Date of Birth: February 10, 1910
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: November 30, 1979
Biography
Joyce Grenfell was a celebrated English actress, comedian, and writer, renowned for her distinctive style and her contributions to British entertainment, particularly in the mid-20th century. Born into a prominent family, she was the niece of Nancy Astor, the first woman to sit as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. Grenfell’s career spanned radio, stage, and film, where she became famous for her monologues and character sketches, often portraying quirky, endearing British characters. Educated at the Francis Holland School in London and later at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Grenfell’s early life was steeped in the arts. Her career took off during World War II when she entertained troops with her comedic performances, bringing much-needed levity to a difficult time. She became a household name with her appearances in the “St Trinian’s” films and her radio and television work. Grenfell’s humor was marked by its wit, charm, and subtlety, making her a beloved figure in British comedy. She also published several books, including collections of her scripts and monologues. Grenfell passed away on November 30, 1979, but her legacy lives on through her work, which continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal.
5 Interesting Facts about Joyce Grenfell
1. Joyce Grenfell was born Joyce Irene Phipps, but she adopted her stage name after marrying Reginald Pascoe Grenfell.
2. She was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1946 for her services to entertainment during World War II.
3. Grenfell was known for her one-woman shows, which featured a wide variety of characters, all performed by her with minimal costumes and props.
4. She was a prolific writer, publishing several books, including her autobiography, “Joyce Grenfell Requests the Pleasure.”
5. Joyce Grenfell was a talented amateur painter and a passionate gardener, hobbies she indulged in throughout her life.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joyce Grenfell
1. “Progress everywhere today does seem to come so very heavily disguised as Chaos.”
2. “Happiness is the sublime moment when you get out of your corsets at night.”
3. “They look quite promising in the shop; and then you get them home and you find they’ve gone off.”
4. “I have been bored all my life. I am bored still.”
5. “I do hate people who are brave enough to go for what they want and then don’t get it.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Joyce Grenfell’s highest net worth was estimated to be around £1 million, a significant amount for an entertainer of her era.
Children
Joyce Grenfell did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Joyce Grenfell on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0340009/
2. [Joyce Grenfell – Britannia](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joyce-Grenfell
4. [Joyce Grenfell – Find A Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8111984/joyce-grenfell
5. [Joyce Grenfell – BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/people/joyce_grenfell
