Wendy Richard, a talented British actress, was born in Middlesborough to Henry and Beatrice Emmerton, who relocated to London when she was just five years old. Her father, Henry, ran The Shepherds Tavern in Mayfair, London, with his wife Beatrice. Tragedy struck when Wendy was just 11 years old, as her father took his own life due to depression.
Wendy was educated at St Georges School in Mount Street, Mayfair, London, and later attended a boarding school. Despite her early struggles, she found work as a shop assistant at Fortnum and Mason, but was unfortunately fired on her second day due to her inability to sell anything. This setback did not deter her, as she went on to join the Italia Conti stage school at the age of 16.
Wendy's first major break came when she contributed vocals to Mike Sarne's record 'Come Outside', which reached number one on the charts in 1962. Although she only received £15 for her efforts, this exposure led to bigger and better things. David Croft, a renowned television producer, cast her in the comedy series 'Hugh and I', which marked the beginning of her successful television career.
Wendy's subsequent appearances in various television shows, including 'The Likely Lads', 'Newcomers', 'Up Pompeii', 'Dads Army', and 'Eastenders', cemented her status as a talented and versatile actress. She also had a part in the Beatles film 'Help', although her scenes were ultimately cut from the final version.
In 1972, Wendy married music publisher Leonard Black, but the union was short-lived and lasted only five months. She then married advertising executive Will Thorpe, but their relationship became increasingly turbulent and eventually turned violent, resulting in a divorce in 1984.
Wendy's third marriage was to Paul Glorney, a carpet fitter, but they eventually divorced in 1994. In 1996, she met John Burns, a painter and decorator, and the couple began living together before marrying in October 2008.
In 1996, Wendy discovered a lump on her breast, which was later diagnosed as cancerous. After undergoing treatment and receiving the all-clear, she experienced a recurrence of the disease in 2002. Despite this setback, she continued to work and even made a half-hour television program, 'Wendy Richard: To Tell You the Truth', documenting the final months of her life, which was broadcast in March 2009.
Wendy Richard's remarkable life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, but her indomitable spirit and determination to succeed in the face of adversity make her an inspiration to all who knew her.
