Born in the charming town of Cardonald in 1942, she was the loving daughter of a master of works for Glasgow theatres, whose ancestral roots were deeply embedded in the picturesque Shetland Islands. Additionally, she was the younger sister of Eila and the sister of the late Liam Hood, who would go on to become the esteemed Head of Entertainment at Scottish Television.
As a multifaceted Scottish actress, she would gain international recognition for her captivating portrayal of Natasha in the BBC's 1972 adaptation of Tolstoy's timeless novel, "War and Peace". This lengthy mini-series, which starred the illustrious Anthony Hopkins and Alan Dobie, was a monumental undertaking that spanned over two years in the making.
In 1974, she would take on the iconic role of Stella Kowalski in Tennessee Williams's poignant drama, "Streetcar Named Desire", in the heart of London's West End. Two years later, she would join the prestigious National Theatre Company, where she would showcase her impressive range by playing a diverse array of characters, including Celia in Ben Jonson's "Volpone" and the enchanting Esmeralda in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".
Before making her mark in the West End, she would hone her craft in repertory theatres across Scotland, England, and Bristol Old Vic, ultimately making her West End debut in 1968 with a captivating performance in Goldoni's "Servant of Two Masters".
