Joan Hickson

On-stage from 1927, slight, sharp-featured British actress Joan Hickson began appearing in films in 1933, playing character roles in such productions as The Man Who Could Work Miracles and Love From a Stranger (both 1937). She spent the next five decades essaying unstressed but memorable performances as cooks, housekeepers, landladies, and in-laws. Just before turning 80, she achieved stardom as busybody amateur sleuth Miss Marple in a series of British TV productions based on the works of mystery writer Dame Agatha Christie. Joan Hickson made her final appearance as Miss Marple in 1992, as sprightly as ever at age 86.

~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide