Rosemary E Mullally (née Claxton; 28 October 1940), known professionally as Rosemary Nicols, is an English actress and writer. On television, she starred as the titular character of the BBC Two serial Ann Veronica (1965) and Annabelle Hurst in the ITV cult classic series Department S (1969–1970). She comes from a theatrical family and authored the book The Loving Adventures of Jaby (1970).
Biography Rosemary E Claxton was born in Bradford and grew up on Scarlet Road in Wembley. Her father was music hall entertainer turned impresario Hedley Claxton (1899–1980). She was educated at Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls in Acton, west London. She made appearances as a child actress, before studying at the Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 1961. She went into rep at Harrogate, Frinton-on-Sea and Wimbledon amongst others. Her first London lead was in Something Nasty in the Woodshed.
In films, she had roles in The Blue Lamp (1950), The Pleasure Girls (1965) and The Mini Affair (1968). On stage, she starred in the 1966 West End production Fiddler on the Roof. She played assistant vet Sheila Dicken in Badger's Bend in 1963, and played the title role in the 1964 BBC series Ann Veronica based on a novel by H. G. Wells. She appeared in numerous television series such as the sci-fi drama Undermind in 1965, and Man in a Suitcase in 1968 but her best-known role was as computer expert Annabelle Hurst in the television series Department S.
Later roles included Anna Sergeyevna in a 1971 adaptation of Ivan Turgenev's Fathers and Sons, and appearances in shows like The Persuaders!, General Hospital and The Cedar Tree. Nicols had a folk music programme on TV before quitting acting.
Nicols married writer Frederic Mullally in 1971 and moved to Malta to concentrate on writing. She completed an astrology diploma at London's Faculty of Astrological Studies in 1974.
Nicolas contributed to the 2008 documentary Wanna Watch a Television Series?.
Filmography Film +YearTitleRoleNote1950The Blue LampCockney Urchin Girl1965The Pleasure GirlsMarion1967Brown Eye, Evil EyeMrs. WilsonThe Mini-Affair Charlotte
Television +YearTitleRoleNotes1963Badger's BendSheila DickenArmchair TheatreJeanEpisode: "A Way of Living"1964 Detective Mary Hume Episode: "The Jesus Window"Ann Veronica Ann VeronicaMiniseriesNo Hiding PlaceMary ToveyEpisode: "Trained to Kill"Love StorySallyEpisode: "The Truth Game"1965Hugh and IEpisode: "The Critics"UndermindAnne Heriot1966The Likely LadsSally WestEpisode: "Anchors Aweigh"1967Man in a Suitcase MoiraEpisode: "Day of Execution"1969–1970Department S Annabelle Hurst1970The Wednesday PlayNita/Betty2 episodes1971The Persuaders! Melanie SadlerEpisode: "Greensleeves"1977General Hospital Dr. Sara Lacey5 episodes1978The Cedar Tree Angela Scott
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