Celebrating Joan Sims
Joan Sims, who would have turned 93 on May 9th, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Sims began her career on the stage, but it was her comedic talent that led her to become a household name in the world of British film and television. She appeared in over 70 films, including the popular Carry On series, and numerous television shows.
Known for her ability to deliver sharp one-liners and impeccable timing, Sims became a fan favourite and a crucial component of the Carry On franchise. Her memorable performances in films like Carry On Cleo and Carry On Up the Khyber helped establish her as one of Britain’s most beloved comedic actresses.
But Sims was more than just a funny woman; she was a talented character actress who could play both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill, earning critical acclaim for her performing range.
On television her memorable appearances include Martin Chuzzlewit, The Last of the Blonde Bombshells and three series of the sitcom On the Up, which provided Joan with her first ever catchphrase – ‘Just the one!’ – as her character Mrs Wembley reached for the sherry bottle. In Doctor Who, she was cast against type as the warrior queen Katryca in the 1986 story ‘The Mysterious Planet’.
Behind the warm and vivacious screen persona, however, Sims’s private life was far from happy. She never married (although Kenneth Williams famously once proposed to her) and suffered from loneliness, depression and ill health for much of her later life.
Sims passed away in 2001, but her legacy lives on. Her performances in the Carry On films have become iconic, and her influence can still be seen in modern British comedy. Sims paved the way for future female comedic talent, and her impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. Her legacy as a talented actress and a comedic trailblazer will continue to inspire generations of performers to come.
Too Happy a Face, the authorised biography of Joan Sims by Andrew Ross, draws on first-hand accounts from Joan’s closest friends and contemporaries as well as exclusive material from her personal archive. What emerges is the story of a much-loved lady who battled private demons to become one of the finest and best-loved actresses of her generation. The book is available from Fantom in paperback, and on audio CD read by Tracey Childs.
