Sheila Mercier
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Sheila Mercier | |
|---|---|
 Sheila as Annie Sugden in Emmerdale |
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| Born | January 1, 1919 Hull, Yorkshire, England |
| Spouse(s) | Peter Mercier |
Sheila Mercier (born 1 January 1919, Hull, Yorkshire, England) is an English actress.
She is best known for her role as the matriarch Annie Brearly in the long-running British soap opera Emmerdale. She appeared from the very first episode in 1972 until 1994. She has occasionally returned to the series since her departure, most notably, in character, at the age of 89,for the Emmerdale 5000th episode special, transmitted on ITV in May 2008.
Sheila Mercier had a long career on stage prior to her television career. After education at the French Convent, Hull and Hunmanby Hall, Yorkshire, she trained for the stage at the Stratford-upon-Avon College of Drama, and was 'discovered' by the actor, Donald Wolfit. She went on to tour with Wolfit's own Shakespeare company. In the Second World War she joined the WAAF division of the Royal Air Force, eventually becoming adjutant. After the war she appeared in a number of films in supporting roles. She also appeared as a guest in Dial RIX in 1963 alongside her husband, Peter Mercier.
In 1994 she published her autobiography, Annie's Song - My Life and Emmerdale.
She is the sister of comic actor and director Brian Rix.
