Margaret Rutherford

 Margaret Rutherford was the daughter of William Benn, a journalist and poet, and Florence Nicholson. One month after their marriage, he had a nervous breakdown and was admitted to an asylum.

In 1883, nine years before Margaret's birth, her father was released ....and bludgeoned his father to death.

After her father spent more time in the asylum, he was reunited with the family. When Margaret was three years old, her pregnant mother then committed suicide by hanging herself from a tree. Margaret was brought up by her aunt in Wimbledon.

Margaret's parents' mental afflictions gave rise to a fear that she might also be affected by their illness causing her to suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety during her entire life.

After her aunt died, a small inheritance allowed her to join the Old Vic in repertory.

After a career in theatre, at age 53, she costarred in Blithe Spirit (1945). More comedies followed but it was in the 1960's and in her 70's that she starred in four films as the eccentric and delightful Miss Marple. She wore her own clothes for the part and had her husband appear alongside her.

In 1964, she won an Academy Award for The VIP's, setting a then record for the oldest woman to win an Oscar.

At age 53, after a 15 year courtship, Margaret married Stringer Davis who was a devoted husband and adored her during their 27 year marriage (her death).

Davis never left her side, nursing and comforting her through depression, hospitals, electric shock treatment and finally Alzheimer's disease. She died in 1973 at age 80 ... and he joined her a year later.

Margaret rose up to meet all her life challenges. Not only was she one of the great performers of her age, but also one of the most loved.