As a young girl, she was sent to an acting teacher who introduced her to the world of the performing arts. This teacher, who played a significant role in shaping her early years, taught her how to recite The Murder of Nancy Drew by Charles Dickens. This newfound skill allowed her to participate in various children's competitions, where she consistently won prizes, showcasing her talent at a tender age.
Years later, she attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA),where she earned a gold medal. However, despite this impressive achievement, she faced a challenging period, spending a year without any work. Her perseverance and dedication eventually paid off when she landed an early success in the role of Ruby in the play "Getting Married" at St Martins Theatre in 1938.
Throughout her illustrious career, she became best known for her iconic portrayal of Edna the Inebriated Woman, which earned her the prestigious Television Actress of the Year Award in 1972.