Porter, Nyree Dawn (1936–2001)

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Porter, Nyree Dawn (1936–2001)

New Zealand actress. Born with the Maori name Ngaire (heart-shaped flower) which became NY-ree, Jan 22, 1936, in Napier, New Zealand; died April 10, 2001, in London, England; m. Bryon O'Leary (died of drug overdose, 1970); m. Robin Halstead (div. 1987); children: (2nd m.) daughter Talya (b. 1975).

Had a long, successful stage career; made film debut in Sentenced for Life (1960), followed by Identity Unknown, The Cracksman, Jane Eyre, The House That Dripped Blood and Hilary and Jackie (as Dame Margot Fonteyn), among others; appeared in a number of tv series, including title role in "Madame Bovary" (1964), "The Liars" (1966), "The Protectors" (1972), and "The Martian Chronicles" (1980), but probably best known for her role as Irene Forsyte in 26-part BBC "Forsyte Saga" (1967). Awarded OBE (1971).

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