Patricia Wilmshurst, known professionally as Veronica, was born on the picturesque island of Malta and later grew up in the vibrant city of London. As a stunning honey blonde with piercing green eyes, she secured a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) at the tender age of 17. Two years later, she graduated and made her film debut in Mario Zampi's comedy "Laughter in Paradise" (1951) alongside the talented Audrey Hepburn.
Zampi's keen eye for talent led to Veronica being signed to a seven-year contract with Associated British Pictures at Elstree Studios, with a salary of £2500 per year, a significant amount for the time. Her first notable role was in the war drama "Angels One Five" (1952),where she played second fiddle to Dulcie Gray alongside Jack Hawkins and John Gregson. The film was set during the Battle of Britain and showcased Veronica's range as a young actress.
Veronica's breakthrough role came when she was flown to Hollywood to star alongside Richard Carlson in the 3-D gothic horror thriller "The Maze" (1953),directed by the renowned William Cameron Menzies. Although the film received mixed reviews at the time, it has since gained a cult following. She then appeared in the wartime adventure yarn "The Royal African Rifles" (1953) alongside Louis Hayward.
Established as a leading lady, Veronica returned to Britain to star in a string of lightweight comedies, including "Will Any Gentleman...?" (1953) and "Don't Blame the Stork" (1954),as well as flirtatious crime dramas like "The Girl on the Pier" (1953) and "Game of Danger" (1954). She also appeared in the drama "The Gilded Cage" (1955) and the crime thriller "Dead Man's Evidence" (1962).
As the 1960s progressed, Veronica began to transition to television, guest-starring in popular serials such as "Man in a Suitcase" (1967),"The Baron" (1966),and "The Persuaders!" (1971). Although she may not have lived up to the early hype surrounding her, Veronica carved out a solid acting career that spanned over three decades before her retirement in 1975.
In her private life, Veronica was an accomplished individual with a range of hobbies and interests. She enjoyed writing poetry, watercolour painting, gardening, and collecting antique furniture. She was married twice, first to actor William Sylvester, whom she met on the set of "The Yellow Balloon" (1953),and then to television producer and director Ian Fordyce, who predeceased her in 1988.
