Thora Hird: A Life Well Lived
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- Опубликовано: 11 фев 2025
- Please join me in this video, Thora Hird: A Life Well Lived.
Thora Hird was one of Britain's best-known and best-loved comedians. Thora's upbringing was decidedly theatrical, but she had a healthy and normal childhood, and one of the many joys in her life, was to remember her childhood with great affection and nostalgia.
With a career spanning more than eight decades, Thora Hird is widely regarded as one of the finest character actresses Britain has ever produced!
Thora Hird appeared in more than 100 films and also starred in many television comedies, she was also a marvelous stage actress and brilliantly portrayed the works of the famous playwright Alan Bennett for television.
Thora Hird worked into her nineties with great dedication, regardless of the health issues that came with her age - Thora Hird was a consummate professional.
Please join me (on a rather wet and windy day!) in remembering the life of this brilliant actress and entertainer, and walk with me as I take flowers to the Garden of Remembrance in Chichester where Thora Hird's funeral took place in March 2003.
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Thora Hird was a gem in real life. In about 1981, I was on a coach tour of the southern states of the US and who should be on it but Thora and her husband. She was recovering from a hip operation. She mucked in with everyone else and never played the star -- she was always ready to wait her turn. On the day we were due to fly home, we arrived at the airport and were told there would be a considerable delay because of heavy snow in the UK. When we eventually boarded, the crew recognised Thora and offered her two seats in first class. She refused, saying she wanted to sit with her "friends'', her fellow coach passengers. They don't make stars like that any more.
Oh my goodness!!!! I love this story so much - thank you for sharing it! That’s really heart warming and to be honest exactly what I would of expected from her! I love her so much!!!! ❤️her autobiography is fabulous and while you’re reading it you kind of read it in her voice 🤭 thank you again for this lovely information!
She was a true star fantastic actress and all round human being. Loved her. RIP
She was! I agree ❤️❤️❤️
Why didn't they have more children in those days were they're parents had lots wished I'd had more than one
That’s lovely
Sometimes I cry watching these but mostly I sit with a big smile 😊❤😊
What a lovely tribute to an outstanding woman and role model. Good night and God bless love.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video - thank you for watching! xxxx
That was great, thank you
My pleasure! Thank you for watching ❤️🌹
Loved Thora Hird.. Lovely lady. I was named after her daughter. My mam loved Janette Scott.
Oh my goodness so do I - I love Janette - what a beautiful name! ❤️❤️❤️
OMG "Lost For Words" . With beloved Thora and Pete Postlethwaite. 😊
So good! A Classic! 😍❤
Thora Hird a lovely great beautiful lady very down to earth lady great actress loved watching her and loved when I met her Thora at the set of The Last of the summer wine so lovely beautiful lady the place and Thora was so beautiful great time there and the Lovely Thora Hird god bless you Thora
What a beautiful memory, thank you so much for sharing! Thora Hird truly was a wonderful, down-to-earth lady and such a talented actress. It must have been amazing to meet her on the set of Last of the Summer Wine! I'm glad you had such a special experience with her-she left such a lasting legacy. ❤ xxxx
A lovely story of Thora
Thank you for watching ❤️
I remembered her face because my all time favorite movies are British from the 40’s and 50’s. But it is the quote that any English speaking person should remember! Thank you for this remembrance of a WONDERFUL LADY!!
Thank you so much Janice ❤️🌹
She was an absolute treasure and I dont think she will ever be forgotten. Superb actress. God bless her wherever she is and hope she met up with Scottie.
I agree! Absolutely wonderful ❤️❤️❤️
Being born in the 90s and from New Zealand, my generation watched US content, kid shows and other youth/young adult audience content on our 'TVNZ2' channel compared to 'TVNZ1' which catered to the older adults and seniors with UK shows, etc. I remembered my parents watching TVNZ1 all the time (they were boomers) so I recalled watching shows like Coronation Street, Emmerdale, vaguely EastEnders and other shows as a kid. I remember Dame Thora Hird from when my parents used to watch Last of the Summer Wine. Her voice is what I remember. After seeing this I never realized she had such a resume. What an incredible lady.
Extremely good. Live long and prosper.
Thank you so much! xxxx
What a great lady.
She truly was - it was a life dedicated to entertaining people and to loving her family and friends xx
legend RIP x
She was a great actress, sadly they don't make them like her anymore.. It was a lovely account of her well lived life, filled with love and laughter,, rest well dear lady or should I say Dame Thora.. God bless..
Thank you so much ❤️ and thank you for watching! Xx
So nice to hear of an actress with a happy life.
