Trivia

Two sons with actor John Le Mesurier: Robin Le Mesurier (born 22 March 1953) and Kim Le Mesurier (born 12 October 1956). Kim died of an accidental drug overdose on 6 October 1991, exactly 11 years after his mother's death.

She worked as an arc-welder during World War II. She was able to use this skill when she played Alice, a welder, in Chance of a Lifetime (1950).

She allegedly declined an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1974 for her services to drama and charity.

Last name was pronounced as "Jakes" rather than the French "Jacques" ("zhack").

Being most famous for her matron characters it is interesting to note that she actually was a Red Cross nurse during the Second World War.

She suffered from a number of health problems in later years, including arthritis, ulcerated legs and high blood pressure, as well as breathing difficulties due to a 60-a-day smoking habit. These health problems, along with her increasing weight, eventually made her uninsurable for film work.

Was in a relationship with John Schofield from 1962 to 1966.

A memorial service was held for her at St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden on 10th November 1980.

Frequently played matron in the Carry On films.

Fellow "Carry On..." team members gave her the nickname of 'Mother Superior' on the set of the films. This was due to her compassionate nature and willingness to help other cast members with their personal problems.

Her family banned Eric Sykes from attending her funeral and her memorial service. **This has been categorically denied by the Sykes family, who maintain that the reason he did not attend was that he was out of the country at the time.**.

The name Robin ran in her family as her father, brother and one of her sons had the name.

She lived in Eardley Crescent, Earls Court, London.

Attended The Godolphin and Latymer School in Hammersmith, London on a scholarship.

She wore her long grey hair under a wig.

Is portrayed by Ruth Jones in Hattie (2011).

Daughter of Robin Rochester (1897-1923) and Mary Jacques (née Thorn) (1899-1980).

By an odd coincidence both she and her husband John le Mesurier had French surnames that were not pronounced in the French manner. **This is hardly odd in Great Britain; well-known examples of just such a thing being the names St. Maur and Beauchamp.**.

She was married to John le Mesurier for 16 years and had 2 sons.

Known as Hattie from the age of 20.

Her first major film was Chance in a Lifetime.