Dare, Zena (1887–1975)

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Dare, Zena (1887–1975)

British stage actress. Born Florence Harriette Zena Dones in Fulham Park Gardens, London, England, Feb 4, 1887; died Mar 11, 1975; dau. of Arthur Dones (clerk in a divorce court) and Haddie Dones; sister of Phyllis Dare; m. Maurice Vyner Baliol Brett (2nd son of 2nd Viscount Esher), 1911 (died 1934); children: 1 son, 2 daughters.

One of the most popular actresses in Edwardian England, made stage debut with sister in the pantomime Babes in the Wood (1899); as a young girl, appeared in pantomime in Scotland and toured in An English Daisy; came to prominence in London in 1st adult role in The Catch of the Season (1904); appeared in musicals Lady Madcap, The Little Cherub, The Girl on Stage, and in the title role of Peter Pan; retired at her peak to marry (1911); returned to the stage, at 39, forming her own company and touring South Africa (1926); enjoyed great success in straight roles, including Mrs. Cheyney in The Last of Mrs. Cheyney and roles opposite Noel Coward in The Second Man and Ivor Novello in Proscenium, Careless Rapture and King's Rhapsody; appeared as Lady Caroline in a revival of Dear Brutus and the Red Queen in Alice through the Looking Glass; was also seen in Sabrina Fair, Double Image and Nude with Violin; last appearance was as Rex Harrison's mother in My Fair Lady (1958–63).

See also Women in World History.