A breast cancer survivor, her first husband (divorced), actor Alec Ross, died of cancer in 1971 and her second husband, actor John Thaw, died of oesophagus cancer in 2002. She has been a spokesperson for Cancer BACUP.
An Associate Member of RADA.
Attended Dartford County Grammar School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Became the Chancellor of The University of Portsmouth - May 16th 2007.
Married John Thaw on 24 December 1973 in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
Mother of actress Melanie Thaw, born 1964, (with first husband Alec Ross) and Joanna Thaw, born 1974, (with second husband John Thaw). When John Thaw married Hancock he decided to adopt Melanie officially, which is why she bears his surname.
She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2011 Queen's New Years Honours List for her services to drama.
She was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1974 Queen's Honours List for her services to drama.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1966 Tony Award as Best Actress (Dramatic) for "Entertaining Mr. Sloan."
Won her first Laurence Olivier award, for her role in Cabaret at the age of 73.