Today, not many people will have heard of Imogen Hassall, apart from those avid film and TV fans of such classics as 'Carry On Loving' (1970). But, back in the late 1960's and early 70's, Imogen was a regular on our screens starring in many of the era's most popular spy series including the 'Persuaders' and the 'Saint' with the legendary Roger Moore.
Her early film credits saw her appear twice with the UK's much loved hero of mayhem Norman Wisdom in 'The Early Bird' (1965) and also in 'Press For Time' (1966) in an un-credited cameo.
In 1967, Imogen could be seen fighting alongside Diana Rigg and Patrick McNee in an espisode of TV's 'The Avengers as well as 'The Champions' (1968) then a few years later in 'Jason King' (1972).
Despite these notable roles in some of the industry's most prized series, Imogen was starting to become tired of only being famous for her natural good looks. She was also more than capable of injecting humour as well as glamour into any film or TV series she appeared in where others might not have been able to.
By the mid-seventies, work began to dry up. Even roles where she may have been cast as a pretty face became rare such as what was an otherwise poor film in 'White Cargo' (1973) with David Jason.
Not surprisingly, Imogen became increasingly depressed as a result. On November 16th 1980, Imogen was due to go on holiday with an actress friend - Susanna Leigh, but tragically, she was found dead in her apartment that same morning. Imogen had taken her own life by overdosing on tuinals. She was just 38 years old.
But to her many legions of fans, this classic British beauty will always be known as the lovely 'Jenny Grub'.
Filmography:
- The Early Bird (1965)
- Press For Time (1966) Un-credited cameo
- The Long Duel (1967)
- Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny And Girly (1969)
- When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth (1970)
- Carry On Loving (1970)
- Incense For The Damned (1970)
- The Virgin And The Gypsy (1970)
- Toomorrow (1970)
- Take A Girl Like You (1970)
- El Condor (1970)
- Images (1972)
- White Cargo (1973)
- Licensed To Love And Kill (1979)
- The Sentimental Agent (1963) 1 episode
- The Saint (1964-68) 3 episodes
- No Hiding Place (1965) 1 episode
- Theatre 625 (1967) 1 episode
- The Avengers (1967) 1 episode
- Champion House (1967) 1 episode
- The Wednesday Play (1967) 1 episode
- Play Of The Month (1967) 1 episode
- The Troubleshooters (1967) 1 episode
- The Champions (1968) 1 episode
- Softly, Softly (1970) 1 episode
- The Persuaders! (1972) 1 episode
- Jason King (1972) 1 episode
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