Ann Way

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Ann Way (14 November 1915 – 13 March 1993) was an English film and television character actress. Born in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, she began her career in repertory in Birmingham in the 1950s moving from there to the Dundee Rep. Her petite build and deep-set eyes saw her frequently typecast as a stereotypically dotty or timid and mouse-like spinster. She nonetheless appeared in a wide range of roles, including the television series Dr Finlay's Casebook, Emmerdale Farm where she played an aunt of publican and newspaper correspondent Amos Brearly, Fawlty Towers (where she memorably played the Colonel's wife inadvertently served the raw red mullet in "Gourmet Night") and Rumpole of the Bailey as Dodo Mackintosh. She played the vicar's wife in Last of the Summer Wine. She also read the Mrs. Pepperpot books on the children's series Jackanory. Film roles included Carry On Loving (1970), Endless Night (1972) and Clockwise (1986) (in which she sang the Vivian Ellis standard This is my Lovely Day on the soundtrack and made comic use of the repeated line "Aren't we all such lucky people") and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) (where she played the headmistress's secretary, Miss Gaunt). A more unusual role was the 1987 short film Unusual Ground Floor Conversion in which she played an old lady gradually driving her downstairs neighbour mad by throwing water out of her window every few minutes. Way died in London, England on 13 March 1993.

Filmography

Movies and shows, newest first

2005
The Funny Blokes of British Comedy
Movie Mrs. Hall (archive footage) (uncredited)
1993
Anchoress
Movie Alice
1992
Once Upon a Crime
Movie Housekeeper
1991
How's Business
Movie Miss Jolly
1989
Close to Home
TV show Mrs Crosby
1989
Killing Dad (Or How to Love Your Mother)
Movie Margot
1988
The Dawning
Movie George Brabazon
1988
Dead Lucky
Movie Lena Finn
1988
The Modern World: Ten Great Writers
TV show Old Woman
1987
Crystalstone
Movie Housekeeper
1986
David Copperfield
TV show Mrs Heep
1986
Haunted Honeymoon
Movie Rachel
1986
Clockwise
Movie Mrs. Way
1986
Lovejoy
TV show Mrs Thomas
1985
Brazil
Movie Old Lady with Dog
1984
The Bill
TV show