Joy Harington
British actor, screenwriter and television director
About Joy Harington
Lived 1914 – 1991 (aged 77). Joy Harington was a British screenwriter, television director, stage actor, film actor and film director.
Joy Harington (22 February 1914, London – 22 October 1991, Bristol) was an English television actress, writer, producer, and director.
Harington first acted professionally in 1933 and settled in the US in 1938 and toured in theatrical productions before working as a dialogue director and script editor at Paramount Pictures. She acted (usually uncredited) in several Hollywood productions, including Gaslight and National Velvet (both 1944). Jo's Boys, and Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School.
Harington is best known for her work on the eight-part children's television series Jesus of Nazareth (1956), which was broadcast live, although it did contain pre-filmed exterior sequences shot in Galilee and Jerusalem. The project was controversial because at the time it was not legal for an actor to portray Jesus in a public performance; however, an exception was made for this series and it was widely seen as a success. Harington received an award in 1956 from the Guild of Television Directors and Producers (now known as BAFTA), marking the first time a children's programme was awarded such an honour.
Harington retired in 1970 after working in religious, schools and further education broadcasting and returned to acting. She died in Bristol in 1991.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Joy Harington's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Joy Harington?
British actor, screenwriter and television director
When was Joy Harington born?
Joy Harington was born on 22 February 1914 in London.
When did Joy Harington die?
Joy Harington died on 22 October 1991 in Bristol.
What was Joy Harington's occupation?
Joy Harington was a screenwriter, television director, stage actor, film actor and film director.
What nationality was Joy Harington?
Joy Harington was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Joy Harington. https://biography.guide/joy-harington/
MLA: "Joy Harington." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/joy-harington/.
Chicago: "Joy Harington." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/joy-harington/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:31 UTC