Athene Seyler(1889-1990)

Athene began acting in 1909 and as a judge at the Central School of Acting gave two promising newcomers, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft, their first diplomas at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She was asked to select a student of the year and chose John Gielgud. Her film career began in 1921 with The Adventures of Mr Pickwick in which she played Rachel Wardle. She continued stealing scenes for some 40 years most notably in Quiet Wedding (1941), Dear Ocopus (1943) Nicholas Nickleby (1947) Treasure Hunt (1952, Yield to the Night (1956) Make Mine Mink (1960) and Nurse on Wheels (1963). She celebrated her 95th birthday on 31st May