Yes! Definitely ❤️❤️❤️
I am currently confined to bed after surgery,last week I fell out of bed and was unable to get up.I had to wait for an hour for help.As I sat on the floor I was reminded of that wonderful Thora play,A cracker under the sofa.Such a wonderful performance,my favourite of hers.
Oh no!!!! I hope you are feeling better - that must have been scary! I can imagine that Thora came to mind though! Sending very best wishes for a speedy recovery ❤️🌹
Wishing you a speedy recovery :)
Such a talented lady. Loved watching her on tv. A loss to the country.
She was wonderful ❤️ thank you so much for watching xx
Oh thank you x.
You're so welcome - thank you for watching! xxxx
Phew 😮💨 made me exhausted just seeing and watching,all that this lady had done and crammed into her life 🤷worked none stop..I love last of the summer wine.and remember her being in it for many years right to the end…
Yes! She worked non-stop, so many of the actors and actresses back then worked hard - sometimes I don’t think people people realise they weren’t just on the tv or making films - they were working on stage, doing Summer Season, Panto, opening events, charity events etc - always on the go!
Thora was the best. I love everything that she was in.
She was I agree! ❤️
Another gloriously entertaining insight into the life of one of our National Treasures. Thank you. ❤
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! i'm so glad you enjoyed the video - thank you for watching! xxxx
Love her to bits, so versatile in her characters.
She was!!! ❤️❤️❤️
" I was having tea with Thora Hird" Wish it had been me.
I live near Morecambe & the residents are campaigning to have a statue of her in the town like they have with Eric Morecambe
She was a great actress
Thank you for the video
Oh!!! That would be superb! I hope it happens! Thank you so much for watching xx
I remember a short doco she did on the Midland Hotel Morecambe. You can find it somewhere on RUclips. My mum used to tell me tales Of staying there’s herself in the 50’s as a young girl
I’ll see if I can find that thank you so much xx
@@xr6lad It’s such a popular place to go to for afternoon tea I live 15 minutes away
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre ruclips.net/video/0qRNF4cQI9c/видео.html
Loved Thora Hurd. I’m loving memory so funny
Thank you so much for watching ❤️
As a Lancastrian Thora was and is an all time great. I too have find memories of this great Woman. x
I totally agree! The best! ❤️🌹
Firstly, I have to thank you for all of the lives you have broadcast here. So many of my favourite actors, so sympathetically done by yourself. Thora hird is one of my all time favourites, and she never disappoints. We have Lost For Words ond DVD, and never tire of watching it. Another actor on that is Pete Postlethwaite. Brilliant. You have reminded me of so many good films we have seen by so many iconic actors, and will always enjoy revisiting their films and TV shows. I'm so happy to have found your videos, please keep on entertaining all of us who enjoys these wonderful actors.
I'm thrilled to hear that you've been enjoying the content on my channel, especially the tribute to the incredible Thora Hird. She truly was a remarkable talent . "Lost for Words" is indeed a gem, and the presence of Pete Postlethwaite only adds to its brilliance.
Your support and encouragement mean the world to me, and I'll definitely keep creating content that celebrates these wonderful actors - Thank you again for being a part of this journey!xxxx
My maiden name is Scott. This is a wonderful story of Thora xx
I wonder if you are related to Thora’s husbands family? Thank you so much and thank you for watching ❤️
My mother hated it when I used to tell her that she looked and sounded like Thora Hird. Shame really because I loved both of them . A very talented character actor. Much missed . THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO
Ohhh 🤭 I think Thora was the absolute best - she reminded me of a northern version of my London Nan! A truly wonderful woman! Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for watching! It’s very much appreciated xx ❤️🌹
I liked thora hird a lovely lady and great actress RIP
She was an inspiration and such a brilliant actress. Thank you so much for watching.
I'm not British and I rarely know of most of the folks you celebrate here, but I enjoy this channel so much! Thank you so much for your research and for creating such interesting videos.. I'm ill and spend lots of time unable to get out of bed and this channel goes a long way towards keeping me from going stir crazy.
Oh this is soooo lovely! Thank you so much and it’s just what I needed to hear right now! It’s been a tough week and I haven’t had the time I’ve needed to make the next video due to an emergency situation earlier in the week - but I’ve pushed the boundaries of no sleep done it! And you have just made it all worthwhile! A huge thank you! I hope you will be feeling much better soon ❤️❤️❤️
I'm not British either-in fact I'm Australian. I enjoyed the episode about June Whitfield.
She was a fantastic actress, dry humour and a laugh a minute..
She was brilliant. Thank you for watching.
