Margaret Johnston

Biography

Margaret Johnston was an Australian actress best known for her stage work, though she also appeared in films and television. Born in Sydney, she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art after traveling to Britain in 1936. Her first West End part came in the 1939 comedy thriller Saloon Bar, and she later won praise for The Last of Summer and for playing Elizabeth Barrett in The Barretts of Wimpole Street. She was especially admired as Alma in Summer and Smoke in 1951 and appeared at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as Desdemona, Portia, and Isabella. On screen she was in The Magic Box (1952), Night of the Eagle (1962), Life at the Top (1965), and The Psychopath (1966), and she also acted in eight television productions. She retired from acting in 1968 to run a theatrical agency.

83years old at death

Born August 10, 1918Sydney
Died June 19, 2002Kingston upon Thames
Star sign: LeoThe sign runs July 23 to August 22

Movie Career

Films: 4
Career span: 14 years1952 to 1966

Every film, newest first

1966The PsychopathIMDb rating 6.0
1965Life at the TopIMDb rating 6.7
1962Night of the EagleIMDb rating 6.9
1952The Magic BoxIMDb rating 7.0

Genres

Did you know?!

First role
Johnston's first West End role was a minor part in the 1939 comedy-thriller Saloon Bar, after which she spent a period in repertory theater.
Early training
Johnston gained acceptance as a student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and Stefan Hock served as her tutor there during her studies.
Big break
Binkie Beaumont, an influential theatrical impresario, signed Johnston to his agency H.M. Tennent Ltd. after being impressed by her performance in The Last of Summer at the Phoenix Theatre in 1944, where she played opposite Fay Compton.