Jessie Matthews was born into a large, impoverished family in the vibrant neighborhood of Soho, situated in London's West End. This humble beginning did not hinder her aspirations, as she went on to become a prominent stage star during the late 1920s and 1930s, enjoying a significant amount of crossover success in musical films.
Although her career never quite reached the same level of success after World War II, Matthews staged a remarkable comeback in the 1960s when she replaced the lead actress in the popular radio soap opera "Mrs. Dale's Diary".
Despite her accomplishments, Matthews' life was marked by personal struggles, including the breakdown of relationships and her own battles with poor health and insecurity. Her tumultuous existence ultimately led to her being buried in an unmarked grave, a fate that remained unknown to the public until a television documentary in the late 1980s brought this shocking revelation to light.
The BBC's Timewatch documentary series, in particular, shed light on Matthews' remarkable yet troubled life in its 1982 episode "Catch A Fallen Star". This poignant and fascinating story serves as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, despite the challenges and hardships that may arise.