My Mum is in the Garden of Rembrance. She'd like to know she is with such exalted company
Aww! My uncle is there too - the gardens are so pretty and well kept ❤️
I met Thora when I lived in Beston in Leeds while she was filming in Loving memory. She was a lovely women who spent time to sign autographs and chat to her fans between filming.
That’s so lovely thank you for sharing that! I can totally imagine Thora was like that! Thank you! And thank you for watching! Xx
Thora thank you for being part of my growing up
❤️❤️🥰🌹
There isn't much I can add to what everyone else has already said, Thora was simply the best ❤ bless her 🙏
She was truly magnificent - I agree ❤️❤️❤️
Wonderful! Im binge watching your episodes. No one could deliver line like Thora.
Thank you so very much - I'm glad you are enjoying the videos - thank you for watching - it's very appreciated! xx
Hi Beautiful and Bad wow you picked a good choise the amazing Thora Hird .she was a wonderful actress and funny comedian and everybody's favorite battle-axe thank you for sharing
Thank you so much! ❤️ she was wonderful! ❤️🌹
A truly remarkable lady.
Always a great joy & a pleasure to watch.
She was wonderful I agree! ❤️❤️🌹
She was a wonderful woman sadly missed xx
Thanks so much for posting
You're welcome! Thank you for watching! xxxx
I never cared for "...Summer Wine" but I loved "In Loving Memory." I was surprised to find her in "Dinner Ladies" and Alan Bennett's play, " A Cream Cracker Under the Settee." She was brilliant.
She was - especially in Cream Cracker - stunning performance! ❤️
I had seen Thora in a couple of 1940's films but my abiding memory is her appearance as the archetype mother in law in, "A kind of loving' when Alan Bates Returned home drunk and threw up behind the settee. Thora's look was enough without having to say anything that absolutely creased me with laughing. Just like yourself, It's got to be one of my favourite films that Thora Hird appeared in.
I loved Thora Hird in Last of the Summer Wine. Thank you so much.❤❤
She was brilliant. Thank you so much for watching.
I love the fact her bedroom was over the theatre 🎥 wow! A kind of loving great film! Such a full career she had❤️
Yes! I can imagine how much it inspired Thora listening to all the laughter and applause! A Kind of Loving is definitely on of my favourite films! ❤️
I remember seeing her in the Will Hay films. He was a favourite, but she went on to become the best battle axe this country has produced, and there's been some heavyweight contenders.
Northern humour from a bygone age poured out of her and you've done her memory credit with this video, our lass.
Jmx
Thank you so much! I love Thora - she has never failed to make me laugh - and at times cry - she was brilliant ❤️
My favourite was Lost For Words...she and Pete Postlethwaite, who played her son, were just a joy to watch....so moving....had me laughing one minute and sobbing the next....loved Thora to bits....there'll never be anyone like her in my book....
That's how I feel about Thora! It's one extreme to another faster than the speed of light - from laughter to tears and back to laughter again - she was amazing! Thank you so much for your comment and for watching xxx
What a nice tribute. As an American, I would catch the series Last of the Summer Wine on Saturday nights. I watched all the older British series and loved them. The series Lost For Words popped up on my IPad this past week, so I watched it and laughed and shed a few tears. Thora and Peter were wonderful in it.
Bless her, she was an amazing actress and a lovely woman
She was! So very funny - I think she was brilliant! And I love that she was so down to earth and honest ❤️🌹
Thora hird also starred along side Norman wisdom movie ‘One Good turn’ as ‘cook’ one of my favs 😂❤
Ohhh! I’ve not seen that - thank you for the information! Xx
She was a great actress and sadly missed x
Amazing actress ❤
Now dame Thora hird can give her own song of praise in heaven!
She can! ❤️🌹❤️🌹
From across the pond. I recognized her name and that of Peter Sallies (?) from the credits of "Last of the Summer Wine". It runs every Tuesday evening on out PBS channel and has done so for at least 20 years. Thanks for sharing. Narragansett Bay
My pleasure! You’re so welcome! Thank you so much for watching! I watch the PBS channel too! Xxxx
It's good to hear about actors and actresses who in real life are traditional and religious people. We too often hear stories about Hollywood types whose behaviour is terrible, and now whose political views when expressed alienate half their potential audience. I like the old-style actor like Thora Hird who treated it like a job and not a license to misbehave.
My late Aunt Dorothy became friends with Thora Through their local church in London . A fine actress indeed .
Oh that’s so lovely! Thora had such a dry sense of humour! 🥰❤️🤣xx
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre Thora and Dorothy would sit and pretend to be serious , but would then erupt in fits of laughter . I never met Thora myself , but Dorothy coined , what I believe is a new term . A Vesuvius of random hilarity .
