Patricia Prior (9 February 1929 – 12 June 2023) was an English actress. Best known for playing Mrs. Gibson in The Onedin Line, she also appeared in the Doctor Who television series.
Formative years and family Born in Bradfield, Essex, England in 1929, Prior was educated in the schools of Stratford-on-Avon and then received training as an actress at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London."Here and There" (photo of Prior with caption describing her academic training and current work). Leicester, England: The Illustrated Leicester Chronicle, January 15, 1950, p. 3 (subscription required).
In 1952, Prior married her fellow actor Rex Robinson, whom she met on a tour of South Africa. Robinson was also a member of the cast of The Three Doctors."Rex is man of parts at Stratford." Derby, England: Derby Evening Telegraph, 02 Jun 1956, p. 4 (subscription required).
Career After receiving her artistic training, Prior performed with the Guildford Repertory Company.""Tomorrow's Child" at the Theatre." Surrey, England: Surrey Advertiser, 04 Feb 1948, p. 7 (subscription required)."Repertory Players, Amersham." Buckinghamshire, England: Bucks Free Press, 19 Mar 1948, p. 6 (subscription required). By January of 1950, she was performing "character and 'straight' roles" with the Theatre Royal Saxon Players in Leicester."Corn Exchange: Holiday Dance Carnival" (advertisement). Leicester, England: Leicester Mercury, December 21, 1950, p. 3 (subscription required)."Here and There," The Illustrated Leicester Chronicle, January 15, 1950, p. 3.
Prior appeared in the Doctor Who serial The Three Doctors directed by Lennie Mayne as Mrs. Ollis.
Death Prior died in Addlestone, Surrey, England on 12 June 2023.
Selected filmography Year Title Role Notes 1989 Shadow of the Noose Mrs. Potter 1989 In Sickness and in Health Woman In Street 1987 You Must Be the Husband The Lady 1987 One by One Elsie Gates 1986 Strong Medicine Martin's Mother 1983 Storyboard Mrs. Rook 1982 Saturday Night Thriller Mrs. Bannister 1970 Play for Today Mrs. Tomishita 1971 The Onedin Line Mrs. Gibson (14 episodes 1977–1980) 1976 Softly, Softly: Task Force Mrs. Tegman 1975 The Brothers Doctor's Receptionist 1973 Warship Diana Bennett 1972–1973 Doctor Who Mrs Ollis Serial: The Three Doctors 1972 Monty Python's Flying Circus Patient Russian 1965 The Troubleshooters Secretary 1967 Mickey Dunne Woman
References
External links (note, wrong death date)