Written by: Penelope Wildwood

Barbara Jefford: A Luminary of the British Stage

Renowned for her powerful performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Old Vic, and the National Theatre, Barbara Jefford is a British actress who has left an indelible mark on the world of theatre. Her iconic portrayal of Molly Bloom in the 1967 film adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses remains one of her most celebrated roles.

Early Life and Training

Born on July 26, 1930, in Plymstock, Devon, Barbara Mary Jefford was the daughter of Elizabeth Mary Ellen (née Laity) and Percival Francis Jefford. She grew up in the West Country and attended Weirfield School in Taunton, Somerset. Her early fascination with the performing arts led her to the Hartly-Hodder School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art, followed by training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

Rise to Prominence

While still a student at RADA, Jefford began her acting career with small parts in radio productions, including Westward Ho! in 1946. Her stage debut came in 1949, when she played Viola in Twelfth Night at the Dolphin Theatre in Brighton. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful career in theatre, with her first major role as Isabella in Peter Brook's production of Measure for Measure at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1950.

A Shakespearean Icon

• Over the next four years, Jefford played numerous major Shakespearean roles, including Anne Boleyn in Henry VIII, Calpurnia in Julius Caesar, Hero in Much Ado About Nothing, Lady Percy in Henry IV, and Desdemona in Othello.
• Her performances were often marked by her rich, expressive voice and a deep understanding of Shakespeare's complex characters.

Later Career and Accolades

In addition to her extensive work in theatre, Jefford appeared in several films and television productions, including the BBC's War and Peace and The Duchess of Malfi. Her contributions to British theatre were recognized with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2000.

Throughout her long and illustrious career, Barbara Jefford has inspired generations of actors and audiences alike with her passion, dedication, and commitment to her craft.

Legacy

As a testament to her enduring impact on British theatre, Jefford's legacy continues to inspire new talent and captivate audiences with her legendary performances. Her rich body of work serves as a reminder of the transformative power of theatre to entertain, educate, and uplift.