Bowers, Lally (1917–1984)

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Bowers, Lally (1917–1984)

English actress. Born Kathleen Bowers, Jan 21, 1917, in Oldham, Lancashire, England; died July 18, 1984, in London, England; dau. of Albert Ernest and Kate (Richardson) Bowers; attended Hulme Grammar School, Oldham; studied with James Bernard.

Joined the Shakespeare Memorial Theater, Stratford-on-Avon, working as an understudy and taking small walk-on roles; after additional experience at Manchester Repertory (1936–38) and Sheffield (1938–43), joined the Old Vic, appearing as Nora in A Doll's House and Viola in Twelfth Night (1943); made West End debut as Norrie in The Last of Summer (1944); appeared in repertory and London productions for 3 decades, winning the Clarence Derwent Award (1958) for her performance as Madame de Montrachet in Dinner With the Family; made NY debut as Mrs. Mercy Croft in The Killing of Sister George (1966); other roles include Candida, Lady Cicely Wayneflete in Captain Brassbound's Conversion, Mrs. Millamant in The Way of the World, and Maggie Hobson in Hobson's Choice.