Hermione Youlanda Ruby Clinton-Baddeley, known as Hermione Baddeley, (13 November 1906 – 19 August 1986) was an English character actress of theatre, film and television. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Room at the Top (1959) and a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore in 1963. She typically played brash, vulgar characters, often referred to as "brassy" or "blowsy".

Biography

In 1928 Baddeley married the Hon. David Francis Tennant (third son of Edward Tennant, 1st Baron Glenconner). She arrived an hour late for the wedding, having misremembered the time booked for the ceremony. They rented Teffont Evias Manor, which became known for their boisterous parties (including mixed naked bathing in the goldfish pond). She had a daughter Pauline Tennant in 1927. They divorced in 1937 but remained good friends until his death.

In 1940 Baddeley married Major J.H. "Dozey" Willis. They divorced in 1946. She also had a relationship with the actor Laurence Harvey, a man 22 years her junior. Although Harvey proposed marriage to her, Baddeley thought the age difference was too great. Harvey left Baddeley in 1951 for actress Margaret Leighton.

Baddeley was known for her devotion to animals. She dedicated her autobiography, The Unsinkable Hermione Baddeley, to her pet dog. She continued to work in film and television until shortly before the end of her life.

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