Peggy Mount, English actress (d. 2001)

The formidable Margaret Rose Mount OBE (2 May 1915 – 13 November 2001) was an English actress whose distinctive presence and powerful performances graced the stages, films, and television screens of Britain for over half a century. Renowned for her authoritative portrayal of strong-willed, often comically domineering women, Mount's career was also marked by a profound versatility that saw her tackle classical theatre and serious dramatic roles with equal aplomb.

Early Life and the Genesis of a Performer

Born in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, Margaret Mount's journey into acting was deeply personal, serving as a sanctuary from a challenging childhood. As a young girl, the world of performance offered a vital escape from what she described as an unhappy home life, fostering a profound connection to the transformative power of the stage. This early motivation instilled in her a dedicated work ethic and an unwavering commitment to her craft.

Her professional journey began in the vibrant world of amateur theatricals, where she honed her initial skills. This passion soon led her to the rigorous training ground of repertory theatre. For nine years, Mount immersed herself in this demanding environment, traveling across various British towns. Repertory companies of the era were an invaluable school for actors, requiring them to learn and perform multiple roles in quick succession, often with minimal rehearsal. This intense period was crucial for Mount, allowing her to develop a deep understanding of character, stagecraft, and the nuances of live performance.

The West End Breakthrough with Sailor Beware!

A pivotal moment in Margaret Mount's career arrived in 1955 with the highly successful comic play, Sailor Beware!. She originated the leading role in a regional repertory production, delivering a performance so compelling that, despite her relative obscurity to London audiences, she was chosen to reprise the part when the play transferred to the prestigious West End. This move marked her "big break," propelling her into the national spotlight and cementing her reputation for expertly portraying formidable, often unyielding, middle-aged women. Her ability to infuse these characters with both humour and a touch of humanity made her an instant favourite and a recognisable face in the British entertainment landscape.

A Master of Diverse Roles: From Comedy to Classics

While she became synonymous with her robust, comedic matriarchal roles, Margaret Mount was far from typecast. Her talent extended significantly into the realm of classical theatre, where she showcased her range by performing in works by some of the greatest playwrights in history. She occasionally graced the stage in celebrated classic comedies, including those penned by William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Oliver Goldsmith, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. This demonstrated her ability to navigate complex language and historical contexts with ease.

Her dedication to the highest standards of theatrical performance was further evidenced by her affiliations with Britain's most esteemed acting institutions. Throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Mount was a valued member of the illustrious The Old Vic, the pioneering National Theatre, and the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). These memberships placed her at the heart of British theatre's golden age, allowing her to contribute to groundbreaking productions and work alongside many of the era's greatest talents.

Later Career and Poignant Farewell

As her career progressed, Margaret Mount's artistic journey saw her embrace an increasing number of serious, dramatic roles, challenging audience expectations and further demonstrating her profound acting capabilities. A notable achievement was her powerful portrayal of the title role in Bertolt Brecht's epic anti-war play, Mother Courage and Her Children, a demanding character that allowed her to explore themes of resilience, survival, and moral compromise on stage. She also appeared in several compelling television dramas, showcasing her ability to deliver nuanced performances across various mediums and reach a broader audience.

Margaret Mount retired from acting after facing the profound challenge of going blind. Her final years were spent in the supportive and familiar surroundings of Denville Hall, the esteemed actors' retirement home located in northwest London, a place where many luminaries of the British stage and screen have found peace and community in their later lives. She passed away on 13 November 2001, leaving behind a rich legacy of memorable performances.

Biography and Lasting Legacy

Her remarkable life and career were chronicled in the biography, Everything I Ever Wanted, written by Andrew Ross. This comprehensive account was published in 2019 by Fantom Films Limited, offering fans and historians alike an in-depth look at her journey, from her early motivations to her enduring impact on British entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Margaret Rose Mount?
Margaret Rose Mount OBE (1915–2001) was a distinguished English actress celebrated for her extensive career in British theatre, film, and television. She was particularly known for her strong characterisations of formidable, often comedic, middle-aged women.
What kind of roles was she most famous for?
Mount gained significant fame for her portrayals of domineering middle-aged women, especially after her breakthrough in Sailor Beware! However, her repertoire also included significant roles in classical comedies by Shakespeare, Jonson, Goldsmith, and Sheridan, as well as later serious dramatic parts.
When was her breakthrough role?
Her major breakthrough occurred in 1955 when she took the leading role in the comic play Sailor Beware!, first in repertory and then in its successful transfer to the West End.
Did she work with prominent theatre companies?
Yes, Margaret Mount was a respected member of some of Britain's most prestigious theatre companies, including The Old Vic, the National Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, particularly throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Why did she retire from acting?
She retired from her acting career after she went blind, spending her final years at Denville Hall, an actors' retirement home in northwest London.
Is there a biography available about Margaret Mount?
Yes, her biography titled Everything I Ever Wanted, written by Andrew Ross, was published in 2019 by Fantom Films Limited.