Gudrun Ure

Gudrun Henderson Ure (12 March 1926 – 14 May 2024), also known as Ann Gudrun, was a Scottish actress, best known for her portrayal of the title character in the children's television series Super Gran. Ure's career encompassed stage, film, television, and radio, with notable performances including Desdemona in Orson Welles's 1951 stage production of Othello and a role in the 1953 film noir 36 Hours. Her portrayal of the title character in Super Gran, a show that aired from 1985 to 1987, gained international recognition and was exported to sixty countries, winning an International Emmy in 1985.

Early life Ure was born in Milton of Campsie, Stirlingshire, in 1926, the oldest of three children. She grew up in the Hyndland district of Glasgow, where she was educated at the Laurel Bank School for Girls. including a role as Cleopatra.

Career In her teens, Ure performed on BBC Radio Scotland's Children's Hour. She first worked as a teacher after leaving school and then acted in repertory theatres in Scotland.

Ure's first major acting part was starring as Desdemona She also appeared in the 1953 film noir 36 Hours under the name Ann Gudrun, She played Sergeant Smith in the 1954 film The Diamond. Both 36 Hours and The Diamond were directed by Montgomery Tully.

Super Gran Ure's best known role was as the titular Super Gran in the children's TV series produced by Tyne Tees Television for Children's ITV, which originally ran from 1985 to 1987 Her final screen credit was a 2009 episode of Casualty. She also portrayed the secretary of the central detective in the series Destination Fire (1962–66) on BBC Radio.

In a set of Encyclopædia Britannica-produced educational films about the works of Shakespeare, Ure played the role of Lady Macbeth. Ure died at her home in London on 14 May 2024, at the age of 98.