Fay Compton

Biography

From Wikipedia Fay Compton CBE (18 September 1894 – 12 December 1978) was an English actress from a notable acting lineage; her father was actor/manager Edward Compton; her mother, Virginia Bateman, was a distinguished member of the profession, as were her elder sister, the actress Viola Compton, and her uncles and aunts. Her grandfather was the 19th-century theatrical luminary Henry Compton. Author Compton Mackenzie was her elder brother. Compton's film work is not as well known as her stage appearances. She appeared in more than forty films between 1914 and 1970. Her most popular performances in films are Odd Man Out (1947), Laughter in Paradise (1951), Orson Welles' Othello (1952), The Haunting (1963) and I Start Counting (1969). Among her television performances, she appeared in 1965 with Michael Hordern in the television play, Land of My Dreams by Clive Exton. One of her last major roles was as Aunt Ann in the BBC's 1967 television adaptation of The Forsyte Saga. She had a successful career in the radio, television and gramophone recordings.

Known For

The Haunting

as Mrs. Sanderson

Othello

as Emilia

Odd Man Out

as Rosie

Waltzes from Vienna

as Countess Helga von Stahl

The Vanquished

as Mrs. Pinkerton

Laughter in Paradise

as Agnes Russell

I Start Counting

as Mrs. Bennett

Town on Trial

as Mrs. Crowley

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

as Mme. Mantalini

London Belongs to Me

as Mrs. Josser