Roache, Viola (1885–1961)

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Roache, Viola (1885–1961)

English stage actress. Born Oct 3, 1885, in Norfolk, England; died May 17, 1961, in Hollywood, CA; attended RADA; m. Lionel Bevans (actor-director, div.); children: Phillipa Bevans (actress, d. 1968).

Made London stage debut as Ruth Aiken in The College Widow (1908); toured South Africa and Canada (1912–13); made Broadway debut as Elsa in Panthea (1914); other NY credits include Hobson's Choice, The Distaff Side, Pride and Prejudice, Call It a Day, Craig's Wife and Angel in the Wings; was in original cast of My Fair Lady as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill (1956), then took over the part of Mrs. Higgins.