Maev Alexander, also Maeve Alexander (born Maev Alexandra Reid McConnell on 3 February 1948) is a Scottish television and stage actress. Aside from her numerous stage appearances including

Cleopatra Cleopatra VII Philopator ( grc-gre, Κλεοπάτρα Φιλοπάτωρ}, "Cleopatra the father-beloved"; 69 BC10 August 30 BC) was Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, and its last active ruler. ...

and in ''

The Mousetrap ''The Mousetrap'' is a murder mystery play by Agatha Christie. ''The Mousetrap'' opened in London's West End in 1952 and ran continuously until 16 March 2020, when the stage performances had to be temporarily discontinued during the COVID-19 ...

'' at the

St Martin's Theatre St Martin's Theatre is a West End theatre which has staged the production of ''The Mousetrap'' since March 1974, making it the longest continuous run of any show in the world. The theatre is located in West Street, near Shaftesbury Avenue, in t ...

in London, she is perhaps best known for playing the assistant Christine Russell in the early 1970s Scottish TV series '' Sutherland's Law'', as Janet Campbell in the 18th century set ''

The New Road ''The New Road'' is a historical novel by the Scottish writer Neil Munro, which was adapted as a television serial by the BBC. Munro is now mainly remembered as the creator of the comic character Para Handy, but this is regarded as the best of ...

'', and as WPC Sandra Williams in the British police drama ''

The Gentle Touch ''The Gentle Touch'' is a British police drama television series made by London Weekend Television for ITV which began on 11 April 1980 and ran until 1984. The series is notable for being the first British series to feature a female police of ...

'' (1981-2). She is married to Simon Dunmore, a theatre director and author on acting.

Career

Television

Alexander was born in

Glasgow Glasgow ( ; sco, Glesca or ; gd, Glaschu ) is the most populous city in Scotland and the fourth-most populous city in the United Kingdom, as well as being the 27th largest city by population in Europe. In 2020, it had an estimated pop ...

in 1948. She began her television career in 1966, playing three roles in ''

This Man Craig ''This Man Craig'' is a TV drama series produced by BBC Scotland and screened over 52 episodes in 1966 and 1967. It was set in a secondary school in the fictional Scottish town of Strathaird. Episodes were filmed at Glasgow’s Bellahouston Acad ...

''. She followed this with a role as Madge in an episode of the

BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board exam. ...

production, ''

The Revenue Men ''The Revenue Men'' is a British television series, produced and transmitted by the BBC between 1967 and 1968. The series dealt with cases handled by the Investigation Branch of Customs and Excise such as the illegal import of goods, illegal i ...

''. In 1970, she starred in an episode of another BBC television production ''

The Borderers ''The Borderers'' is a British television series produced by the BBC between 1968 and 1970. Setting A historical drama series, ''The Borderers'' was set during the 16th century and chronicled the lives of the Ker family, who lived in the Scot ...

'' opposite

Michael Gambon Sir Michael John Gambon (; born 19 October 1940) is an Irish-English actor. Regarded as one of Ireland and Britain's most distinguished actors, he is known for his work on stage and screen. Gambon started his acting career with Laurence Olivi ...

and

Iain Cuthbertson Iain Cuthbertson (4 January 1930 – 4 September 2009) was a Scottish character actor and theatre director. He was known for his tall imposing build and also his distinctive gravelly, heavily accented voice. He had lead roles in ''The Border ...

, set in a village on the Scottish-English border in the Tudor period. In 1972 she made an appearance in the ITV legal drama ''

The Main Chance ''The Main Chance'' is a British television series first aired on ITV in four series between 1969 and 1975. It is a drama series that depicts the sudden transformation in the life of a solicitor, David Main (played by John Stride), after he ...

'', and began portraying the character of Christine Russell in the Scottish TV film production '' Sutherland's Law'', and starred in nine episodes of the television series the following year opposite

Don McKillop Donald Harley McKillop (15 February 1928 – 19 December 2005) was an English actor who trained at RADA. Notable roles include Bert the Landlord in the ''Doctor Who'' fifth and final serial of the eighth season, '' The Dæmons'' in 1971, Jack ...

