Vivienne Martin

Vivienne Ann Martin (28 December 1930 – 22 January 2023) was a New Zealand-born character actress. She had a career in British television, radio, stage and film which spanned over 40 years. She was best known for her portrayal of Mrs Lillian Rudd in the radio sitcom King Street Junior, of which she starred for the entire series from 1985 to 1998. and in eleven episodes of The Dick Emery Show from 1974 to 1980. In the early 1950s, after receiving a bursary from the New Zealand Government, Martin moved to England in order to take up acting.

Martin's first on-screen appearance was in the 1954 film The Belles of St Trinian's, in which she played Arabella. She landed her first television role in 1957 with The Benny Hill Show, but her first regular role was in the 1958 television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, in which she played Lydia Bennet.

Martin was best known in her role as Mrs Rudd in the radio sitcom King Street Junior. She appeared throughout the sitcom's entire run, from 1985 to 1998. Their marriage lasted just six weeks.

Martin died on 22 January 2023, at the age of 92. Her death was announced by the performing arts trade union Equity in their Spring/Summer 2023 magazine.

Filmography Film and television

Radio