Wonderful actress and what a lovely summary of her life in tribute -so glad she had such a long and happy life
She was!!! Absolutely brilliant ❤️🌹 thank you so much and thank you for watching!!! Xxx very much appreciated 🥰
That was a great tribute thank you
My pleasure! Thank you so much for watching ❤️❤️❤️
A wonderful actress.
Great tribute. Thank you.
Thank you so much and thank you for watching ❤️
I loved ‘in loving memory’.
It was brilliant! To be honest I love pretty much everything Thora did - off the top of my head I can’t think of anything I didn’t like! She was so funny xxxx
I thought her single greatest performance was in the Talking Heads series, "Waiting For The Telegram" as a 99 year old woman thinking back to her young days. Absolutely heartbreakingly sad.
She could make you laugh one minute and cry the next! An absolutely brilliant actress! ❤️🌹
I absolutely love Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads series and still watch the DVDs at least once or twice every year. Sadly I only remember Thora from Last of the Summer Wine, Songs of Praise, Hallelujah and Dinner Ladies - still such a privilege to see her and of course absolutely love her!
Can listen to you for hours and guess what; that's what I'm about to do 😊❤😊 oh my 20yrs since she passed ❤
Thank you for your comment and for watching
Another brilliant video. Thank you for this and the others.
Thank you! That’s very much appreciated! ❤️❤️🌹
Nice of you to lay flowers
Thank you ❤️🌹
A flower from me. 🥀🥀 to Thora Hird. She was a truly uniqe actress. Thank you so much for telling her life story.
My pleasure! Thank you so much for watching! ❤️
@@BeautifulBadandBizarre I must say l shall be following your videos. I found this one so informative. Thora Hird is one of my favourite actresses. I love old films and often wonder about the actors and actresses lives. Thank you a million times.
Thank you so much! You’ve made my day! I absolutely adore watching old films - and this time of year when it’s so cold outside it’s definitely my most favourite thing to do! ❤️❤️❤️
Thora Hird was a super, super actress! She played to nosey neighbours, kind interested every Sunday, Praise Be and Hallelujah. Then her epitome, for me ,came when her Damehood was awarded, and she was honoured publically for her service to the general public 👍👍👍👍
She was! One of the very best! ❤️❤️❤️
Even though I've enjoyed everything that I've seen her in, I totally agree that the talking heads was her best performance. Truly sublime.
Yes - Alan Bennett’s writing and Thora’s acting and delivery - the perfect combination ❤️🌹
Loved her in Last of the Summer Wine read the comment about her being down to earth doesn't surprise me always came across as a decent person brilliant British actress
Me too! She was a great actress and seemingly a lovely character with no pretentiousness! ❤️❤️❤️
I saw Thora once, as she was eating a meal in a cafe in Blackpool, of course I just smiled at her and left her alone, having just watched her on stage..She also came out with the funniest line Iv'e ever heard, when playing "In Loving Memory"..Christopher Beeney had shut himself in the pantry, Thora was looking for him, and opened the door and there he stood, stark naked, hands in front! All she said was "Oh Billy..my best jelly mould!"...I'm laughing just writing this!
I LOVE THIS! Thank you so much! I wouldn’t have interrupted her eating either 🤣 it must be hard at times being such a familiar face! She was so funny - even with just a look!!!! Thank you so much for your comment and thank you for watching this video ❤️🌹
If you have never seen Lost For Words with Pete Postlethwaite it's a must.I think it's the best part she ever played funny touching and acted flawlessly.Thora was peerless in every role and I doubt she will ever be bettered.God bless her
I agree! It’s brilliant - Thora could make you cry happy and sad tears at the same time! Loved Pete too ❤️🌹
Absolute favourite always. Particularly poignant performance in Waiting for the Telegram in the Talking Heads series.
“A life well lived” was absolutely peerless, just like the lady herself💖
Thank you so much ❤️ and thank you for watching 🌹
Just watched this episode and loved it. I had an Aunty Vera who was a mixture of so many of Thora’s characters. The mum in Dinnerladies and the Mum in A Kind of Loving. I think everyone has a Thora in their lives ❤️
It’s certainly true for me! Thora played some amazing roles and was such a great character herself! A Kind of Loving is one of my favourite films - I adored June Ritchie in that film also! ❤️❤️❤️
Loved Thora so funny
She was brilliant! ❤️❤️❤️
A very very fine actress and comedian, with a personality that commanded respect.