. Her performance was praised; ''

The Spectator ''The Spectator'' is a weekly British magazine on politics, culture, and current affairs. It was first published in July 1828, making it the oldest surviving weekly magazine in the world. It is owned by Frederick Barclay, who also owns ''Th ...

'' said "The only moment of pleasure in this long fifty minutes was the occasional sight of Maev Alexander as Sutherland's plump, pretty clerk, but there were long and arid intervals between her appearance." In 1973, Alexander also had a leading role as Janet Campbell in the 19th century set ''

'', opposite

David Ashton David Ashton may refer to: * David Ashton (botanist) (1927–2005), Australian botanist and ecologist * David Ashton (actor) (born 1941), Scottish actor and writer {{hndis, Ashton, David ...

and John Grieve. In 1975 she appeared in ''

Angels In various theistic religious traditions an angel is a supernatural spiritual being who serves God. Abrahamic religions often depict angels as benevolent celestial intermediaries between God (or Heaven) and humanity. Other roles include ...

'', a production which included actors such as Carol Holmes, Kathryn Apanowicz, Julia Williams, and

Pauline Quirke Pauline Perpetua Sheen ( Quirke; born 8 July 1959) is an English actress who has played Sharon Theodopolopodous in the long-running comedy series ''Birds of a Feather'' (1988–1999, 2014–2017). For this role, she won the 1990 British Comedy ...

. She appeared in '' The New Avengers'' in 1976, playing the character of Mrs Turner in the episode "

The Tale of the Big Why ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in E ...

". In 1977 she portrayed the wife of Fred in '' A Christmas Carol'' TV movie. In 1979 she played Claudine in an episode of the detective series, ''

Hazell Hazell is a name of British origin, and may refer to: People Surname *Andy Hazell (born 1978), British rugby player *Bert Hazell (1907–2009), British politician *Bob Hazell (born 1959), British football player * Charles Hazell, Canadian archi ...

''. In 1981 she joined the cast of the British police drama ''

'', playing the character of WPC Sandra Williams. From 1980 to 1982 she also played Jennifer Knowles-Ripley in the situation comedy, ''

Holding the Fort ''Holding the Fort'' was an ITV (TV network), ITV sitcom, situation comedy starring Peter Davison, Patricia Hodge and Matthew Kelly. Plot The situation was a role-reversal comedy, in which the premise was that Russell Milburn (Davison) become ...

''. In 1989, Alexander played Lady Cockpurse in

Gavin Millar Gavin Millar (11 January 1938 – 20 April 2022) was a Scottish film director, critic and television presenter. Biography Millar was born in Clydebank, near Glasgow, the son of Tom Millar and his wife Rita (née Osborne). The family relocated ...

's TV movie ''

Scoop Scoop, Scoops or The scoop may refer to: Objects * Scoop (tool), a shovel-like tool, particularly one deep and curved, used in digging * Scoop (machine part), a component of machinery to carry things * Scoop stretcher, a device used for casualty ...

''. She featured alongside actors such as

Denholm Elliott Denholm Mitchell Elliott, (31 May 1922 – 6 October 1992) was an English actor, with more than 125 film and television credits. His well-known roles include the abortionist in '' Alfie'' (1966), Marcus Brody in '' Raiders of the Lost Ark'' (1 ...

Michael Hordern Sir Michael Murray Hordern CBE (3 October 19112 May 1995)Morley, Sheridan"Hordern, Michael Murray (1911–1995)" ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', Oxford University Press, 2004, online edition, May 2009, accessed 22 July 2015 was ...

Herbert Lom Herbert Charles Angelo Kuchačevič ze Schluderpacheru (11 September 1917 – 27 September 2012), known professionally as Herbert Lom (), was a Czech-British actor who moved to the United Kingdom in 1939. In a career lasting more than 60 ye ...

Nicola Pagett Nicola Mary Pagett Scott (15 June 1945 – 3 March 2021), known professionally as Nicola Pagett, was a British actress, known for her role as Elizabeth Bellamy in the 1970s TV drama series ''Upstairs, Downstairs'' (1971–1973), as well as being ...

and

Donald Pleasence Donald Henry Pleasence (; 5 October 1919 – 2 February 1995) was an English actor. He began his career on stage in the West End before transitioning into a screen career, where he played numerous supporting and character roles including RAF ...

