13 Facts About Barbara Shelley

Barbara Shelley appeared in more than a hundred films and television series.

Barbara Shelley was particularly known for her work in horror films, notably Village of the Damned; Dracula, Prince of Darkness; Rasputin, the Mad Monk and Quatermass and the Pit.

Barbara Shelley had an older sister, Jo, who emigrated to Canada to become a writer and producer for CBC Television.

Barbara Shelley followed the advice and started modelling in 1951, which led to an offer of a minor role as a fashion show commentator in the 1953 Hammer Film Productions film Mantrap.

Barbara Shelley was credited for this film under her birth name, Barbara Kowin.

Barbara Shelley returned to the UK in 1957, starring that year in the film Cat Girl for British Lion Films.

Barbara Shelley then appeared in the gothic horror Blood of the Vampire, distributed by Eros Films, and later took a number of roles in horror features, including Village of the Damned for MGM-British, and The Gorgon, Dracula, Prince of Darkness, Rasputin, the Mad Monk and Quatermass and the Pit for Hammer.

Barbara Shelley became the company's top female star and was nicknamed the "Queen of Hammer".

Barbara Shelley considered the later scene in that film in which her character is staked to be among her best work.

Barbara Shelley is later reported to have said that he had been the love of her life.

Barbara Shelley acted in the Royal Shakespeare Company from 1975 to 1977.

Barbara Shelley was admitted to hospital in December 2020, for a check-up.

Barbara Shelley died on 3 January 2021, at the age of 88.