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Ruth Sheen

Acting

Born January 1, 1952 · London, England, UK

Also known as روث شین

Biography

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.

Awards & recognition

  • European Film AwardBest Actress · 1989
  • European Film AwardBest Actress · 1989 · nominated

Filmography42 titles

Brassic

2019as Kath

Inside No. 9

2014as Elizabeth Gadge

Accused

2010as Mo's Mum

It's a Sin

2021as Sandra

A Street Cat Named Bob

2016as Elsie

Gangs of London

2020as Deborah Devereux

Lorna Doone

as Betty Muxworthy

Misfits

2009as Maggie

Imagine Me & You

2005as Mrs Webster

Secrets & Lies

1996as Laughing Woman

Hijack

2023as Elaine Atterton

Unforgotten

2015as Lizzie Wilton

Midsomer Murders

1997as Valerie Horton

Silent Witness

1996

The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling

as Mrs. Harris

Touch

2024as Mrs. Ellis

Prime Suspect: Tennison

2017as Renee Bentley

C.B. Strike

2017as Pat Chauncey

Vera Drake

2004as Lily

Different for Girls

1996as Nosy neighbour

All or Nothing

2002as Maureen

High Hopes

1988as Shirley

Another Year

2010as Gerri

The Bill

1984

The Young Poisoner's Handbook

1995as Molly

The Thursday Murder Club

2025as Aunt Maud

Cracker

1993as Jean McIIvanney

A Royal Night Out

2015as Jack's Mum

Mr. Turner

2014as Sarah Danby

Little Dorrit

1987as Society Lady

Cyrano

2021as Mother Marthe

Casualty

1986as Barbara George

SuperBob

2015as Pat

Welcome to the Punch

2013as Iris Warns

VS.

2018as Fiona

Heartless

2009as Marion Morgan

Vanity Fair

2004as Miss Pinkerton

Lorna Doone

2001as Betty Muxworthy

Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky

as Aunt Winnie

The After

2023as Tabatha

When Pigs Fly

1993as Marge

Bramwell

1995