Diana Wynyard was a renowned stage actress of her time, leaving an indelible mark on the British theatre. Her iconic performance in the 1940 production of Gaslight, opposite Anton Walbrook, is still remembered for its haunting portrayal of Bella Mallen, a woman driven to the brink of insanity by her malevolent husband.
Born and educated in Croydon, Diana Wynyard began her stage career in London in 1925, debuting in 'Sorry, You've been Troubled' as Lady Sheridan. She quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the leading stars of the British theatre with a diverse repertoire that included works by Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Shaw.
In 1937, she took on the role of Eliza Doolittle in 'Pygmalion', cementing her status as a talented actress. Her Hollywood career, which spanned from 1932 to 1934, saw her star alongside the Barrymores in 'Rasputin and the Empress' and Clive Brook in 'Cavalcade', earning her an Academy Award nomination for the latter.
Diana Wynyard's sensitive performances on screen were matched by her dedication to her craft on stage. She returned to England in 1934 and continued to work in film, appearing in 'The Prime Minister' and 'The Remarkable Mr. Kipps', both directed by Carol Reed. Her marriage to Reed, however, was short-lived, lasting only four years.
In the 1950s, Diana Wynyard transitioned to smaller supporting roles, eventually returning to her Shakespearean roots. Her final significant screen role was as James Mason's mother in 'Island in the Sun' in 1957.
Throughout her career, Diana Wynyard was recognized for her contributions to the theatre. She was awarded a CBE in 1953 and continued to work on stage, playing iconic roles such as Beatrice in 'Much Ado About Nothing', Katherine in 'The Taming of the Shrew', and Hermione in 'The Winter's Tale'. Her final performance was as Gertrude in Peter O'Toole's production of 'Hamlet'.
