About Joan Sanderson
Joan Sanderson (24 November 1912 – 24 May 1992) was an English actress. During a long career on stage and screen, her tall and commanding disposition led to her playing mostly dowagers, spinsters and matrons, as well as intense Shakespearean roles. Her television work included appearances in the comedy series Please Sir! (1968–72), Rising Damp (1978), Fawlty Towers, Ripping Yarns (both 1979), and Me and My Girl (1984–88). Born and educated in Bristol, Sanderson trained at RADA, having harboured an interest in the performing arts from a young age. During the Second World War, Sanderson gained experience in repertory and toured North Africa and Italy entertaining the troops.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.