Ruth Kettlewell

Ruth Kettlewell (1913–2007) was a noted [ [http://www.britmovie.co.uk/forums/actors-actresses/9702-ruth-kettlewell-r-i-p.html Peer tributes] ] [imdb name|0450591] English actress who, by her own admission, was a “character bag”: that is a recognisable face to regular TV watchers but not a household name. [ [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article2245972.ece "Times" Obituary] ]

Life to death of husband

She was born Ruth Anne Berry April 13, 1913 in Worcester, the second daughter of a clergyman, and educated at Casterton College. She herself married a curate at the age of 18. She often played small parts in amateur dramatic productions. Her husband died from scarlet fever caught while a wartime army padre. She served in the Women's Land Army from 1942 to 1946.

Early career

Kettlewell began her career in rep [ [http://www.serendipityproductions.co.uk/friends/history.html Memories of time in rep] ] and by the late 50s had managed to secure small West End roles. In 1959 she had her first film role in "Room at the Top". She even acted in Norwegian for a Scandinavian children's film.

TV and radio breakthroughs

She is perhaps best known for her role in "All Gas and Gaiters" [ [http://www.sitcom.co.uk/gas_gaiters/index.shtml "All Gas and Gaiters" critique] ] where she played the Dean's wife. In 1966, she had a small role in the seminal "Cathy Come Home". A specialist in landladies and mothers-in-law, she was equally at home with both adult or children's material. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/h/hopeandkeenscraz_1299001513.shtml Mid career role] ] Like many actors she continued to work well into her eighties. [ [http://www.tv.com/ruth-kettlewell/person/77194/summary.html Most recent role] ]

Later life

A devout Anglo-Catholic and active member of the Actors’ Church Union, [She visited the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham on numerous occasions: "Times" Obituary (Ibid).] she directed many amateur productions with a devotional theme for her church, St Augustine of Canterbury, Highgate, [ [http://www.saintaugustine.org.uk/ Parish web-site] ] where she also served as churchwarden and sacristan.

She died on July 17, 2007 in London.

References