R.I.P Dame Thora 💐
Absolutely agree! Thank you for watching ❤️
She was good old school of a actress a lovely lady by all accounts
She was! ❤️🌹 and very down to earth and plain speaking ❤️
Such beautiful eyes and such a gifted actress. I can only really remember her from Songs of Praise which I wasn’t really into but we didn’t have many channels to watch back then. I guess I’d underestimated her brilliant career and now I think about it she was in a lot more things than I thought, including my fave Carry On’s. Thanks for the fascinating documentary and I feel I have laid some flowers with you, thanks for giving me the chance to do that 🙏🏻X
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! It means a lot to me to hear that you enjoyed the video and that it brought back memories of Thora Hird. Your kind words truly brighten my day. Sending warm wishes your way! 🌸 xxxx
I absolutely love Thora Hird such a talented and lovely lady.
Me too! She was magnificent! ❤️
Wonderful, thank you, yet again.
Thank you so much Shaun ❤️🌹
Another lovely video. Given her northern accent was so strong I assumed that she had stayed up north. So how wrong can I be since Chichester is not too far north!!!
She was an amazing actress and all of the people in Alan Bennetts Talking Heads were superb.
Yes! Her accent was unshakeable - you would have assumed that! ❤️🌹 She was truly a marvellous actress and as for Alan Bennett - what a writer! Unbeatable ❤️❤️❤️
Just jumped on board. Really enjoying your videos. Cheers.
Thank you so much, that’s very appreciated! ❤️❤️❤️
The lady couldn't retire she loved acting too much and even when she was getting on a bit she was sharp at a tack. Sadly missed 😞 🙏
It’s true!!!! It was in here genes - and she never missed a bear with her humour you’re right - sharp as a tack to the last! And incredibly missed ❤️
She is one of my favorite comedy actresses.
Mine too! I love her! ❤️❤️❤️
She was part of the furniture in our house and probably every other people's house back in the 80/90s, RIP THORA 🙏 🕊 ☮
Yes!!! Same here ❤️❤️❤️
Beautifully narrated and very professional. You've done thora proud 👏
Thank you so much Tim - that means a lot to me - I appreciate that ❤️🌹
Thank you for reminding us all, what a uniquely talented actress Thora Hird was, brought a tear to my eye. Thank you!
Thank you so much - it was my total pleasure I loved Thora 🥰❤️
A lovely lady and brilliant actress
She was I agree ❤️🌹xx
Beautiful tribute. Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching ❤️
My late parents and I adored Thora, what an actress. A true British icon, our very own Thora Hird thank you for the great entertainment and all the wonderful laughs ❤️🌹❤️
She was marvellous - a natural born entertainer and talent ❤️❤️❤️ thank you for watching the video ❤️
Thora had a very warm voice and of course her lovely personality seemed always to be conveyed. Her performance in The Cream Cracker Under The Settee was deservedly garnered a BAFTA. She once phones a friend of mine who had, just before she died, sought her autograph. He was Scottish and she a lovely chat with him and especially remembered her husband with him.
That’s so lovely to hear! Thank you! Yes A Cream Cracker was one of her finest performances I agree! Thank you so much for watching the video ❤️❤️❤️
I especially liked in in Last of the Summer Wine, even though I had seen her prior
to this in a few movies, great actress, so sadly missed.😊
She was such a good actress I agree and so funny ❤️ and I agree - sadly missed xxxx
You zre so sorly missed
She was a fantastic actress. God bless her.
I agree ❤️she was 🌹
A truly talented lady in the comedy world Thora Hird thank you for entertaining us with your skills in acting and the theracticle world Rest in Peace
❤️🌹🥰
This is a excellent Webb site thank you from New Zealand
Thank you so much ❤️🌹
This was a lovely tribute to a lovely actress!
Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️
Ahhhh wonderful Thora Hird.♥️
❤️❤️🌹
She was, simply the best .
Awe!!! what a lovely video showing us the history of dearest Thora Hird. Its her unique voice that always comes to my mind when I think of her. I did not know she had worked on so many productions. Thankyou for giving us the opportunity to discover more about one of our best acting icons xx
Glad you enjoyed it - thank you so much! and apologies for this late reply! xxxx
Thats fine ha!!!! I usually take a year to respond. I did not even know it was 8 months ago gulp!!! xx@@BeautifulBadandBizarre
😂😂😂 I have completely lost track! I’m trying to be more organised - which I’m going to be honest isn’t really me - I’m a very naturally disorganised person 🤭 and yes 8 months! I didn’t even think the channel had been going that long 😂😂😂 but apparently when I looked into it it’s been 18 months 😮 lol xxxxx
Wonderful post. Thank you :)
Thank you so much for watching! ❤️🌹