Barbara Lott


Barbara Dulcie Lott was a British actress who played Phyllis Lumsden in the BBC television sitcom Sorry!. She also appeared in Coronation Street, Rings on Their Fingers, Survivors, Z-Cars, and as Rona's auntie Pearl in the BBC television sitcom 2point4 Children, amongst others.

Early life

Lott was born on 15 May 1920 in Richmond upon Thames, Surrey. Her father, William Lott, was an executive at Ealing Studios and Lott appeared in small roles in films as a child. She studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 1937 and joining repertory theatre. In 1940, she married Stuart Latham, who was later a producer of Coronation Street.

Career

Lott eventually made her London stage debut in Love for Love at the Haymarket Theatre in 1944. Her first television appearance was as Viola in Twelfth Night in 1950 and she went on to appear frequently on television in small roles. In 1978, she was cast in her first major role in Rings on Their Fingers, in 1981 in Sorry! and in 1992 in an occasional role in 2point4 Children. She appeared in several films, most notably as Ewan McGregor's mother in The Pillow Book.

Death

Lott died on 19 December 2002 in London, aged 82.

Television roles

YearTitleRole
1956Jesus of NazarethMary Magdalene
1964The Ordeal of Richard FeverelLady Blandish
1972War and PeaceNadia Galenkova
1975Ballet ShoesNana
1977SurvivorsEdith
1978 to 1980Rings on Their FingersMrs Bennett
1981 to 1988Sorry!Phyllis Lumsden
1983The All Electric Amusement ArcadeMrs Thomsett
1991 to 19992point4 ChildrenAuntie Pearl
15 November 2000The Remorseful Day Mrs Bayley
2001 to 2003Doc MartinJustine Walker

Selected filmography

  • Let's Be Famous – Sophie the telephonist
  • Three Silent Men – Nurse
  • Brighton Rock –
  • Dilemma – Nun
  • The World Ten Times Over – Bob's PA
  • The Party's Over – Almoner
  • Unman, Wittering and Zigo – Mrs. Winstanley
  • Electric Moon – Mrs. Ellis
  • The Pillow Book – Jerome's Mother