British horror actress Barbara Shelley has died after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The actress, born Barbara Kowin, was 88 years old. Shelley was best known for appearing in Hammer horror movies. Thomas Bovington, Shelley’s agent, tells the Press Association, “She really was Hammer’s number one leading lady and the technicolour queen of Hammer. On screen she could be quietly evil. She goes from statuesque beauty to just animalistic wildness.” She acted opposite Christopher Lee in 1966’s Dracula: Prince of Darkness. She also appeared in the films Rasputin: The Mad Monk and Quatermass and the Pit. On television, Shelley appeared in shows including EastEnders, Blake’s 7, and The Avengers. Her final credit was in The Dark Angel.
So very sad to hear of the passing of #BarbaraShelley. A darling person and a talented actress. When we worked together on Planet of Fire she was so kind to me. She gave me a little owl, still in my possession and some good advice. #RIPBarbaraShelley Wise and wonderful lady. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/O4keVU7ow5