. In 2007 she had a small role as an autograph hound in

Gillian Armstrong Gillian May Armstrong (born 18 December 1950) is an Australian feature film and documentary director, who specializes in period drama. Her films often feature female perspectives and protagonists. Many of her movies are historical dramas. ...

's supernatural romantic thriller ''

Death Defying Acts ''Death Defying Acts'' is a 2007 supernatural romance film, directed by Gillian Armstrong, and starring Guy Pearce and Catherine Zeta-Jones. It concerns an episode in the life of Hungarian-American escapologist Harry Houdini at the height of hi ...

'', an Anglo-Australian production which starred

Guy Pearce Guy Edward Pearce (born 5 October 1967) is an Australian actor. Born in Ely, Cambridgeshire in England, and raised in Geelong, Victoria in Australia, he started his career portraying Mike Young in the Australian television series '' Neighbour ...

and

Catherine Zeta-Jones Catherine Zeta-Jones (; born 25 September 1969) is a Welsh actress. Known for her versatility, she is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Tony Award. In 2010, she was appointed ...

. In 2010 she appeared in'' Doctors''.

Stage

Alexander has appeared in many stage productions, and has worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 1968 she starred in a theatrical production of

Anton Chekhov Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (; 29 January 1860Old Style date 17 January. – 15 July 1904Old Style date 2 July.) was a Russian playwright and short-story writer who is considered to be one of the greatest writers of all time. His career a ...

's ''

The Cherry Orchard ''The Cherry Orchard'' (russian: Вишнёвый сад, translit=Vishnyovyi sad) is the last play by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. Written in 1903, it was first published by ''Znaniye'' (Book Two, 1904), and came out as a separate edition ...

'' under director

Michael Blakemore Michael Howell Blakemore OBE The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the ci ...

. She has appeared in theatre in Ireland and at the Straydogs Theatre and has received critical acclaim for her stage work. At the Portable Theatre in 1971 she starred opposite

Hugh Armstrong Hugh Armstrong (August 5, 1858 – March 4, 1926) was a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He served in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1892 to 1896 and from 1902 to 1915, and was a senior cabinet minister in the government of Rodmo ...

Christopher Biggins Christopher Kenneth Biggins (born 16 December 1948) is an English actor and television presenter. Early life Biggins was born in Oldham, Lancashire, the son of William and Pamela Biggins. He was brought up in Salisbury, Wiltshire, attended St P ...

and

Christopher Ravenscroft Christopher Ravenscroft (born 1946) is an English actor, best known for his recurring role as DI Mike Burden in ''The Ruth Rendell Mysteries'', the ITV adaptation of Ruth Rendell's Inspector Wexford mysteries. Biography Ravenscroft was born in ...

Malcolm Griffiths Malcolm, Malcom, Máel Coluim, or Maol Choluim may refer to: People * Malcolm (given name), includes a list of people and fictional characters * Clan Malcolm * Maol Choluim de Innerpeffray, 14th-century bishop-elect of Dunkeld Nobility * Máel C ...

's production of '' Zonk''. In 1973 or 1974 she starred in a

Tom Gallagher C. Thomas Gallagher III (born February 3, 1944) is an American politician, financier, and insurance agent from the state of Florida and a member of the Republican Party. Gallagher holds the distinction of having served more years as an elected s ...

stage production of '' The Only Street'' at the Dublin Festival, with John Hunt and Peggy Marshall. She portrayed

opposite Conrad Asquith as

Antony Antony may refer to: * Antony (name), a masculine given name and a surname * Antony, Belarus, a village in the Hrodna Voblast of Belarus * Antony, Cornwall, a village in Cornwall, United Kingdom ** Antony House, Cornwall, United Kingdom * Antony, ...

in one of her husband

Simon Dunmore Simon may refer to: People * Simon (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters with the given name Simon * Simon (surname), including a list of people with the surname Simon * Eugène Simon, French naturalist and the genus ...

