Born in London and educated at St Catherine's school in Bramley, Surrey, she tended to be a reclusive, self-conscious child, which was propelled by the sudden death of her 10-year-old elder brother Eric when she was only six.
Despite a lifelong fear of public performance and fear of failure, she became an acclaimed stage actor, noted for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in Harold Pinter pieces.
Mother of actress Amanda Waring and Nick Waring.
Nominated for Broadway's 1968 Tony Award as Best Actress (Dramatic) for "Portrait of a Queen."
Performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1967 Queen's Honours List for her services to drama.
She was awarded the Dame Commander of the British Empire in the 2000 Millenium Queen's New Year's Honors List for her services to drama.
Sister-in-law of George Waring and Richard Waring.
Wife of actor Derek Waring.