Who is Sylvia Syms? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In January

Also Known As: Sylvia May Laura Syms

Age: 90 Years, 90 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Alan Edney (m. 1956–1989)

father: Edwin Syms

mother: Daisy (née Hale)

children: Beatie Edney, Benjamin Edney

Born Country: England

Actresses British Women

City: London, England

More Facts

education: Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art

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1

What are some notable films Sylvia Syms starred in?

Sylvia Syms appeared in a wide range of films throughout her career, including "The Tamarind Seed," "Ice Cold in Alex," "The Queen," "The Punch and Judy Man," and "The World of Suzie Wong."
2

Did Sylvia Syms ever win any acting awards?

Sylvia Syms received critical acclaim for her performances over the years, although she may not have won many major awards. Her talent and contributions to the industry are widely recognized and appreciated.
3

How long was Sylvia Syms' acting career?

Sylvia Syms had a long and successful acting career spanning several decades, showcasing her versatility and talent in various roles across film, television, and theater.

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Childhood & Early Life

Sylvia was born Sylvia May Laura Syms, on January 06, 1934, in Woolwich, London, England, to Daisy and Edwin Syms. Her father was a trade unionist and civil servant. Her family later moved to Well Hall, Eltham, where Sylvia grew up.

Sylvia attended 'The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art' in London and later served the RADA Council.

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Career

Sylvia began her acting career in 1953 with Henrik Ibsen's play, 'A Doll's House,' staged at the 'Lyric Theatre' in Hammersmith, London. Two years later, she performed in Owen Holder's play, 'A Kind of Folly,' at the 'Duchess Theatre' in London.

Sylvia made her film debut as the troubled teenage daughter Janet Carr in the 1956 British film 'My Teenage Daughter' (later 'Teenage Bad Girl'). She played the onscreen wife of Tony Britton in 'The Birthday Present' (1957).

Sylvia had starring roles in films such as 'Woman in a Dressing Gown' as Georgie Harlow, 'No Time for Tears' as nurse Margaret Collier, 'Flame in the Streets' Kathie Palmer, and 'The Punch and Judy Man' as Delia Pinner.

Irish poet and playwright Brendan Behan cast Sylvia in his first play 'The Quare Fellow' that premiered at the 'Pike Theatre Club,' Herbert Lane, Dublin, on 19 November 1954 and was a huge success.

Sylvia played nurses in the 1958 British swashbuckler 'The Moonraker' as Anne Wyndham and 1958 released 'Ice Cold in Alex' as Diana Murdoch. She had lead roles as Hetty in 1959 British crime thriller 'No Trees in the Street,' Sister Mitya in 1960 British Second World War film 'Conspiracy of Hearts,' Laura in 1961 suspense 'Victim,' and club hostess Billa in 1963 drama 'The World Ten Times Over.'

Sylvia was cast to play an attractive teacher named Liz Ferrers in the 1959 British melodrama-adventure film 'Ferry to Hong Kong.' She was seen as Clelia, the leader of a woman- warrior group in the 1961 peplum film 'Amazons of Rome.' That year, she performed in Richard B. Sheridan's play, 'The Rivals,' at the 'Pembroke Theatre' in Croydon, Surrey.

Sylvia starred as British governess, Margret Woodville in the 1964 British adventure drama 'East of Sudan.' She portrayed Constance Babington Smith MBE Legion of Merit FRSL who was a journalist and writer, best known for her imagery intelligence works in the 1965 spy thriller and Second World War Metrocolor movie 'Operation Crossbow' (later 'The Great Spy Mission').

In 1964, Sylvia appeared as ‘Lady Anne Yearley’ in the 'ITV' mystery drama 'The Saint' and subsequently made a bunch of single-episode appearances. She played the mother of her real-life son Benjamin Edney in the 1969 ‘Technicolor’ Western 'The Desperados.'

Sylvia appeared as Ruth in the plot 'Frozen Fear' from the 1972 British horror film 'Asylum.' She earned a 'British Film Academy Award' nomination for her performance as Margaret Stephenson in the 1974 romantic drama 'The Tamarind Seed.' Sylvia was the lead Wendy in the 1978 British crime film 'Give Us Tomorrow.'

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From 1972 to 1974, Sylvia and Leslie Crowther played the onscreen married couple in the comedy series 'My Good Woman.' In 1975, she became the jury-head at the '25th Berlin International Film Festival.' Sylvia performed in Oscar Wilde's play, 'An Ideal Husband,' staged at the 'Churchill Theatre' in Bromley, Kent, in 1978.

Sylvia also made appearances in the plays ‘The Entertainer’ (1986) by John Osborne and ‘Canaries Sometimes Sing’ (1987) by Frederick Lonsdale.

Sylvia got her breakthrough television role soon after British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ended her period of office in 1990. Sylvia portrayed her in the 'ITV' film 'Thatcher: The Final Days' (1991). She reprised the role later on the stage as well.

In 1992, Sylvia performed in Noel Coward's play, 'Post Mortem,' at the 'King's Head Theatre' in London, and then in 1993, she was heard as Mrs. Hubbard in the 'BBC Radio' production of Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express.' Sylvia was one of the lead characters as Alice Angelo in the 1997 British historical drama film 'The House of Angelo.'

Sylvia’s other stage credits include Richard Norton Taylor and John McGrath stage adaptation of 'Half The Picture: The Scott 'Arms to Iraq' Inquiry’ and Ray Cooney's play, 'Funny Money.' From 2000 to 2003, she was seen as Marion Riley in the 'ITV' comedy 'At Home with the Braithwaites.'

Sylvia contributed to the 'Sonnet 142' for the compilation album 'When Love Speaks' (2002). She portrayed Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in the biographical drama 'The Queen' (2006). In 2010, she guest-starred in the 'BBC1' drama series 'Casualty.' previously, in 2007, she played a different character in an episode from the show. Sylvia also appeared in the medical drama 'Holby City' in 2003, which is the sister-series of Casualty.

Since 2007 (till 2010), Sylvia had a recurring role as dressmaker Olive Woodhouse in the 'BBC One' soap opera 'EastEnders.' She played Joan in the 'BBC Two' original sitcom 'Rev.' Sylvia made a cameo in the 2012 film 'Run for Your Wife.' She was cast as Mrs. Nicholls in the 2012 comedy film 'Booked Out.'

Sylvia was honored with the coveted O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) title in 2007 for her contributions in the field of entertainment.

Family & Personal Life

Sylvia was married to Alan Edney from 1956 until their divorce in 1989. They had a daughter, Beatie Edney, who is also an actress; and a son, Benjamin Edney. Sylvia was the aunt of musicians Nick and Alex Webb.

She passed away on 27 January 2023. She was 89 years old.

Facts About Sylvia Syms

Sylvia Syms was known for her distinctive husky voice, which added a unique charm to her performances.

She had a talent for portraying strong, independent women on screen, challenging traditional gender roles in the film industry.

Sylvia Syms was a passionate advocate for animal rights and supported various charities dedicated to animal welfare.

In addition to her acting career, she was also an accomplished singer and released several albums throughout her life.

Sylvia Syms was known for her quick wit and sense of humor, making her a beloved figure both on and off the screen.

Sylvia Syms Biography

You wanted to know

What are some notable films Sylvia Syms starred in?

Did Sylvia Syms ever win any acting awards?

How long was Sylvia Syms' acting career?