Super Gran Star's Final Act of Generosity
The actress who famously played the superhero grandmother in the 1980s television series Super Gran has performed one last act of tremendous generosity. Gudrun Ure, who passed away in May last year at the age of 98, has left a staggering £650,000 to various charities as part of her last will and testament.
Probate records have revealed that the Scottish star's estate was valued at £1,874,215 after the deduction of taxes and costs. A will written in 2014 detailed her specific instructions for these substantial charitable donations, ensuring her legacy would continue to help others long after her passing.
Beneficiaries of a Big Heart
The detailed bequests showcase Ure's wide-ranging compassion. The largest single donation of £100,000 was allocated to Women's Refuge, a charity supporting women and children affected by domestic violence.
Other significant beneficiaries included:
- £75,000 to the Actors’ Trust
- £75,000 to the RNLI
- £50,000 to the Gurkha Welfare Trust
Furthermore, she gifted £50,000 each to a further five organisations: the Alzheimer’s Society, Kidney Research, the Erskine Veterans Charity, Water Aid, and the Royal British Legion. The remainder of her wealth was designated to be shared among her family and friends.
A Legacy On and Off Screen
Gudrun Ure was best known for her iconic portrayal of Granny Smith in the ITV series Super Gran, which ran from 1985 to 1987. Based on the books by Forrest Wilson, the show featured her character gaining superpowers after being struck by a magic ray, winning the hearts of a generation of viewers.
Her death prompted an outpouring of warm tributes from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating her work and character. Born in Milton of Campsie, near Glasgow, Ure enjoyed a varied career on stage and screen, including a 1951 production of Shakespeare's Othello directed by and starring the legendary Orson Welles.
Adam Buckles, Alzheimer’s Society head of legacies, expressed profound gratitude, stating: ‘We’re so grateful that Alzheimer’s Society has been included in Gudrun Ure’s will.’ This final act ensures that the woman who brought a power-packed pensioner to life will be remembered not just for her on-screen heroics, but for her very real-world kindness.
