Oscar-winning actress Glenda Jackson dies at age 87.
Glenda Jackson, a renowned actor who won two Oscars and was formerly a politician in the UK, has passed away at the age of 87 following a brief illness.
Her agent, Lionel Larner, confirmed the news, stating that she peacefully died at her residence in London, surrounded by her family.
Jackson had recently finished shooting the film “The Great Escaper,” where she starred alongside Michael Caine.
Larner expressed his personal sorrow at the loss, describing Jackson as one of the world’s greatest actresses and a dear friend of over 50 years.
Born in 1936 in Birkenhead, England, Jackson began her journey in the entertainment industry by joining an amateur theater group during her teenage years.
She later earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
After completing her studies, Jackson’s career flourished on London’s West End, and she made her debut on Broadway in 1965 with the play “Marat/Sade.”
Her success extended to the silver screen, where she achieved her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role opposite Oliver Reed in the 1969 period drama “Women in Love.”
Shortly after, she garnered her second Oscar for her performance in the 1973 romantic comedy “A Touch of Class.”
Notably, Jackson portrayed Queen Elizabeth I in the BBC biographical film “Elizabeth R” and the historical drama “Mary, Queen of Scots,” both released within two years of her second Academy Award win.
ALSO READ: Laura Woods Tearfully Announces Retirement from talkSPORT
In 1992, Glenda Jackson transitioned to the field of politics and became a member of the Labour Party as an MP while the party was in opposition.
She served as a Member of Parliament for an impressive 23 years, coinciding with her party’s triumph under Tony Blair’s leadership.
During her tenure, Jackson assumed the role of a junior transport minister in 1997, holding the position for a span of two years.
In 2000, she made a bid to become the mayor of London but was defeated by independent candidate Ken Livingstone.
Although she didn’t attain prominent positions in politics, Jackson gained a reputation for her fearlessness.
She clashed with Blair over the Iraq War and vehemently opposed Margaret Thatcher, the former Conservative Prime Minister.
Notably, she openly criticized Thatcher on the day of her funeral in 2013, stating, “The first prime minister of female gender, okay. But a woman? Not on my terms.”
In 2016, the accomplished actress made a return to the stage, captivating audiences with her performance in a West End production of “King Lear.”
Her remarkable talent was further recognized when she received a Tony Award in 2018 for her appearance in the Broadway production of “Three Tall Women.”
According to IMDb, her most recent project, “The Great Escaper,” is currently in the post-production phase.
