Jenny Tomasin (22 March 1938Some sources (, ) cite 30 November 1936. – 3 January 2012) was a British actress, known for her role as kitchen maid Ruby Finch in the LWT period drama series Upstairs, Downstairs, which she played from 1972 to 1975.
Early life Tomasin was born in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, in 1938 to working class parents. She knew from an early age she wanted to be an actress, although her parents did not support her goal.
Career Tomasin's first screen role was in 1972 in The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, as the character Sarah Gort. Her first major role came when she was discovered by Upstairs, Downstairs producer John Hawkesworth, who noticed Tomasin's photograph in a casting directory. Soon after, Tomasin joined the cast of Upstairs, Downstairs as Ruby Finch, the kitchen maid to the Bellamy family.
Tomasin appeared in the series from 1972, until it came to an end in 1975. She appeared in 41 episodes. Plans were made for a spin-off series featuring Ruby and fellow Upstairs, Downstairs characters Hudson and Mrs Bridges; however, the series was never made because of the death of actress Angela Baddeley. Although her career on Upstairs, Downstairs had made Tomasin a household name, she also felt that the role left her typecast.
In 1985, Tomasin guest starred in the Doctor Who serial Revelation of the Daleks, the final story before the series went on an 18-month hiatus, as the character Tasambeker. Tomasin also played two roles in the soap opera Emmerdale. In 1981–1982 she played Naomi Tolly, daughter of Enoch Tolly, who was killed in a tractor accident. Her second role was as Noreen Bell, a cantankerous villager who died in July 2006. This would be her last role.
Her other films included roles in Mister Quilp (1975), The Trouble with Spies (1987) and Just Ask for Diamond (1988).
Death Tomasin died on 3 January 2012, aged 73, from hypertensive heart disease.
Filmography
Film
Year Title Role Notes1972The Adventures of Barry McKenzieSarah Gort1975Eskimo NellShy Casting GirlMister QuilpMrs Simmons1987The Trouble with SpiesMartha1988Just Ask for DiamondTraffic Warden
Television
Year Title Role Notes1972–1975Upstairs, DownstairsRuby Finch1974–1979CrossroadsFlorence Baker1975The Love SchoolJane's SisterEpisode: "Remember Me"1976The Dick Emery ShowActressEpisode: 14.5Brensham PeoplePruEpisode: "William Hart, Wainwright"1977The Onedin LineMrs PurvisEpisode: "The Hostage"Midnight Is a PlaceRose Sproggs4 Episodes1980–1981Emmerdale FarmNaomi Tolly1983Man and SupermanParlourmaidTelevision film1984Tripper's DayMinnieEpisode: "Games People Play"1985That's My BoyBrenda CrossEpisode: "Hello Young Mothers"Doctor WhoTasambekerEpisodes: "Revelation of the Daleks: Parts 1 and 2"1994Martin ChuzzlewitMaidservant2 episodes2000CinderellaCookTelevision film2005–2006EmmerdaleNoreen BellRecurring role
Stage
Year Title Role Venue Ref1978Hush and HideUK National Tour1978–1979See How They RunIdaGreenwich Theatre1979Ten Times TablePhilippaUK National Tour1982-1983Man and SupermanParlourmaidTheatre Royal Haymarket1988–1989Blithe SpiritEdithUK National Tour1991Lettice and LovageMiss Framer2004The MarquiseAlice
References
External links
Jenny Tomasin; Aveleyman