Dinah Sheridan was a renowned English actress, affectionately regarded as the quintessential English rose of late 30's and 40's British films. Her captivating presence, elegance, and quiet beauty captivated the hearts of war-torn England during World War II.
Born Dinah Nadyejda Ginsburg in London on September 17, 1920, she was the daughter of Russian and German photographers to the Royal Family, appointed by both the Queen and Queen Mother. Dinah's early career began with understudy roles, including Rsoamund in "Where the Rainbow End" and Wendy in "Peter Pan," starring Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester.
Dinah made her film debut at the age of 16 in the 1937 low-budget film "Landslide," alongside Jimmy Hanley, whom she later married in 1942. The couple had three children, one of whom died in childbirth. Dinah continued to appear in films, often alongside Jimmy, including "Behind Your Back," "Father Steps Out," "Merely Mr. Hawkins," and "Irish and Proud of It."
Jimmy and Dinah became a popular film couple during World War II, appearing in films like "Salute John Citizen," "The Facts of Love," and "The Huggetts Abroad." Their daughter, Jenny Hanley, followed in their footsteps as an actress and TV presenter.
After the war, Dinah continued to appear in a variety of films, including the melodrama "The Hills of Donegal," the whodunnit "Calling Paul Temple," and the crime drama "The Story of Shirley Yorke." She also appeared in the adventure drama "Ivory Hunter" and the romantic war piece "The Sound Barrier."
Dinah divorced Jimmy in 1952 and married Sir John Davis, the President of the Rank Organization, in 1954. She retired from acting after her second divorce and returned to the stage in 1967 with the play "Let's All Go Down the Strand." She continued to work in television, appearing in shows like "Seasons of the Year," "Zodiac," and "Crown Court."
Dinah's later years were marked by her marriage to actor John Merivale in 1986 and her appearance in various TV programs, including "Doctor Who" and "Jonathan Creek." She died in London on November 25, 2012, at the age of 92.
