Dame Dorothy Tutin; Longtime Actress on British Stage, Screen
Dame Dorothy Tutin, 70, a British stage and movie actress whose career spanned nearly half a century, died Monday in London of leukemia.
Tutin’s acting career began almost by accident--a classmate suddenly became ill and she was pushed onto the stage to fill the girl’s role. Her performance won praise, and Tutin was encouraged to apply to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
She made her debut in the 1949 theater production of “The Thistle and the Rose” and almost immediately became one of the most sought-after actresses on the London stage. Tutin later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she played all of Shakespeare’s leading female roles.
Her film credits included “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “A Tale of Two Cities.” In 1984, she acted opposite Laurence Olivier in a television production of “King Lear.”
Tutin was awarded the title Commander of the British Empire in 1967 and was made a dame in the 2000 New Year’s Honors List.
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