Carry On Originals: Hattie Jacques

This is part of a new series of blogs looking back at the stars of the original Carry On film, Carry On Sergeant. 2018 marks 60 years since Sergeant was made and released so what better time to turn the focus on all those brilliant actors who brought our favourite series of comedy films to life? 

I'm continuing today with one of the most well-loved faces from the entire franchise,  Hattie Jacques

Role in Carry On Sergeant: Captain Clark

Other Carry On roles: Hattie was a constant presence in the early years of Carry On, clocking up six films by 1963. Following a four year break Jacques returned and starred in eight more films up to and including Carry On Dick in 1974.

Other notable film performances: Away from the Carry Ons Hattie had roles in Trottie True, as Daisy (1949); Chance of a Lifetime, as Alice (1950); Scrooge, as Mrs Fezziwig (1951); The Square Peg, as Gretchen (1958); Follow A Star, as Dymphna Dobson (1959); Make Mine Mink, as Nanette Parry (1960); Watch Your Stern, as Agatha Potter (1960) and The Plank, as Woman with Rose (1967).

Best remembered for: Without a doubt Hattie is best known for her long working relationship with Eric Sykes, which spanned two runs of their domestic sitcom for the BBC - Sykes and A… from 1960 until 1965 and Sykes between 1972 and 1979. Eric and Hattie also teamed up in a wide variety of other shows on television and the theatre.

Did you know?: Hattie's closest friend in the Carry On cast was fellow actress Joan Sims. Hattie was married to the Dad's Army star John Le Mesurier from 1949 until 1965.

What happened to her?: From the mid 1970s Hattie's health began to deteriorate. She very sadly passed away on 6 October 1980 at the age of just 58.

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