Damaris Hayman was a renowned English character actress, celebrated for her versatility and ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of roles, often portraying upper-class or eccentric characters with remarkable flair.
Born in 1929 in the prestigious London neighborhood of Kensington, Hayman's early life was marked by a strong educational foundation, as she attended the esteemed Cheltenham Ladies' College.
After honing her craft in repertory theatre, Hayman made her film debut in the 1954 comedy film "The Belles of St. Trinian's," where she played an uncredited role as a sixth former.
Throughout her illustrious career, Hayman amassed a staggering number of small but memorable parts in various productions, including the iconic British sci-fi series "Doctor Who." Her portrayal of Miss Hawthorne, the self-proclaimed White Witch of the village of Devil's End, in the 1971 serial "The Dæmons" (episodes 1-5) remains particularly notable.
Critics praised Hayman's performance, describing her character as "very memorable" and commending her as being "perfectly cast in the role, her engaging performance adding much to the story."
In addition to her work on "Doctor Who," Hayman appeared in a plethora of other television shows, including "Citizen James" (1960),"Comedy Playhouse" (1961),"Steptoe and Son" (1962),"Ours Is a Nice House" (1969),"Happy Ever After" (1974),"The Sweeney" (1975),and "One Foot in the Grave" (1990).
She also collaborated with Ronnie Barker, appearing in one episode of his final series, "Clarence" (1988),and worked with other notable comedians, such as Tony Hancock, whose company she kept until his untimely passing in 1968.
In her later years, Hayman continued to work in television, appearing in shows like "The Liver Birds" (1969) as Miss Rigby and "Duty Free" (1984)'s "A Duty Free Christmas" (1986).
Tragically, Hayman passed away in 2021, just shy of her 92nd birthday, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances and a lasting impact on the world of British entertainment.
