Anne Heywood

Biography

Anne Heywood, originally named Violet Joan Pretty, was an esteemed British actress celebrated for her remarkable performance in The Fox (1967), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Born on December 11, 1931, in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, she passed away on October 27, 2023, in Houston, Texas.

Heywood’s journey in the entertainment world began in the realm of beauty pageants, where she was crowned Miss Great Britain in 1950. Her passion for acting led her to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, after which she signed with the Rank Organisation, marking the beginning of her film career. She appeared in several significant films, including Violent Playground (1958) and Floods of Fear (1958), and continued to make her mark with roles in The Chairman (1969) and Good Luck, Miss Wyckoff (1979).

Her groundbreaking portrayal in The Fox was particularly noteworthy for its depiction of a lesbian relationship, a rarity in mainstream cinema of that era. Throughout her career, Heywood was known for embracing bold and unconventional roles.

In her personal life, she was married to film producer Raymond Stross until his death in 1988, and later wed George Danzig Druke in 1991. Anne Heywood leaves behind a legacy of trailblazing performances and contributions to film.