Glenda Jackson, a highly accomplished performer who won two Academy Awards and later embarked on a successful career in politics as a British lawmaker, has passed away at the age of 87.
Jackson’s agent, Lionel Larner, confirmed her peaceful demise at her residence in London early Thursday following a brief illness.
Larner mentioned that she had recently finished filming “The Great Escaper,” a project in which she co-starred alongside Michael Caine.
During the 1960s and 70s, Jackson rose to prominence as one of the most prominent British stars of her time. Her exceptional talent earned her two Academy Awards for her remarkable performances in “Women in Love” and “A Touch of Class.”
However, her journey didn’t end there. Jackson transitioned into politics and became a member of the Parliament, serving as a Labour Party lawmaker for an impressive 23 years. In 1997, she held the position of Minister for Transport in Prime Minister Tony Blair’s first government.
Nevertheless, as time went on, Jackson found herself at odds with Blair over the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She expressed deep shame over Blair’s decision to involve the United Kingdom in the U.S.-led war without proper authorization from the United Nations. In her view, the innocent victims, as they always tend to be, would be women, children, and the elderly.
After leaving Parliament in 2015, Jackson made a return to her passion for acting. She received critical acclaim for her performances in various roles, notably playing the title character in Shakespeare’s renowned play, “King Lear.” CBS News had the opportunity to discuss this role with her.
In 2019, Jackson marked her return to the big screen after a 25-year hiatus with the movie “Elizabeth is Missing.” Her portrayal of a woman grappling with Alzheimer’s disease while attempting to unravel a mystery earned her a prestigious BAFTA award, equivalent to an Oscar in Britain.
Tulip Siddiq, who succeeded Jackson as the Labour lawmaker for the London constituency of Hampstead and Kilburn, expressed her devastation upon hearing the news of Jackson’s passing. Siddiq referred to Jackson as a formidable politician, an extraordinary actress, and a supportive mentor. She concluded her heartfelt message on Twitter by stating that Glenda Jackson’s absence would be deeply felt in Hampstead and Kilburn.
