Scottish actress Phyllida Law, known for her work on stage and screen, passed away at the age of 94. Her death was announced by her manager Jacky Leggo, who confirmed she died peacefully at home on July 27, surrounded by her family. Law was the mother of famous actresses Dame Emma Thompson and Sophie Thompson. As fans and colleagues remember her long career, many are also looking back at her personal life, especially her marriage to actor Eric Thompson.
Law and Eric Thompson were married for 25 years until his sudden death in 1982. While Phyllida Law had a successful career spanning eight decades, her husband was also a well-known figure in British television. He was best known for his work on the beloved children’s show The Magic Roundabout. Their relationship began in the theatre, and together they built a family that would become one of Britain’s most respected acting dynasties.
Scottish Actress Phyllida Law Dies at 94
Phyllida Law was born in Glasgow in 1932. She initially wanted to be a stage designer but ended up studying acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. This change led to a career that lasted over 80 years. Law appeared in many popular TV shows, including Midsomer Murders, Foyle’s War, Doc Martin, and New Tricks. She also had roles in films like Anna Karenina, Saving Grace, and Miss Potter.
Law often worked alongside her famous daughters. She appeared with Emma Thompson in Peter’s Friends (1992), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), and The Winter Guest (1997). She also had a voice role in Nanny McPhee (2005), which Emma wrote and starred in. With Sophie, she appeared in the 1996 film Emma, where she played Mrs Bates.
Her manager Jacky Leggo shared the news of her passing:
“It is with great sadness we have to announce that Phyllida Law died supremely peacefully at home, surrounded by all of her family, on Monday 27th July. We had worked together for over fifty years and she was a beautiful person inside and out.”
Her granddaughter Gaia Wise also posted a tribute on Instagram, writing: “Rest well my queen”. Law received an OBE in 2014 for her services to drama and charity.
Who Was Eric Thompson?
Eric Norman Thompson was a British actor, theatre director, screenwriter, and television presenter. He was born on November 9, 1929. Thompson met Phyllida Law while they were both working at the Bristol Old Vic in the 1950s. They got married in 1957.
Thompson is most famous for his work on the children’s television program The Magic Roundabout. He was the narrator and writer for the English version of the show. The show originally came from France, where it was called Le Manège enchanté. Thompson created English scripts using the existing French footage. The Magic Roundabout aired from October 1965 to January 1977. His voice became very well known to British children during that time.
Besides The Magic Roundabout, Thompson also worked regularly for the BBC. He hosted the children’s TV show Play School in the 1960s. He also made appearances in other shows like Doctor Finlay’s Casebook, The Massacre of St. Bartholomew’s Eve, and Coronation Street.
The Love Story of Phyllida Law and Eric Thompson
Phyllida Law and Eric Thompson shared a deep connection through their work in theatre. They met at the Bristol Old Vic, where both were building their careers. Their marriage in 1957 marked the start of a partnership that would last until Thompson’s untimely death.
The couple had two daughters. Emma Thompson was born in 1959, and Sophie Thompson was born in 1964. Both daughters followed their parents into acting. Emma became a two-time Oscar winner, known for Howard’s End, Sense and Sensibility, Love Actually, and the Harry Potter films. Sophie appeared in Gosford Park and Four Weddings and a Funeral and received multiple Olivier Award nominations.
Phyllida once spoke about her daughters’ success in a 2017 interview. She said:
“They are both my colleagues in a way. They didn’t follow in our footsteps, they rushed past us, trampling on us.”
This quote shows her pride in her children’s achievements. Despite her own successful career, she always supported her daughters.
Eric Thompson’s Health Struggles and Death
Eric Thompson faced serious health issues during his life. In 1967, he suffered a heart attack. Doctors believed it was caused by overwork and his smoking habit. After this health scare, Thompson decided to change his career focus. He moved away from acting and started working more as a director.
Unfortunately, his health problems did not go away. On December 1, 1982, Eric Thompson died of a heart attack in London. He was only 53 years old. His death was a huge loss for his family. Phyllida Law was left to raise their two daughters on her own. Emma was 23 at the time, and Sophie was 18.
Thompson’s death came just as his daughters were starting to find major success in their own careers. Despite the tragedy, the family remained close. Phyllida Law continued to work and support her children. She lived for another 44 years after her husband’s passing.
A Family of Actors
The Thompson-Law family is one of the most respected acting families in Britain. Phyllida Law and Eric Thompson created a legacy that continues through their children and grandchildren. Emma Thompson and Sophie Thompson have both had remarkable careers.
Phyllida Law often acted alongside her daughters. This created special on-screen moments that fans still remember. In The Winter Guest, she played a mother to Emma’s character. In Emma, she played the mother of Sophie’s character. These roles showed the natural chemistry between the family members.
The acting tradition continues with the next generation. Emma Thompson’s daughter, Gaia Wise, is also an actress. Gaia paid tribute to her grandmother on social media after her death.
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Remembering Phyllida Law and Eric Thompson
Phyllida Law leaves behind a rich body of work. She appeared in everything from classic theatre to popular television dramas. Her ability to adapt to different roles made her a beloved figure in British entertainment.
Eric Thompson, though he died young, left a lasting mark on children’s television. The Magic Roundabout remains a classic. His voice work and writing helped bring the show to life for a generation of British children.
Their marriage was a partnership of two talented actors. They supported each other’s careers and raised a family that would go on to achieve great things in the arts. Phyllida Law’s recent death has brought renewed attention to her life and her marriage to Eric Thompson.
Fans have shared memories of both actors online. One fan wrote on social media:
“Sad to read that Phyllida Law has now passed away. Phyllida starred in many great works over 8 decades… Thoughts are with her daughters Emma and Sophie & other loved ones.”
Another fan added:
“Phyllida Law, prolific performer across stage and screen, dies aged 94. What an extraordinary life, some of which was beautifully captured in her memoirs.”
Phyllida Law’s death marks the end of an era. She was a talented actress who worked for over 80 years. Her marriage to Eric Thompson was a key part of her life. Together, they built a family that continues to entertain audiences around the world.
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