Sally Grace, the celebrated BBC comedy legend and star of Mr Bean, has died at the age of 74 following a battle with cancer. The actress was best known for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher on Radio 4's Week Ending, earning widespread acclaim for her impression, which some fans described as “frightening” and “scarier than the real thing.”
Career Highlights
Grace originally joined Week Ending as a temporary replacement for Tracey Ullman, expecting to stay for just two weeks. However, her talent kept her on the programme for 15 years. Her impression of the former Prime Minister was so highly regarded that even Downing Street staff requested recordings of her performances.
In 1992, she won the Radio Times Award for best radio comedy performance. In 2002, she played The Queen in Alistair McGowan's Big Jubilee, marking Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee. She also appeared as Mrs Pompom in Ronnie Corbett's When the Dog Dies.
Tributes from Fans
Fans and admirers have paid heartfelt tributes, describing her work as a “lifelong pleasure.” One fan wrote: “She was one of those voice artists whose radio work has brought joy and laughter to untold millions. Week Ending was my introduction to Radio 4, and radio plays remain a lifelong pleasure.”
Another commented: “Another piece of my youth has disappeared. I listened to Week Ending as a young teenager every Friday night. Comedic heaven. You helped create my formative years.”
Early Life and Career
Born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in September 1951, Grace initially trained as a hairdresser before becoming a primary school teacher. Despite her headteacher identifying her as a potential Oxbridge candidate, she pursued acting. At 18, she enrolled at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Her voice acting talent was discovered while working at Capital Radio, where breakfast presenter Graham Dene invited her to read listener-submitted jokes. This led to her being noticed by agent Maxine Wiltshire, launching her comedy career.
Television and Voice Work
Grace made a fleeting appearance on Coronation Street as Doreen Lovell in 1980. She was offered a year-long contract but declined, believing voice acting would be more compatible with raising her children. This decision led her to voice Owl and Weasel in The Animals of Farthing Wood, as well as Dennis the Menace's Granny and Mr Bean's landlady Mrs Wicket in their animated series.
Grace is survived by her family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
