Daphne Heard


Delia Phyllis Daphne Heard was an English actress and acting teacher. She was born in Plymouth, Devon. She was perhaps best known in latter years as Richard's elderly mother Mrs Polouvicka in To the Manor Born.

Film

Her film credits include roles in Goodbye Gemini, the film version of Please Sir! as an old gypsy, Jude the Obscure as Drusilla Fawley, and The Triple Echo. She also appeared as the nanny in Laurence Olivier's film Three Sisters based on Chekhov's play, opposite Joan Plowright, Alan Bates and Olivier himself as Chebutikin.

Television and radio

She played in many other television serials, including Wild, Wild Women, Doctor Who, the sitcom Don't Forget to Write! as Mrs Field the cleaner, Z-Cars and Nanny Webster in Upstairs, Downstairs, series 2, episode 8, Out of the Everywhere. In 1966 she gave an outstanding performance in the major role as a beleaguered tenant in Vacant Possession, a TV play put on by Rediffusion. From its inception until her death in 1983 she played the part of Maud, the eccentric housekeeper, in the Hinge and Bracket radio series.
In 1971 Daphne starred in a couple of episodes in the TV sitcom 'For The Love of Ada' playing the nosey, next door neighbour.
In 1974 she played the part of Mrs. Froggitt in the pilot show of Oh No, It's Selwyn Froggitt!.

Teaching career

During the 1950s and 1960s she was a member of the teaching staff at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.