Hollywood legend Glenda Jackson passed away on Thursday at the age of 87.
Jackson was a renowned British actress and a double Oscar winner who went on to become a member of the parliament after her long and fruitful acting career during which she added 54 acting credits to her name.
The late entertainer is best known for appearing in a variety of Hollywood classics including Women in Love (1970) and A Touch of Class (1973) for which she received the Best Actress Academy Award.
In 1992, after decades of working in the film industry, Glenda stepped down from acting and became a politician serving the UK Parliament.
In 2019, Jackson returned to the screen by appearing as Maud in the main role of Elizabeth Is Missing, a drama mystery revolving around an elderly woman suffering from dementia who is trying to solve the disappearance of her friend.
Just weeks before her death after a “brief illness,” the actress also finished filming her upcoming movie The Great Escaper.
“Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award winning actress and politician died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London, this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side,” Jackson’s agent, Lionel Larner, confirmed.
“She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine.”
Since the tragic news, fans and high-profile figures began paying their tributes to the “talented actress” and “formidable politician.”
“I was very sad to hear of Glenda Jackson’s passing. She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. She played many roles with great distinction, passion and commitment,” Labour head Keir Starmer said.
“From award-winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice. As a fellow north London MP, I know how much she was loved and respected by her constituents.”
“This is extremely sad news, his thoughts will be with her friends and family at this time,” a spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added.
Jackson’s successor in the parliament, MP Tulip Siddiq, expressed: “Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda.”
Our thoughts remain with Glenda’s loved ones during this challenging time.