JOAN SIMSUnforgettable member of the Carry On comedy team and classically-trained theatre actress - Joan Sims, died on 28th June 2001, aged 71.
With an illustrious career spanning over 50 years, she became an accomplished actress in British film, television, theatre and radio, achieving what many might say was the status of national treasure.
Born to the acting profession, Ms Sims summed up how she fell in love with performing at an early age: ‘It was going to the local flicks which put me into a fantasy world. I would wander around pretending to be Rita Heyworth or some other star of the day’.
Although instantly recognisable for her numerous character roles in classic British comedy films of the 1950’s and 60’s, and later television appearances, it was for her participation in the Carry On films, that she will be best remembered.
Irene Joan Marion Sims was born on 9 May, 1930, in Laindon, Essex. Only child of local Stationmaster – John Sims, and wife Gladys, Joan gained her first taste of show-business by entertaining travellers on the platform, with impromptu plays and musical shows.
Deciding that an actor’s life was definitely for her, she auditioned for RADA and graduated in 1950, at the age of 19. Initially working in repertory theatre and West End reviews, inevitably, it was not long before her talent was recognised. Ms Simsshowed her versatility as a performer shining in classical roles at the Bristol Old Vic and Chichester Festival theatres, and appeared in her first film: Will Any Gentleman in 1953.
She soon found a firm niche in film farce with character roles in the comedy classic Belles of St. Trinians , (1954), the Doctor film series, and appearances alongside all-time greats such as Peter Sellers, in The Naked Truth (1957).
Ms Sims became best-known as the longest-serving female member of the Carry On team, clocking-up a total of two dozen Carry On films, commencing with Carry On Admiral in 1957.
She went on to appear in much-loved films such as Carry On Cleo (1964), Carry On Screaming, (1966) and Carry On Camping (1969). Playing what have been described as ‘sensible tottie’ and ‘nagging wife’ roles, she acted as an indomitable comic foil to the likes of Sidney James and Kenneth Williams.
Finally leaving the Carry On cast in 1978, Ms Sims achieved further success in various television roles, including: Worzel Gummidge, Till Death Us Do Part, On the Up, As Time Goes By and, proving that she had great range, gave an impressive performance as Betsy Prig in the BBC ’s 1994 adaptation of Dickens’ Martin Chuzzlewit.
In her final years she suffered from ill-health, with Bell’s Palsy in 1999, a fractured hip in 2000, and struggled with alcoholism and depression. However, irrepressible to the last, in 2000 Ms Sims released her autobiography – High Spirits, and starred in the BBC TV film: Last of the Blonde Bombshells, with Dame Judi Dench.
With Carry On films now considered cult classics, as traditional a part of the British sense of humour as seaside postcards and kiss-me-quick hats, those who starred in them have earned a place in the nation’s hearts, not least of all Joan Sims - ‘The First Lady of Carry On’.
Her impeccable comic timing made her an indispensible member of the Carry On cast, effectively delivering many of the one-liners for which the films were famous.
Her contribution to British comedy was considerable, and Ms Sims will be fondly remembered by devoted fans and friends who describe a larger-than-life lady with a great sense of humour.
A particularly touching tribute came from fellow Carry On star – Barbara Windsor, who said: "Her talent was wonderful, she could do any accent, dialect, she could dance, sing, play dowdy and glam. We laughed all the time and giggled a lot. I will sorely miss her."
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