Actress. She was educated at University of California in Los Angeles. She made her Broadway debut in 1943. She was a kindergarten teacher before becoming a professional actress. In 1944, she moved to England to become a professional stage actress performing at the Old Vic and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. She returned to Broadway in 1975. Her film and television credits include “Nicholas and Alexandra,” “King Lear,” “The Scapegoat,” and “Happy Days.” Her awards include an honorary C.B.E. (Commander of the British Empire) in 1975 for her services to drama. She was nominated in 1983 for Saturn Award as Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film, “Deathtrap.” She won the BAFTA Film Award in 1959 for Best British Actress for her performance in “Orders to Kill.” She was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1996 for her guest appearance in the television comedy, “Remember WENN.” She was also nominated for an Emmy Award in 1990 for best supporting actress for her performance in the television film, “The Shell Seekers.” She also won three Tony Awards for “Lost in Yonkers” as best featured actress in 1991, “Tiny Alice” in 1965 at Best Lead Actress, and 1976 Tony Award for “Sweet Bird of Youth” as Best Lead Actress. She was also nominated for Tony Awards two other times in 1960, as Best Actress for “Toys in the Attic,” and in 1977 as Best Actress for “The Cherry Orchard.” There was a memorial service held at the Public Theater in New York City. (bio by: Genet) Cause of death: Stroke