Who Is Barbara Windsor? Age, Biography and Wiki
Barbara Windsor was born on August 6, 1937, and sadly passed away on December 10, 2020, at the age of 83. She was an iconic English actress best known for her roles in the long-running television series EastEnders and popular British films, including the Carry On series. Windsor was beloved for her charming personality, fierce spirit, and significant contributions to British entertainment.
Her remarkable career spanned over six decades, offering fans a blend of drama, comedy, and poignant moments that captured the hearts of many. To learn more about her life, you can visit her Wikipedia page.
Occupation | Soap Opera Actress |
---|---|
Date of Birth | August 6, 1937 |
Age | 83 Years |
Birth Place | Shoreditch, London, England |
Horoscope | Leo |
Country | England |
Date of death | 10 December, 2020 |
Died Place | Stanmore, London, England |
Popularity
Barbara Windsor's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Barbara Windsor stood at approximately 5 feet (152 cm) tall. Her dynamic presence transcended her physical stature, making her a memorable figure in the entertainment industry. Throughout her life, Windsor was known for her vivacious spirit, bright smile, and distinctive voice, attributes that endeared her to audiences.
- Height: 5 ft (152 cm)
- Weight: Varied throughout her career, peaking at around 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Measurements: The specific measurements varied, but her charisma and energy were always at the forefront.
Windsor made her film debut as an uncredited extra in 1954 playing a schoolgirl in The Belles of St. Trinians; she followed this with several other uncredited roles until she appeared in Too Hot to Handle (1960) with Jayne Mansfield.
According to Windsor, Mansfield demanded that she appear at the back of the scene they shared, as she was worried Windsor's blonde hair and large chest would overshadow her own.
After this, Windsor made her television debut when Johnny Brandon, with whom Windsor had starred in Love from Judy, asked her to appear in his television series Dreamer's Highway. Windsor later appeared in musical shows Variety Parade, The Jack Jackson Show, and Six-Five Special, regularly singing with bands.
She then became a regular cabaret act at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in Soho, and went on to do the same at the Winston's club alongside Danny La Rue and Amanda Barrie.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Barbara Windsor was married three times in her lifetime. Her last marriage was to Scott Mitchell, a former car salesman, whom she married in 2000. Mitchell was a significant source of support for her during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, which Windsor publicly disclosed in 2018.
- Husband: Scott Mitchell (Married in 2000)
- Previous Marriages: Ronald Lacey and Barry Norman
In 1939, at the start of World War II, Windsor's father was called up for the war, so Windsor and her mother went to live with her mother's family in Yoakley Road, Stoke Newington, where Windsor attended St Mary's Infants' School in nearby Lordship Road.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2020, Barbara Windsor's estimated net worth was around £10 million. Much of her wealth came from her long and diverse career in both television and film. While she was known for her acting skills, she also participated in various endorsements and public appearances, contributing to her overall earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Barbara Windsor's career started in the late 1950s, and she quickly became a household name. She gained fame through her roles in the Carry On films, which showcased her comedic talents. However, her most significant success came from her portrayal of Peggy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a role she took on in 1994 and continued until her retirement in 2016.
Beyond acting, Windsor was involved in several charitable endeavors and contributed to various causes, including Alzheimer's awareness, a cause that became particularly close to her heart. Her charitable work and public appearances solidified her status as a beloved public figure.
Windsor began her career on stage in 1950 at the age of 13, and made her film debut as a schoolgirl in The Belles of St. Trinian's (1954) while studying shipping management at Bow Technical College.
She received a BAFTA Award nomination for the film Sparrows Can't Sing (1963), and a Tony Award nomination for the 1964 Broadway production of Oh, What a Lovely War!. In 1972, she starred opposite Vanessa Redgrave in the West End production of The Threepenny Opera.
Social Network
Even in her absence, Barbara Windsor's legacy lives on through her fans and social media. Many dedicated fan pages, Instagram accounts, and Twitter profiles celebrate her life and career. Her impact resonates, as admirers frequently share memorable quotes, photos, and tributes to her brilliance.
James, who, like Windsor, was also already married, would send her a dozen red roses with a note attached with the words "Love Romeo", and even arranged to see her in Australia during her Carry On Barbara one-woman show, as he could not bear to be without her.
He would also state his love for her in public and to Windsor's friends, but after the affair began damaging Windsor's mental health, she ended it. Devastated by her decision, James became depressed and started to drink whisky; he died soon afterwards from a heart attack.
Education
Barbara Windsor initially attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where she honed her acting skills. This formal education, combined with her natural talent, paved the way for her incredible career in entertainment.
Between 1964 and 1974, she appeared in nine Carry On films, including Carry On Spying (1964), Carry On Doctor (1967), Carry On Camping (1969), Carry On Henry (1971), and Carry On Abroad (1972). She also co-presented the 1977 Carry On compilation That's Carry On!.
Windsor also starred in all four "Carry On Christmas" Thames TV specials, and appeared in both series of the 1975 ATV sitcom "Carry On Laughing".
Outside of Carry On, her other film roles included A Study in Terror (1965), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), and as the voice of Mallymkun, the Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland (2010) and Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016).