British actress Barbara Ferris dies at 85

Veteran British actress Barbara Ferris has passed away at the age of 85, having left a profound impact on British theater, television, and film. Best known for her influential role in Coronation Street, she was not limited to television; she was a shining star in the works of great playwrights such as Edward Bond and David Hare, and she also starred in West End productions for years.

Barbara Ferris' death details and touching farewell messages

Barbara Ferris died on May 23, 2025, but news of her passing wasn't announced until June 1, sparking an outpouring of grief among her fans and colleagues. Fans were quick to share tributes and archive photos, with one writing, "I'm so sad. She was such a gentle icon on screen," while another described her as "one of the kindest and most humble actresses." Moments from her films and TV shows, particularly her role in Catch Us If You Can, were also recalled to honor her memory.

From pantomime to the pinnacle of British theatre

Barbara was born in London and raised in a modest environment, starting work at an early age to support her family, acting in commercials and pantomimes. She later moved into modeling and then to the stage, appearing in musicals such as Can-Can and The Pajama Game. Despite starting with small roles, her talent quickly established itself, becoming one of the most prominent stars of the British stage in the 1960s and 1970s.

Notable works and a career that ended with family

Barbara achieved television fame as Nona Willis in Coronation Street, but left the series early due to difficulties adjusting to the Lancaster accent. She also achieved fame in film, with notable films including There's a Girl in My Soup and Interlude. Her final appearance was in The Krays in 1990. After this career, she decided to retire from acting to devote her time to her family. She married producer John Quested, had three children, and lived between Ireland, Zurich, and London, maintaining her privacy away from the spotlight.