Jackson was born at 151 Market Street in Birkenhead on 9 May 1936. Her mother named her after Hollywood actress Glenda Farrell.
They moved to Hoylake following her birth. They lived in a modest two-up, two-down house at 21 Lake Place with an outside toilet. Her father, Harry, was a builder, while her mother, Joan (formerly Pearce), worked in a small shop, a tavern, and as a domestic cleaner.
Jackson, the oldest of four girls, attended Holy Trinity Church of England and Cathcart Street elementary schools. West Kirby County Grammar School for Girls followed. She performed in the Townswomen’s Guild theatre troupe as a teenager.
Jackson debuted in 1952 in J. B. Priestley’s “Mystery of Greenfingers” with the Hoylake YMCA Players. Boots the Chemists employed her for two years prior.
She won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London in 1954.
She was one of the few actors to win the American Triple Crown of Acting: two Oscars, three Emmys, and a Tony. Queen Elizabeth II made her CBE in 1978.
She received an Oscar for Best Actress twice, for Women in Love (1970) and A Touch of Class (1973).
Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971) earned her the BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She also appeared in Mary, Queen of Scots (1971), Hedda (1975), The Incredible Sarah (1976), and Hopscotch (1980).
She played Queen Elizabeth I in the 1971 BBC series Elizabeth R and won two Primetime Emmys. Elizabeth Is Missing (2019) earned her British Academy Television Award and International Emmy Award for Best Actress.
Jackson left acting for politics from 1992 until 2015. She was elected Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 1992.
She was a junior transport minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 1999, although she became skeptical of his policies. After electoral boundary revisions, she represented Hampstead and Kilburn from 2010.
Jackson won the 2010 general election by 42 votes following a recount. That parliament’s closest win. At the 2015 general election, she resigned and returned to acting.
On Thursday, Jackson’s agent Lionel Larner stated, “Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side.
“She finished filming The Great Escaper with Michael Caine.”
The Romantic Englishwoman was Jackson’s 1975 debut alongside Michael Caine. “It was as wonderful as 50 years ago,” he stated after their reunion. Miss her.” “Glenda Jackson was one of my first leading ladies,” he tweeted. I’m proud of her. In The Great Escaper, she was fantastic.”
“Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died,” tweeted Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who currently represents Hampstead and Kilburn.
“A formidable politician, amazing actress, and supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss Glenda.”
Paul Stuart, Labour Councillor for Seacombe and Wirral Council leader, stated, “It is very sad to hear of Glenda Jackson’s passing. Glenda Jackson was a campaigner, activist, Labour MP, and government minister. Glenda’s family and friends are in our prayers. RIP Glenda.”
A Tranmere Rovers spokeswoman tweeted, “The Club was saddened yesterday to hear of the passing of Glenda Jackson, an acting great, former MP, and one of Birkenhead’s own. When questioned, she backed Tranmere. She’ll be missed.”
Dan Hodges, Jackson’s son, said, “Just wanted to say thank you for all the lovely messages and tributes about my mum. She would have urged everyone to stop fussing, yet she would have been touched.”
“To see this unique woman turn into a firebrand in politics was deeply impressive for young girls like me,” remarked TV personality Carol Vorderman. Peace to her.”
Margaret Greenwood, Labour MP for Wirral West, stated, “I’m saddened that Glenda Jackson has passed away. She was a theatrical, cinema, and political legend who would be missed. My condolences to her family and friends.”
Former US Presidential candidate and First Lady Hilary Clinton remarked, “I was a big fan of Glenda Jackson, both as an actor and as a politician. She was exceptional and a committed champion. You may hear a talk we had a few years ago about her extraordinary life and career.”
Birkenhead Labour MP Mick Whitley said, “Birkenhead has once again lost one of its own. Glenda Jackson was a brave and independent Labour MP and one of the best performers of her period.
