Gillian Barge, born Gillian Betty Bargh, was a renowned English actress who made a significant impact in the world of stage, television, and film. Born in Hastings, Sussex, she began her acting journey at the tender age of 17, undergoing rigorous training at the prestigious Birmingham Theatre School.
Throughout her illustrious career, Gillian performed on stages across the globe, as well as in the United Kingdom, where she had the privilege of gracing the stages of all the major London theatres. Her impressive repertoire included iconic roles such as Varya in The Cherry Orchard, Isabella in Measure For Measure, and Paulina in The Winter's Tale. In 2001, she received a Laurence Olivier Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance in Passion Play at the Donmar Warehouse.
In addition to her remarkable theatre work, Gillian Barge amassed an impressive array of television credits, featuring guest appearances in popular shows such as This Other Eden, The Last of the Uzkoks, A Worm in the Bud, One Foot in the Grave, All Creatures Great & Small, Face Value, and Welcome to the Club. Her film credits include the 1973 production of The National Health.
Gillian's personal life was marked by a long and loving marriage to actor Clive Merrison, whom she remained married to until her passing. Tragically, she succumbed to cancer at the young age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances and a lifetime of dedication to her craft.
