Siân Phillips

Siân Phillips is a Welsh actress, singer, and author who has had a long and successful career in both theater and film. She was born on May 14, 1933, in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Wales, and began her acting career in the 1950s.

Phillips made her Broadway debut in 1965 in the original production of "Marat/Sade," for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play. She then went on to star in the 1973 revival of "A Little Night Music," playing the role of Desiree Armfeldt. Her performance earned her a second Tony nomination, this time for Best Actress in a Musical.

In addition to her work on Broadway, Phillips has also had a successful career on the West End. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Marlene Dietrich in the 1987 production of "Marlene," for which she won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She also starred in the 1997 production of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" at the Royal Shakespeare Company, playing the role of Madame de Rosemonde.

Phillips has also made numerous appearances on television and in film throughout her career. She is perhaps best known for her role as Livia in the BBC television series "I, Claudius," which aired in 1976. Her performance in the series earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress. She has also appeared in films such as "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (1969), "Dune" (1984), and "The Age of Innocence" (1993).

In addition to her work in acting, Phillips is also a successful singer. She has released several albums throughout her career, including "The Age of Diva" (2000) and "The Essential Siân Phillips" (2007). She has also written several books, including her autobiography "Private Faces" (1999) and a novel titled "A Proper Woman" (2004).

Most recently, Phillips appeared in the 2019 production of "The Night of the Iguana" at the Noel Coward Theatre in London's West End. She played the role of Maxine Faulk in the production, which received critical acclaim.

Siân Phillips is a true icon of the stage and screen, with a career spanning over six decades. Her talent and versatility have made her a beloved figure in the world of theater, and her contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.