Edith Evans Biography

Fast Facts

• Honored by Queen Elizabeth II in 1946 with D․B․E․ recognitions
• Accepted an apprenticeship at 15-years-old to become a milliner
• Quote: "I don't like to be noticed, you know, except when I want to be noticed․ If somebody raises his hat when I get out of a car, I bow in turn, but I don't like being looked at because I'm not acting, you see․ But when I'm acting to be looked at, then you must look at me․"
• Quote: "The trouble with growing old is you tend to fall down a lot․ I've learned the trick though․ When you fall down at my age the great secret is not to try and get up too quickly․ Just lie there․ Have a look at the world from a different angel․"
• Best known for her work on stage, as she easily excelled at both classical and modern roles throughout her half-century career
• Made her professional stage debut at 24-years-old after being discovered by producer William Poel
• Accepted Tony Richardson's Oscar for "Tom Jones" in 1964 because the director was absent from the ceremony
• Made her feature film debut in 1915 for a silent movie and would not land her first non-silent role until the 1940s