's theatrical productions and also starred in a production of

Agatha Christie Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, (; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictiona ...

's ''

'' at the

in London, amongst many others.

Personal life

She is married to Simon Dunmore, a theatre director who has authored books on

William Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's natio ...

and acting in general, and is a personal friend of E. M. Yearling. She once shared a flat with

Sue Johnston Susan Johnston OBE (née Wright; born 7 December 1943) is an English actress. She is known for portraying Sheila Grant in the Channel 4 soap opera '' Brookside'' (1982–1990), Barbara Royle in the BBC comedy ''The Royle Family'' (1998–2000 ...

and

Denis Lawson Denis Stamper Lawson (born 27 September 1947) is a Scottish actor and director. He is known for his roles as John Jarndyce in the BBC's adaptation of ''Bleak House'', as Gordon Urquhart in the film '' Local Hero'', as Retired DI Steve McAndre ...

Chiswick Chiswick ( ) is a district of west London, England. It contains Hogarth's House, the former residence of the 18th-century English artist William Hogarth; Chiswick House, a neo-Palladian villa regarded as one of the finest in England; and ...

Filmography

*''

'' (TV series) (1966-1967) as Agnes Borland / Ally Ure / Moira *''

'' (TV series) (1967) as Madge *''

'' (TV series) (1970) as Jess Heriot *''

The Befrienders ''The Befrienders'' is a British television series produced by the BBC in 1972. The series dealt with the work of the Samaritans Samaritans (; ; he, שומרונים, translit=Šōmrōnīm, lit=; ar, السامريون, translit=as-S� ...

'' (TV series) (1972) as Judy *''

'' (TV series) (1972) as Mrs. Bush *'' Sutherland's Law'' (TV movie) (1972) as Christine Russell *''

'' (TV series) (1973) as Janet Campbell *'' Sutherland's Law'' (TV series) (1973) as Christine Russell *''

'' (TV series) (1975) as Model Patient *''

Play for Today ''Play for Today'' is a British television anthology drama series, produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC1 from 1970 to 1984. During the run, more than three hundred programmes, featuring original television plays, and adaptations of stag ...

'' (TV series) (1976) *'' The New Avengers'' (TV series) (1976) as Mrs. Frank Turner *''

Leap in the Dark ''Leap in the Dark'' was a British television anthology series with a supernatural theme. It was broadcast on BBC 2. It ran for 4 seasons - in 1973, 1975, 1977 and 1980 - consisting of 24 episodes in total. The first-season episodes were document ...

'' (TV series) (1977) as Constance Potter *'' A Christmas Carol'' (TV movie) (1977) as Fred's Wife *''

The Standard The Standard may refer to: Entertainment * The Standard (band), an indie rock band from Portland, Oregon * ''The Standard'' (novel), a 1934 novel by the Austrian writer Alexander Lernet-Holenia * ''The Standard'' (Tommy Flanagan album), 1980 * ...

'' (TV series) (1978) as Morag *''

'' (TV series) (1979) as Claudine *''

Kids Kid, Kids, KIDS, and K.I.D.S. may refer to: Common meanings * Colloquial term for a child or other young person ** Also for a parent's offspring regardless of age * Engage in joking * Young goats * The goat meat of young goats * Kidskin ...

'' (TV series) (1979) as Liz *''

'' (TV series) (1981-1982) as WPC Sandra Williams *''

'' (TV series) (1980-1982) as Jennifer Knowles-Ripley *''

By the Sword Divided ''By the Sword Divided'' is a British television series produced by the BBC between 1983 and 1985. The series, created by John Hawkesworth, was a historical drama set during the mid-17th century, dealing with the impact of the English Civil War ...

'' (TV series) (1985) as Masked Woman *'' The Fools on the Hill'' (TV movie) (1986) as Jasmine Bligh *''

'' (TV movie) (1989) as Lady Cockpurse *''

'' (2007) as Autograph Hound *'' Doctors'' (TV series) (2010) as Jane Pennington

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Alexander, Maev Scottish television actresses Scottish stage actresses 1948 births Living people Actresses from Glasgow