Actress Phyllida Law, Star of Stage and Screen, Dies at 94

British actress Phyllida Law, known for her work on stage, television and film and for being the mother of actresses Emma and Sophie Thompson, has died at the age of 94.

Law died peacefully at her home on Monday, July 27, surrounded by her family, her longtime manager Jacky Leggo told the BBC.

“We had worked together for over 50 years and she was a beautiful person inside and out,” Leggo said.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Law initially planned to work as a stage designer and attended the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She eventually turned to acting, beginning a career that would span decades and include some of Britain’s best-known productions.

Law became a familiar face on British television, appearing in shows including “Midsomer Murders” and “Upstairs, Downstairs.” She also built an impressive film career.

Her film credits included the 1993 adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing,” which starred her daughter Emma Thompson, and the 1996 film “Emma,” featuring her daughter Sophie Thompson. She also appeared in “Anna Karenina” in 1997 and the 2002 science-fiction film “The Time Machine,” alongside Guy Pearce.

In 1997, Law and Emma Thompson appeared together in “The Winter Guest,” directed by Alan Rickman. Law played Emma’s mother in the film, adding a personal connection to their professional collaboration.

Law was also an accomplished stage actress. In 1986, she originated the role of Jacqueline in the original London production of the musical “La Cage aux Folles.”

Her family was central to her life. Law married actor and writer Eric Thompson in 1957. The couple remained married until his death in 1982. They had two daughters, Emma and Sophie, both of whom went on to successful acting careers.

Emma Thompson once described the close relationship she shared with her mother and sister following their father’s death.

“We’re far closer-knit because of that event in our lives,” she said, describing the three women as a “strong kind of triumvirate.”

Law continued working throughout much of her life and was recognized for her contribution to the arts when she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2014.

With a career spanning stage, television and film, Phyllida Law leaves behind a substantial body of work and a family legacy deeply rooted in British acting.