Liz Fraser, the late ‘Carry On’ film star’s death was announced on Thursday (06.09.18), and director Michael Armstrong has described her as “one of the greatest comedic actresses of her era”.
He wrote on Twitter: “My lovely Liz Fraser has died. I’m too upset to speak of our personal relationship over the years but will state: as one of the greatest comedic actresses of her era on stage & screen, her legacy of work will serve as a masterclass for future generations. RIP, dearest Liz. X (sic)”
A tweet on the British Comedy Society’s Twitter account read: “We’re very sad to learn that the wonderful comic actor Liz Fraser, star of many post-war TV, radio and film comedies, has died at the age of 88. She was a delight. Seen here in Carry On Cruising.”
Elstree Studios chairman Morris Bright tweeted: “Sad to hear of passing of lovely actress Liz Fraser at 88. Fun, bubbly, irascible, she worked with the very best of British comedy talent from Hancock to Sellers.
Always a delight to welcome her to events @PinewoodStudios to talk about her long career. We had such fun. (sic)”
Liz made her ‘Carry On’ debut as Delia King in 1961’s ‘Carry On Regardless’ and went on to play Glad Trimble in 1962’s ‘Carry On Cruising’, and Sally in ‘Carry On Cabby’ alongside Hattie Jacques in 1963.
She is said to have been dropped from the franchise after making a comment about how the movie series could be better marketed.
But Liz did return to the franchise 12 years later as Sylvia Ramsden in 1975’s ‘Carry On Behind’, which also featured Kenneth Williams, but she is said to have been paid less than half the salary she was previously on.
Liz’s first big role in film came in 1959 when she appeared as Peter Sellers’ on-screen daughter Cynthia in ‘I’m All Right Jack’, and she went on to play his girlfriend in 1960 movie ‘Two Way Stretch’.
She previously claimed the late actor tried to seduce her on numerous occasions. Liz said: “He wined and dined me at his Hampstead penthouse and another time locked me in his dressing room having invited me there for lunch. “He had treated a girlfriend of mine badly, so I didn’t quite go there.”
Liz played Ian Lavender’s on-screen mum Mrs. Pike in the 1971 film version of TV show ‘Dad’s Army’, and starred opposite Julie Andrews in 1964 Hollywood movie ‘The Americanization of Emily’.
She also appeared in ‘Sixpenny Corner’, the first-ever soap opera broadcast on British TV in 1955, alongside Howard Pays and Patricia Dainton, and played comedian Tony Hancock’s love interest in radio series ‘Hancock’s Half Hour’.