Una Stubbs remains one of Britain’s most beloved actresses—an unforgettable screen presence whose work charmed generations of audiences. Whether as the witty and warm Mrs. Hudson in the BBC hit Sherlock, the mischievous Aunt Sally in Worzel Gummidge, or the spirited Rita Rawlins in Till Death Us Do Part, Stubbs’ acting versatility made her a true national treasure.
This article explores who Una Stubbs was, her early life, age, family, net worth, relationships, her most iconic movies and TV roles, and the circumstances of her passing—offering a full biographical portrait of the woman behind the roles.
Who Is Una Stubbs?
Una Stubbs was an English actress, dancer, and performer who enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than five decades. Born on 1 May 1937, she became one of Britain’s most recognized and enduring faces across film, television, stage, and even children’s programming.
She began not as an actress but as a dancer, later transitioning into acting and comedy—a shift that ultimately led to her lasting fame. Over the years, she worked with Britain’s most well-known entertainers, from Cliff Richard in the 1960s to Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in the 2010s.
Stubbs was celebrated for her bright personality, expressive acting style, and her ability to become instantly lovable in every role she played. Her work connected with audiences across multiple generations—making her an icon of British pop culture.
Una Stubbs Age: How Old Was She?
Una Stubbs was born on May 1, 1937, in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England.
She passed away on August 12, 2021, at the age of 84.
Her long life included over 60 years of continuous performance work, making her one of the longest-working actresses in British entertainment history.
Una Stubbs Early Life & Young Years
Una Stubbs grew up between Hertfordshire and Leicestershire. As a young girl, she showed a natural love for performing arts, particularly dancing. Her mother recognized her talent early and enrolled her in the La Roche dance school in Slough.
As a teenager, she became a professional dancer—long before finding fame as an actress. At just 16 years old, she performed in Pardon My French, a Folies Bergère–style revue show. She later danced at the London Palladium, a venue known for shaping many UK performers.
Photos of Una Stubbs young portray her as graceful, lively, and expressive—traits that followed her throughout her screen career.
Una Stubbs’ Family Background
Una Stubbs came from a creative and historically significant British family.
Una Stubbs’ Father
Her father, Clarence Reginald Stubbs, was a factory worker and the head of the family. He was known to be supportive of Una’s early interest in dance and performance.
Una Stubbs’ Mother
Her mother, Angela K. Rawlinson, encouraged Una’s artistic development and was instrumental in her dance training.
Angela’s role was pivotal—she provided the guidance and structure that helped Una enter the performing arts at a young age.
Una Stubbs’ Siblings
Una Stubbs had two siblings—a total of three children in the family:
- Older Sister: Claire
- Younger Brother: Paul
Una was the middle child, growing up in a loving family environment that nurtured creativity and independence.
Unique Family Connection
Una Stubbs’ great-grandfather was Ebenezer Howard—the founder of the Garden City Movement, which led to the creation of towns including her birthplace, Welwyn Garden City.
This historical link tied her family to one of Britain’s most influential urban planning revolutions.
Una Stubbs’ Relationships and Marriages
Marriage 1: Peter Gilmore (1958–1969)
Her first marriage was to actor Peter Gilmore, famous for his work in The Onedin Line.
They married in 1958 and adopted one son together. However, their marriage ended in 1969.
Marriage 2: Nicky Henson (1969–1975)
Soon after her divorce, Una married actor Nicky Henson, known for his extensive film and television work.
Together they had two sons but eventually divorced in 1975. Despite the separation, they remained close friends throughout their lives.
Who Was Una Stubbs Married To?
To summarize, Una Stubbs was married to:
- Peter Gilmore (1958–1969)
- Nicky Henson (1969–1975)
Una Stubbs’ Children
Una Stubbs was the mother of three sons:
- Jason Gilmore
- Adopted with first husband Peter Gilmore.
- Christian Henson
- Born 1971.
- A famous film and TV composer, known for scores for Black Death, Severance, Inside No. 9, and more.
- Joe Henson
- Born 1973.
- A musician and film score producer who co-founded The Flight, a successful music production duo.
All three sons grew up in a creative household influenced strongly by Una’s artistic background.
Una Stubbs Net Worth
Una Stubbs’ exact net worth has never been publicly disclosed, and no verified financial statements are available.
However, based on:
- her six-decade career,
- long-running TV appearances,
- BBC productions,
- film roles,
- theatre work,
- and art exhibitions,
it is commonly estimated that her lifetime earnings and assets were between $1 million and $3 million.
This figure is speculative, based on industry norms—not confirmed by any public records.
Una Stubbs’ Career: Movies, TV Shows, Theatre & Legacy
Early Career as a Dancer
Before acting, Una spent years as a professional dancer—a foundation that deeply shaped her expressive acting style.
Her dance training gave her grace, timing, and stage confidence—visible in all her screen performances.
Transition Into Acting
Her introduction to acting came through commercials and small TV appearances—eventually landing her breakout film role.
Una Stubbs Movies
1. Summer Holiday (1963)
Una appeared in this hugely popular musical film starring Cliff Richard.
Her charming performance helped propel her into mainstream recognition.
2. Wonderful Life (1964)
She teamed up again with Cliff Richard. This film cemented her image as a lively, talented young performer.
Other Film Appearances
Though mainly a television actress, she also appeared in:
- The Magic Christian (1969)
- The Best Pair of Legs in the Business (1973)
- Various TV movies and theatrical recordings
Una Stubbs TV Shows
1. Till Death Us Do Part (1965–1975)
Her role as Rita Rawlins made her a household name.
She returned for the sequel:
2. In Sickness and in Health (1985–1992)
This extended her popularity through the 1980s.
3. Worzel Gummidge (1979–1981)
One of her most iconic roles—Aunt Sally.
Children adored her humorous, expressive, slightly mischievous character.
4. Sherlock (2010–2017)
Her portrayal of Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock Holmes’ landlady, made her beloved by a new global audience.
5. The Worst Witch (Early 2000s)
Stubbs played Miss Bat, adding more children’s television success to her career.
6. The Big Painting Challenge (2015)
She co-presented this BBC art competition series, reflecting her own love for sketching and painting.
Una Stubbs’ Work in Theatre
She was active on stage throughout her career:
- West End productions
- Classical theatre
- Modern comedy
- Touring productions
Her range extended from musical theatre to dramatic stage roles.
Una Stubbs’ Cause of Death
Una Stubbs passed away on 12 August 2021 at the age of 84.
Her family stated that she died after several months of ill health, surrounded by loved ones.
No official or specific medical cause of death was publicly released—media outlets respectfully reported only what the family shared.
She died at her home in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Una Stubbs’ Legacy
Una Stubbs’ legacy is defined by:
- her warm on-screen presence
- a lifetime of performances
- connecting with audiences of multiple generations
- iconic roles in children’s TV, sitcoms, films, and modern drama
- her contributions to British entertainment from the 1950s–2020s
She embodied the true definition of a performer—dedicated, versatile, expressive, and eternally beloved.
Final Thoughts (and Blog Mention)
Una Stubbs will forever remain one of Britain’s most cherished entertainers. From her early days as a dancer to her unforgettable roles on television and film, she built a career defined by charm, wit, and remarkable endurance. Her life story inspires artists, actors, and audiences who admired her talent and warmth.
For more articles covering legendary actors, movies, and entertainment icons, visit my blog MoviesMod for fresh updates and in-depth profiles.