Jean Cadell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 13 September 1884 Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland |
| Died | 29 September 1967 (aged 83) London, England |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1912–1962 |
| Spouse | Perceval Perceval-Clarke |
| Children | 1 |
Jean Dunlop Cadell (13 September 1884 – 29 September 1967) was a Scottish character actress.[1] Although her married name was Jean Dunlop Perceval-Clark she retained her maiden name in the context of acting.
She was born at 4 Buckingham Terrace[2] in Edinburgh, the daughter of Dr Francis Cadell (1844-1909), a wealthy surgeon, and his wife, Mary Hamilton Boileau (1853-1907).[3] The family moved to 22 Ainslie Place, a huge Georgian house on the Moray Estate, in her youth.[4]
She performed in the cinema and on the stage.[5][6] Among her best-known cinema roles was in the Ealing Studios comedy Whisky Galore! (1949), as well as Pygmalion (1938) and I Know Where I'm Going! (1945). She once performed opposite W.C. Fields in Hollywood, cast as Mrs. Micawber to his Wilkins Micawber in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's 1935 production of David Copperfield.[7] Although Cadell remains in the released version of the film, her biggest scene (when the Micawber family prepare to emigrate) was deleted from the release prints.[citation needed]
Jean Cadell died in London on 29 September 1967, aged 83.[5]
She is buried with her family in Dean Cemetery in western Edinburgh. The grave lies against the southern wall.
Her brother, Francis Cadell, was one of the Scottish Colourists.[8] She married actor Perceval Perceval-Clark.[9] Jean and Perceval both appeared in the play The Man Who Stayed at Home.[10]
Her son, born John Cadell Perceval-Clark in 1915, changed his name to John Cadell and became a theatrical agent.[11][12] Her grandson Simon Cadell and her granddaughter Selina Cadell also became actors.[13]
