Wissenswertes

In her later years she lived in the eccentric Honeypot Cottage (made of circular rooms) on the banks of the Thames in Berkshire, with her collection of stray cats.

She was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1986 Queen's New Year Honours List for her services to drama.

Beryl never refused to talk to, or sign autographs for fans, as she said it was them who made her famous.

Won Broadway's 1967 Tony Award as Best Actress (Dramatic) for "The Killing of Sister George," a role she recreated in the film version of the same name, Das Doppelleben der Sister George (1968).

She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards in 1991.

A memorial service was held for her at St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden on 18th February 1997.

She made the very first challenge in BBC Radio 4's long-running "Just A Minute" panel game, in the 1967 pilot episode. It was for hesitation.

Won award for Best Comedy Performance in the 1980 Laurence Olivier Awards for her performance in ''Born in the Gardens'.

When she married musician Derek Franklin they did so in Blackpool in August1954 and lived at Honeypot Cottage, Wraysbury, Staines, Middlesex.

Her husband Derek Franklin who she married in Blackpool in August1956 used to be a bass player with the Hedley Ward Trio before forming the Derek Franklin trio.