Service
Glenda Jackson, the esteemed British actress known for her roles in film and theatre, has passed away at the age of 87. A recipient of two Oscars, Jackson shifted from her illustrious acting career to spend twenty years in British Parliament before making a celebrated return to the stage.
Her demise followed a brief illness, shared her agent Lionel Larner. Larner mourned the loss of Jackson, stating, “One of the world’s greatest actresses has died, and one of my best friends has died as well.”
Early Life and Ascent in Theatre
Jackson, born on May 9, 1936, in Birkenhead, England, grew up in a working-class environment in a flat equipped with an outdoor toilet. Despite her modest origins, she was awarded a scholarship to study acting at the renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1964 and won acclaim for roles such as Ophelia in Hamlet. Jackson’s performance as Charlotte Corday in Marat/Sade marked her emergence as a fearless and intense actress. She later portrayed the role on Broadway and in a film adaptation.
Jackson once stated, “I like to take risks, and I want those risks to be larger than the confines of a structure that’s simply meant to entertain.”
Success on the Silver Screen and Small Screen
Her theatre success paved the way for a distinguished film career. She clinched the Academy Award for Best Actress twice, for the 1968 romantic drama ‘Women in Love’ and the romantic comedy ‘A Touch of Class’. She received nominations for ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ and ‘Hedda’ as well.
On the small screen, Jackson portrayed Queen Elizabeth I in the serial ‘Elizabeth R’, a role that earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards. She was also honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1978.
Stellar Stage Career and Political Inclinations
Continuing to be recognized as one of her generation’s most gifted stage actresses, Jackson took on roles like Lady Macbeth on Broadway and featured in Eugene O’Neill’s ‘Strange Interlude’, both of which earned her Tony nominations.
However, in 1992, she decided to transition from acting to British politics, motivated by a distaste for Margaret Thatcher’s policies and the scarcity of quality roles for middle-aged actresses.
Jackson represented the London constituency of Hampstead and Highgate in Parliament as a member of the Labour Party. During her tenure, she served as a junior minister of transport under Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Her political career centered around issues like transportation, women’s rights, homelessness, and disability issues. She was a vocal critic of Margaret Thatcher’s policies and Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War.
A Triumphant Return to Acting
After more than two decades in politics, Jackson chose not to contest the 2015 elections, citing her age, and made a return to her acting roots.
She made an ambitious comeback in her 80s by taking on the gender-swapped titular role in ‘King Lear’ in London and Broadway productions. Her return was lauded by critics.
In 2018, Jackson won her first Tony Award for her performance in Edward Albee’s ‘Three Tall Women’, making her one of the few artists to win the “Triple Crown of Acting” — an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony.
Her final film role is in the forthcoming ‘The Great Escaper’, alongside Michael Caine.
Farewell to the remarkable Glenda Jackson — a luminous talent of her generation.