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Ruth Sheen

Acting · 1952-01-01 · London, England, UK

Ruth Sheen (born 1952) is an English actress. Born in London, Sheen began her career by training at the East 15 Acting School, and has appeared regularly on British television and in British films since 1988. On television, she had recurring roles as Nanny Simmons in Berkeley Square (1998), and as Nurse Ethel Carr in the series Bramwell (1995–1998). She has also appeared as four different characters in six episodes of The Bill between 1989 and 2004. She has also appeared in five Mike Leigh films: in the female lead role of Shirley in High Hopes (1988); as Laughing Woman in Secrets & Lies (1996); as Maureen in All or Nothing (2002), as Lily in Vera Drake (2004) and as Gerri in Another Year (2010). Her role in High Hopes won her the Best Actress award at the 1989 European Film Awards. In 2007, she played the role of Lyn, opposite Ben Whishaw's Steven, in the world premiere of Philip Ridley's stage play, Leaves of Glass at the Soho Theatre, London. She also plays the mother of Jim Sturgess's character, Jamie, in Philip Ridley's feature film, Heartless.

Filmography (23)

YearFilmAs
2026Sweetly It TurnsJoy
2025The Thursday Murder ClubAunt Maud
2024TouchMrs. Ellis
2021CyranoMother Marthe
2018VS.Fiona
2016A Street Cat Named BobElsie
2015A Royal Night OutJack's Mum
2015SuperBobPat
2014Mr. TurnerSarah Danby
2013Welcome to the PunchIris Warns
2010Another YearGerri
2009HeartlessMarion Morgan
2007Run Fatboy RunClaudine
2007Hush Your MouthMrs Collins
2006Imagine Me & YouMrs Webster
2004Vera DrakeLily
2004Vanity FairMiss Pinkerton
2002All or NothingMaureen
1999Virtual SexualityJackie
1996Secrets & LiesLaughing Woman
1995The Young Poisoner's HandbookMolly
1993When Pigs FlyMarge
1988High HopesShirley