Glenda Jackson, the celebrated Oscar-winning actress and former Member of Parliament, has passed away at the age of 87. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the worlds of both entertainment and politics. Sir Michael Caine, a longtime colleague, and friend, described her as “one of our greatest movie actresses.” Jackson’s remarkable career spanned six decades and earned her numerous accolades, including two Oscars, three Emmys, two Baftas, and a Tony.
Despite her tremendous success in the entertainment industry, Glenda Jackson made a significant detour from acting to serve in the House of Commons as a Labour MP for north London from 1992 to 2015. During her tenure, she even held the position of junior transport minister in Tony Blair’s New Labour government for two years. This transition from acting to politics demonstrated her commitment to public service and her desire to make a difference in society.
After leaving politics, Glenda Jackson returned to acting with great success. In 2016, she took on the iconic role of King Lear on stage, showcasing her versatility and talent once again. Her remarkable comeback continued when she won a Bafta for her performance in the TV drama “Elizabeth Is Missing” in 2020, further cementing her status as a remarkable actress.
Jackson’s agent, Lionel Larner, announced her passing, stating that she died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London, surrounded by her family after a brief illness. It was noted that she had recently completed filming “The Great Escaper,” in which she starred alongside Sir Michael Caine, rekindling their collaboration after nearly five decades. Sir Michael expressed his fondness for working with her, stating that he would miss her dearly.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the arts and politics, highlighting Glenda Jackson’s impact and legacy. Former MP Gyles Brandreth described her as a “wonderful actress, a committed politician, [and] a remarkable human being.” Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who now holds Jackson’s former seat, praised her as a formidable politician, amazing actress, and supportive mentor.
Glenda Jackson’s career began when she joined an amateur dramatics group as a teenager while working at Boots in Birkenhead, Merseyside. She later earned a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (Rada) in London and joined the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 1963. Her first Oscar win came for her role in director Ken Russell’s film adaptation of DH Lawrence’s novel “Women in Love,” where she portrayed a headstrong artist. Three years later, she won her second Academy Award for the romantic comedy “A Touch of Class.”
In a previous interview, Glenda Jackson humbly reflected on her awards, stating that while they were nice to have, they did not define her talent or character. Her immense contributions to both acting and politics will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the industry and the lives of those she touched.
