Gemma Craven
Biography
Rita Gemma Craven, born Rita Gemma Gabriel on June 1, 1950, in Dublin, Ireland, is an Irish actress. Her father, Gabriel, worked as a bus conductor and later on a Ford production line, while her mother, Lillian, worked as a dancer and comedienne on the music halls. At the age of 3, Gemma made her debut singing Out of my Heart at the Marymont Hall in Dublin, winning first prize. When she was nine years old, her family moved to Westcliff on Sea. Her first professional part was in The Flower Drum Song at the Little Theatre. She subsequently became an assistant stage manager at the Palace Theatre in Westcliff, which was her first full-time job, and secured her first professional stage role in Cinderella in 1960. Craven was married to actor Frazer Hines from 1981 to 1984, and to financier David Beamish from 1990 to 1996. Her acting credits include work in films such as Doktor Martin, Pennies from Heaven, and My Life in Film.
Career overview
Rita Gemma Craven, also known as Rita Gemma Gabriel, is an Irish actress born in Dublin, Ireland, on June 1, 1950. Her father, Gabriel, worked as a bus conductor and later on a Ford production line, while her mother, Lillian, worked as a dancer and comedienne on the music halls. At the age of three, Gemma made her debut singing Out of my Heart at the Marymont Hall in Dublin, winning first prize. When she was nine years old, her family moved to Westcliff on Sea.
Her early theatrical background included her first professional part in The Flower Drum Song at the Little Theatre. She subsequently became an assistant stage manager at the Palace Theatre in Westcliff, which marked her first full-time job. Her first professional stage role took place in Cinderella. Throughout her career, Craven has amassed known acting credits in film and television, with appearances in projects such as Doktor Martin, Pennies from Heaven, and My Life in Film.
In her personal life, Craven was married to actor Frazer Hines from 1981 to 1984. She was later married to financier David Beamish from 1990 to 1996.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
23 titles- The 50 Greatest Television Dramas (2007) as Self
- My Life in Film (2004) as Mrs Jones
- The Hole (2001) as Mrs. Dunn
- Midsomer Murders (1997) as Judy Hicks
- The Last Bus Home (1997) as Reena's Mother
- Noel's Telly Years (1996) as Self
- Father Ted (1995) as Polly Clarke
- Words Upon the Window Pane (1994) as Mrs. Mallet
- The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1993)
- Heartbeat (1992) as Judy Dean
- Double X: The Name of the Game (1992) as Jenny Eskridge
- The Bill (1984)
- Robin of Sherwood (1984) as Lilith
- East Lynne (1982) as Barbara Hare
- She Loves Me (1979) as Amalia Balash
- She Loves Me (1979) Vocals
- Why Not Stay For Breakfast? (1979) as Louise Hamilton
- 3-2-1 (1978)
- Pennies from Heaven (1978) as Joan Parker
- Kingdom Of Gifts (1978) as The Unhappy Princess
- Romance (1977) as Emily
- The Slipper and the Rose (1976) as Cinderella
- Hell For Leather
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Gemma Craven best known for?
Gemma Craven is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Hole (2001), The Evil Dead (1981), Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988), The Devil's Advocate (1997).
When and where was Gemma Craven born?
Gemma Craven was born on June 1, 1950 in Dublin, Ireland.
How many credits does Gemma Craven have?
Gemma Craven has accumulated over 23 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1976 to 2007.
What is Gemma Craven's background in cinema and television?
Rita Gemma Craven, born Rita Gemma Gabriel on June 1, 1950, in Dublin, Ireland, is an Irish actress. Her father, Gabriel, worked as a bus conductor and later on a Ford production line, while her mother, Lillian, worked as a dancer and comedienne on the music halls. At the age of 3, Gemma made her debut singing Out of m...
Gemma Craven by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Father Ted (1995) as Polly Clarke — aged about 45
- Robin of Sherwood (1984) as Lilith — aged about 34
- Pennies from Heaven (1978) as Joan Parker — aged about 28
- Midsomer Murders (1997) as Judy Hicks — aged about 47
- Heartbeat (1992) as Judy Dean — aged about 42
- The Bill (1984) — aged about 34
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