Shirley Anne Field, the esteemed British actress renowned for her roles in classic films such as “The Entertainer” and “Alfie,” died on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the age of 87.
Field, celebrated for her dynamic roles in film and television, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, leaving a legacy characterized by resilience and a distinguished career spanning over five decades.
Field’s journey began in Forest Gate, Newham, London, where she was born on June 27, 1936. Her early years were shaped by World War II, including the bombing of her home and a period in an orphanage in Edgeworth, Bolton. These early hardships were followed by a reunion with her mother and family, a poignant aspect of her life she later shared in interviews.
Field’s entry into the public eye was as a model, where she earned the title of “Miss London” in her teens. Her acting career started with small roles, eventually leading to her acclaimed performance as Tina Lapford in the 1960 movie “The Entertainer.” This role marked a transition in her career from glamour to serious acting, changing the public’s perception of her talent.
Her role as Doreen in the 1960 film “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” further established her as a leading actress in British cinema. Field’s career included roles alongside renowned actors such as Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Steve McQueen, Robert Wagner, and Daniel Day-Lewis. Her extensive filmography includes works like “Alfie,” “The War Lover,” “My Beautiful Laundrette,” and “Lunch Hour,” and television appearances in “Last Of The Summer Wine” and “Lady Chatterley.” Her final acting role was in the 2014 short drama “Beautiful Relics.”
Field’s personal life included her marriage in 1967 to Charles Crichton-Stuart, an aristocrat and RAF pilot, and the birth of their daughter, Nicola. The couple divorced in the late 1970s. Known for her commitment to her craft, Field often chose roles for their artistic merit over commercial appeal, a testament to her dedication to acting.