Damaris Hayman

Damaris Hayman (born 16 June 1929) is an English character actress, often cast in upper class or eccentric roles. Hayman was born in Kensington, London, England and educated at Cheltenham Ladies' College. After repertory work in the theatre, she made her film début in The Belles of St Trinian's (1954) in an uncredited role as a sixth former. Apart from scores of small parts, Hayman appeared in the Doctor Who serial The Dæmons (1971) as Miss Hawthorne, the self-proclaimed White Witch of the village Devil's End. Doctor Who, the Television Companion described her character as, "very memorable," and praised Hayman as being "perfectly cast in the role, her engaging performance adding much to the story". Hayman has also appeared in such comedies as Steptoe and Son, The Young Ones, One Foot In The Grave and Sez Les. She worked with Ronnie Barker, appearing in one episode of his final series, Clarence (1988). She appeared in The Liver Birds (1971) as Miss Rigby and in the 1986 Duty Free Christmas special. After appearing in a sketch in Tony Hancock's last British TV series in 1967, she became a close friend of the comedian in the remaining year of his life. Hayman is a regular at small signing events, and appeared in the six-part staright-to-dvd drama White Witch of Devil's End (2017) which began production in 2012. Damaris Hayman lives near Cirencester, Gloucestershire.