Lyn James

Lyn James (13 November 1929 – 31 May 2017), credited also as Marilyn James, was a Welsh-born actress of stage and screen and director, who became known for her career in England and later Australia, particularly as receptionist Helen Gordon in television soap opera The Young Doctors

Biography She was born Margaret James, the daughter of theatre actor and producer Jack James and granddaughter of photographer Levi Ladd. and grew up in Rhondda in South Wales. She appeared in the series from its inception in 1976, until it ended in 1983, one of only a few actors to appear for the duration of the series.

Filmography

TELEVISION YearTitleRoleType 1955 Fantastic Summer Nan Wilde (as Marilyn James) TV film, UK 1955 Misery Me Romilda (as Marilyn James) TV film, UK 1956 Jinny Morgan Aggie Hughes (as Marilyn James) Teleplay, UK 1956 Poison Pen Rose Rainrider (as Marilyn James) Teleplay, UK 1957 The Druid Circle Megan Lewis (as Marilyn James) Teleplay, UK 1957 Precious Bane Guest role: Moll Miller (as Marilyn James) TV series UK, 2 episodes 1957 The Stolen Miniatures Nurse Dawson (as Marilyn James) TV film, UK 1957 To Love And To Cherish Prudence (as Marilyn James) Teleplay, UK 1957 Nicholas Nickleby Recurring role: Madeline Bray (as Marilyn James) TV series UK, 4 episodes 1963 One About The Lugger... Guest role: Meg Barker (as Marilyn James) TV series UK, 1 episode 1963 24-Hour Call Guest role: Mary Johnson (as Marilyn James) TV series UK, 1 episode 1963 First Night Guest role: Alice Potter (as Marilyn James) TV series UK, 1 episode 1963 Emergency-Ward 10 Recurring role: Beryl Denbigh (as Marilyn James) TV series UK, 5 episodes 1965 Story Parade Guest role: Alice Dawes (as Marilyn James) TV series UK, 1 episode 1966 Australian Playhouse Guest role ABC TV series, 1 episode 1968 Contrabandits Guest role: Nan Hallam TV series, 2 episodes 1969 Hunter Guest role: Helen Kramer TV series, 1 episode 1969;1973 Division 4 Guest roles: Mrs. Thompson / Sue Nichols TV series, 2 episodes 1970 Eden House Honor ABC Teleplay 1970–1971 Dynasty Regular role: Maggie Tench ABC TV series, 22 episodes 1972 Catwalk Guest role: Julia Battle TV series, 1 episode 1972 Matlock Police Guest role: Joan Price TV series, 1 episode 1972 Over There Recurring role TV series, 3 episodes 1973 Boney Guest role TV series, 1 episode 1973 Catch Kandy Recurring role: Mrs. Wayne TV series, 3 episodes 1973 Ryan Guest role: Margaret Nelson TV series, 1 episode 1973 The Evil Touch Guest role: Maid TV series, 1 episode 1975 Silent Number Guest role TV series, 1 episode 1975 Armchair Cinema Guest Doris TV series, 1 episode "Tully" 1976 The Emigrants Guest role: Mrs. Lewis TV series UK, 1 episode 1976–1982 The Young Doctors Regular role: Helen Gordon TV series, 313 episodes 1978 Case for the Defence Guest role: Minna McGee TV series, 1 episode 2: "The Killing Of Toby McGee" 1979 The Rock Pool Role unknown ABC Teleplay 1980 Telethon '80 Herself TV special 1983 The Coral Island Guest role: Lady Rover TV miniseries, 1 episode 1987 Olive Recurring role: Doreen ABC TV film 1991 In Sydney Today Herself – Guest TV series, 1 episode 1992 Bony Guest role: Mrs. Vincetti TV series, 1 episode 2: "Looks Can Kill" 1994 TVTV Herself with The Young Doctors cast ABC TV series, 1 episode 1996 40 Years Of TV Stars... Then And Now Herself TV special 1997 Where Are They Now? Herself TV series, 1 episode 2002 Young Lions Guest role: Elderly Woman TV series, 1 episode

Personal life James was married to the New Zealand producer Eric Tayler, a fellow RADA graduate, and they had two children, one of whom is the Australia actress Sally Tayler, who also appeared with her in The Young Doctors.

James final screen appearance was in 2002 and she died in Sydney, aged 87, on 31 May 2017.