Athene Seyler

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Athene Seyler, CBE (31 May 1889 – 12 September 1990) was an English actress.

Although better known as a stage actress - she first appeared on the stage in 1909 - she made her film debut in 1921, and became known for playing slightly dotty old ladies in many British films from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Her most memorable stage credits included Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, and a double-act, with her good friend Dame Sybil Thorndike, as the murderous spinster sisters in Arsenic and Old Lace.

Her film and television career lasted into the 1960s, and included roles in The Citadel (1938), Night of the Demon (1957), and The Avengers (1964, 1965). She was also a regular cast member in screen adaptations of Charles Dickens' novels.

She virtually retired from acting after 1970, but continued making public appearances until well into the 1980s. In 1990, at the age of 101, she appeared at the National Theatre, talking about her long life and career.

Athene Seyler was President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) from 1950, and a member of the Theatrical Ladies' Guild. She also wrote The Craft of Comedy.

She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1959.

Athene Seyler is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 28 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958), A Tale of Two Cities (1958), Night of the Demon (1957), As Long As They're Happy (1955), The Avengers (1961), BBC Play of the Month (1965), The Third Man (1959), The World of Wooster (1965). The recorded credits span 1934 to 1965, including 23 movies and 5 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.