Date of Birth: August 15, 1912
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: May 14, 2003
Biography
Wendy Margaret Hiller was a renowned English actress known for her powerful and versatile performances both on stage and in film. Born on August 15, 1912, in Bramhall, Cheshire, England, Hiller’s acting career spanned over five decades, during which she became one of the most respected and beloved actresses of her generation. Hiller began her career in repertory theatre, where she quickly gained recognition for her talent. Her breakthrough came in 1935 when playwright George Bernard Shaw cast her in the lead role of “Saint Joan.” This collaboration with Shaw marked the beginning of a long and fruitful association with his works, and she went on to star in several of his plays, both on stage and in film adaptations. In 1938, Hiller made her film debut in “Pygmalion,” a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She continued to receive critical acclaim for her performances in films such as “Major Barbara” (1941), “I Know Where I’m Going!” (1945), and “Separate Tables” (1958), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Hiller’s stage career was equally illustrious, with notable performances in “The Heiress,” “A Moon for the Misbegotten,” and “The Wings of the Dove.” She was known for her ability to convey deep emotional complexity and her commitment to bringing authenticity to every role she played. In addition to her professional achievements, Hiller was known for her down-to-earth personality and dedication to her family. She married playwright Ronald Gow in 1937, and they had two children together. Hiller continued to work in theatre and film until her retirement in the late 1980s.
5 Interesting Facts about Wendy Hiller
1. Wendy Hiller was the first actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for a role in a film adaptation of a George Bernard Shaw play.
2. She was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1971 for her services to drama.
3. Hiller turned down a damehood, stating that she preferred to be known simply as “Mrs. Gow.”
4. She was one of the few actresses to win an Academy Award with comparatively few film roles, focusing more on her stage career.
5. Hiller played roles ranging from historical figures like Saint Joan to contemporary characters, showcasing her remarkable range as an actress.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wendy Hiller
1. “I believe in doing things that scare you.”
2. “I never wanted to be a star; I wanted to be an actress.”
3. “Acting is not about being famous, it’s about exploring the human soul.”
4. “Theatre is a collaborative art, and the audience is the final collaborator.”
5. “I have always been more interested in what I could learn from a role than in how it could advance my career.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Wendy Hiller’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Wendy Hiller had two children with her husband, Ronald Gow: a son named Anthony and a daughter named Ann.
Relevant Links
1. [Wendy Hiller – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0385038/
2. [Wendy Hiller – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy_Hiller
4. [Wendy Hiller – BFI](https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b9f0e36aa
5. [Wendy Hiller – Oscars](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1959
