Who did Barbara Leigh-Hunt play in Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy? English actress passes away at 88

Barbara Leigh-Hunt, the esteemed English actress known for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy passed away at the age of 88. Leigh-Hunt died peacefully on September 16, 2023, at her home in Warwickshire, England, as confirmed by her family. The Olivier Award-winning actress had a seven-decade-long career that spanned film, television, and theatre.

Leigh-Hunt played Brenda Blaney, a memorable character in Hitchcock’s 1972 thriller Frenzy. The film, one of Hitchcock’s last works, revolves around a serial killer on the loose in London. Leigh-Hunt's character, Brenda, is the ex-wife of the protagonist Richard Blaney, portrayed by Jon Finch.

In the film, Brenda becomes a victim of the "Necktie Murderer," who r*pes and kills her in a sequence regarded as one of the most graphic scenes Hitchcock ever filmed. The role solidified Leigh-Hunt's place in cinematic history, as Frenzy is remembered for its chilling portrayal of violence and suspense.

Despite the controversy surrounding her character's brutal death, Barbara Leigh-Hunt’s performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth. Hitchcock’s Frenzy marked one of her most famous film roles, bringing her international recognition.

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Barbara Leigh-Hunt's distinguished career in theatre and film

Apart from her role in Frenzy, Barbara Leigh-Hunt has had a prolific career in acting both on stage and on screen. She was born December 14, 1935, in Bath, Somerset, England, and studied at the Bristol Old Vic theatre school; she had been on stage since the summer of 1954 with the Old Vic company in London.

The Shakespeare plays in her early stage experience include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and King Henry V for Broadway.

Barbara Leigh-Hunt was also an active actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the National Theatre Company. Her stage career consisted of highly praised work including the plays Travesties and King Lear.

She was honored with the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1993 for her dramatic performance as Sybil Birling in the National Theatre’s production of J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls directed by Stephen Daldry.

She featured in films apart from Frenzy which included Henry VIII and His Six Wives in 1972, Bequest to the Nation in 1973, Oh Heavenly Dog in 1980, Billy Elliot in 2000, and Vanity Fair in 2004.

Henry VIII and his Six Wives - Source: Getty

Another memorable part played by Barbara Leigh-Hunt was of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in a BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that was done in 1995. Best known for playing opposite Colin Firth as the proud Mr. Darcy’s aunt, Arrogant Lady, Miss Lambton was particularly ambitious for her classy domineering snobbery.

This miniseries is one of the most highly regarded adaptations of Austen’s novel, which finally granted her critical recognition and allowed fans of the author from across the world to appreciate her work.

Besides her television and film credits, she continued her passion to act on stage all through her life. She was a familiar actress on West End and Broadway specials; she acted in Sherlock Holmes in 1873 and Cat on Hot Tin Roof in 1988.

Barbara Leigh-Hunt was married to fellow actor Richard Pasco for 47 years, until his passing in 2014. The couple had no children. She is survived by close family and friends.