top of page

Farewell to a legend

Malcolm

A star of stage and screen who became a great friend of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust has died at the age of 88.


Actress Jean Bayless starred in the original West End production of The Sound of Music after being auditioned by Richard Rodgers, the composer who made up one half of the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein partnership.


Jean starred in the production at the Palace Theatre for two years from April 1961, one of the highlights of an impressive career in which she rubbed shoulders with the likes of Julie Andrews, Noel Coward, Gloria Swanson, Elaine Stritch, Rudolph Nureyev, Anthony Newley Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Presley.


Later she became a familiar face on television when she played motel chef Cynthia Cunningham in the long-running soap Crossroads.


Trust secretary Patrick Tootal and wife Janet, the Trust’s event organiser, met Jean when she attended the charity’s second Parliamentary reception in 2007. She became a close personal friend and a great supporter of the Trust, as did many of her family members.


“Jean was a special friend to us and to the Trust and she will be sadly missed,” commented Patrick.

Jean, whose husband David Johnson died in 2008, is survived by her sons Daniel and Adam. She died on Friday, 5 February in Birmingham after being diagnosed with bone cancer.


 
 
 

1 Comment


Kaiser OTC benefits provide members with discounts on over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and health essentials, promoting better health management and cost-effective wellness solutions.


Obituaries near me help you find recent death notices, providing information about funeral services, memorials, and tributes for loved ones in your area.


is traveluro legit? Many users have had mixed experiences with the platform, so it's important to read reviews and verify deals before booking.

Like
Gold.png
Roamin-Rex-logo-notext-trans-785x1024.png
TripAd.gif
VisitEngland.png
LOtC Quality Badge logo.jpg

The Battle of Britain Memorial is sponsored by

clive emson logo.png
Norton.png
ECOMEP_FullLogo_BFC_CMYK.png
DMH_edited.jpg
Early Birds_Transparent.png

The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust CIO is a registered charity (1169005) with an address of PO Box 337, West Malling, Kent ME6 9AA.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Ltd (Company number 08638616), registered in England at Henwood House, Henwood, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8DH), 
is the wholly owned trading subsidiary of the Trust.

© 2021 The Battle of Britain Trust CIO

Website by deJetleyMarks photography | Shrewsbury | 07977 538539 | photographershrewsbury.com

bottom of page