The acting world marks the passing of Phyllida Law, a veteran of stage and screen who died at age 94. Her manager, Jacky Leggo, confirmed she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family members on July 27.
Born in Glasgow in 1932, Law trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. While she initially pursued stage design, a change in direction led her toward a career in acting that spanned eight decades. She was a constant presence in British television, appearing in series like Rumpole of the Bailey, Doc Martin, and Midsomer Murders.
Audiences frequently saw her work alongside her daughters, Dame Emma and Sophie Thompson. They appeared together in several notable projects, including the 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, Peter’s Friends, and the 1997 film The Winter Guest. Law also provided the voice for the character Mrs. Partridge in the 2005 film Nanny McPhee, a production written by and starring Emma.
Beyond her television and film contributions, Law held a career in theatre that took her to the West End and various stages across the United Kingdom. Her performance credits included roles in A Voyage Round My Father alongside Alec Guinness and the original London cast of La Cage Aux Folles. She received an OBE in 2014 to recognize her contributions to drama and charitable causes.
Law was married to actor Eric Thompson until his death in 1982. Her legacy continues through her daughters, both of whom have achieved acclaim in the industry. Her granddaughter, Gaia, shared a tribute following the news. Law leaves behind a significant body of work as a character actress who remained active throughout her long life.