Glenda Jackson, the acclaimed two-time Oscar-winning actor and former UK politician, has passed away peacefully at the age of 87 after a brief illness. Her agent, Lionel Larner, confirmed the news, stating that Jackson died at her home in London with her family by her side. Prior to her passing, she had recently finished filming “The Great Escaper,” a project in which she co-starred alongside Michael Caine.
Larner also expressed his personal loss, referring to Jackson as one of the world’s greatest actresses and mentioning their friendship of over 50 years. Born in Birkenhead, England, in 1936, Jackson discovered her passion for acting as a teenager when she joined an amateur theater group. She later received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and embarked on a successful career on London’s West End and Broadway, making her debut in 1965.
Jackson’s talent extended to the screen, earning her two Academy Awards for Best Actress. The first was for her role opposite Oliver Reed in the 1969 period drama “Women in Love,” followed by a second win for the 1973 romantic comedy “A Touch of Class.” Notably, she portrayed Queen Elizabeth I in the BBC’s biographical film “Elizabeth R” and the historical drama “Mary, Queen of Scots.”
In 1992, Jackson made a significant shift in her career, transitioning into politics. She became a Labour Member of Parliament (MP) and served for 23 years, during which her party attained power under Tony Blair’s leadership. Though she never held high-ranking positions, Jackson was known for her fearlessness and was appointed a junior transport minister for two years.
Throughout her political career, Jackson had disagreements with Blair over the Iraq war and openly criticized former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, including on the day of Thatcher’s funeral in 2013. In 2016, she returned to the stage, starring in a West End production of “King Lear.” Her exceptional performance earned her a Tony Award in 2018 for the Broadway production of “Three Tall Women.”
Jackson’s final on-screen project, “The Great Escaper,” is currently in post-production. Her remarkable legacy as both an accomplished actor and a dedicated politician leaves an indelible mark on the entertainment and political spheres.