Jill Melford

Jill Melford came from a rich theatrical background. She was evacuated to America during World War Two and was educated at Gardner School and the Ballet Arts School, both of which are in New York. Her New York theatre debut came in 1949 when she appeared as a dancer in a production of 'Oklahoma!' and her first London appearance came in 1953 when she performed in 'The Seven Year Itch'. She went on to appear in other stage plays including 'Auntie Mame', 'Ulysses in Night-time', 'The Life of the Party', 'The Right Honourable Gentleman', 'There's a Girl in My Soup', 'Not Now, Darling', 'Best of Friends' and 'The Chairman'. In addition to her acting work, Melford was also an experienced interior decorator. She was divorced from the actor John Standing with whom she had a son, Alexander.