Jennie Linden (born 8 December 1939) is an English actress. She is best known for her starring role in Ken Russell's film Women in Love (1969)^[1] as well as her starring role in the cult film Nightmare (1964).

Life and career

Linden was born in Worthing to Marcus and Freida Fletcher.^{[citation needed]}

Her earliest film appearances were as the heroine in Hammer's Nightmare (1964) and Barbara in Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965). Her most widely known film role was as Ursula in Women in Love (1969), for which she received a BAFTA nomination;^{[citation needed]} a year later she appeared in the film version of Iris Murdoch's novel A Severed Head. Her subsequent film appearances include Vampira (1974), Valentino (1977) and Charlie Muffin (1979).

Wishing to raise her son in England, Linden decided not to pursue a career in Hollywood.^{[citation needed]} She was considered for The Lion in Winter (1968) and The Go-Between (1970); the latter was for the lead role of Lady Marian Trimingham, for which Julie Christie was later cast. She turned down the role of Amy in Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs (1971).^{[citation needed]}

She starred with Kenneth Williams in the theatrical production of My Fat Friend in 1972. Also, she toured in Trevor Nunn's Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hedda Gabler for two years playing Thea Elvsted, with Glenda Jackson in the title role; they later appeared together in the 1975 film adaptation.

Linden's television credits include The Avengers (episode: Lobster Quadrille, 1964); Dr Finlay's Casebook (episode: A Right to Live, 1965); Sherlock Holmes (1965); The Saint (Episode S5,E4: "The Reluctant Revolution",1966) as Diane Holbrook; The Persuaders! (episode: To the Death, Baby, 1970); The Rivals (1970); The Adventures of Black Beauty (episode: "Foul Play", 1973); Thriller (episode: "Death to Sister Mary", 1974) as "Sister Mary"; Little Lord Fauntleroy (1976); Lillie (1978) as Patsy Cornwallis-West; Tales of the Unexpected (episode: "Pattern of Guilt", 1982); Lytton's Diary (1985); Chancer (1990); Lovejoy (1991); and Trainer (1991). She continues to perform different roles on TV and stage. She is married to Chris Mann; they have a son, Rupert.

Partial filmography