Josephine Tewson, a renowned English stage and television actress, is best recognized for her iconic roles in British television sitcoms, including Elizabeth in Keeping Up Appearances (1990) and Miss Davenport in Last of the Summer Wine.
Born in 1931 in Hampstead, London, England, Tewson was raised by her parents, William, a professional musician, and Kate (née Morley),a nurse. After completing her education at grammar school, she studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 1952.
Tewson's early career saw her as a regular comedy performer in sketches featuring Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker on David Frost on Sunday and Hark at Barker (1970). She later appeared in Mostly Monkhouse, a BBC Radio comedy programme with David Jason supporting Bob Monkhouse. Her television credits include appearances in Z-Cars (1963-69),The Charlie Drake Show (1968),and Shelley (1979-82),where she played Edna Hawkins, a recurring character.
In 1988, Tewson starred in Ronnie Barker's sitcom Clarence, playing the role of Jane Travers, and later appeared in Keeping Up Appearances, where she played the iconic role of Elizabeth, the neighbor and confidant of Hyacinth Bucket. Tewson's performance in the show earned her widespread recognition and acclaim.
Tewson's other notable roles include starring alongside John Inman in the sitcom Odd Man Out (1977) and appearing as Miss Davenport in Last of the Summer Wine (2003-10). She also made appearances in the documentary series Comedy Connections, discussing her work in Keeping Up Appearances and opposite The Two Ronnies.
In addition to her television work, Tewson appeared in radio dramas, including Leaves in Autumn (2009) and made guest appearances in various television shows, such as Heartbeat (2002),Midsomer Murders (2002),Doctors (2009 and 2012),and Lewis.
Tewson launched her one-woman show, Still Keeping Up Appearances?, in 2012, which toured the UK. She passed away on August 18, 2022, at the age of 91, due to natural causes.
