Margaret Rutherford.

Margaret Taylor Rutherford

Born 11 May 1892 Balham, United Kingdom

Died 22 May 1972 Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom

Citizenship United Kingdom

12 min read

Reading time

2,296

Words

Sep 26, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Margaret Rutherford won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1964 for her role in The V.I.P.s. She is known for portraying Agatha Christie’s Miss Jane Marple in four films between 1961 and 1964, and for her performance as Madame Arcati in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit in 1945. Despite a tragic childhood — her father murdered her grandfather and her mother committed suicide — she became a popular character actress, eventually being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1967.

Identity & family.

KIN · 2

Names, aliases, and relatives of Margaret Rutherford — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Margaret Taylor Rutherford

Aliases Dame Margaret Rutherford

Parents: William Rutherford Benn
Spouses: Stringer Davis

At a glance.

STATS

Margaret Rutherford by the numbers — life, work, and family.

80 Years lived

2 Awards

1 Marriage

Who was Margaret Rutherford?

BIOGRAPHY

Margaret Rutherford — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Margaret Rutherford was born on May 11, 1892, in Balham, London, to William Rutherford Benn and Florence Nicholson. When she was three years old, her mother committed suicide, and her father had murdered her grandfather in 1883, before her birth. She was raised by her aunt, Bessie Nicholson, in Wimbledon. She attended Wimbledon High School and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Her interest in theatre developed at school, and her aunt paid for private acting lessons. After starting her career teaching elocution and piano, she was accepted as a student at the Old Vic Theatre in 1925 at age 33, where she performed small Shakespearean roles opposite Edith Evans.

Career

Rutherford’s film debut came in 1936 with Hideout in the Alps, but her breakthrough occurred in 1941 when Noël Coward cast her as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit on the London stage. Coward specifically shaped the role for her. She reprised the role in David Lean’s 1945 film adaptation, Blithe Spirit, which established her as a memorable character actress. In 1961, she first portrayed Miss Jane Marple in Murder She Said, a role she would play in three subsequent films: Murder at the Gallop 1963, Murder Most Foul 1964, and Murder Ahoy 1964. For her performance as the Duchess of Brighton in The V.I.P.s 1963, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 36th Academy Awards in 1964. She also appeared in notable films such as Chimes at Midnight 1965 as Mistress Quickly and The Importance of Being Earnest 1952 as Miss Prism. Despite memory issues later in life, she continued acting until 1970, though she was replaced in The Virgin and the Gypsy due to illness.

Personal life

Rutherford married actor Stringer Davis on March 25, 1945, and they collaborated on 27 television and cinema productions. Davis often appeared alongside her, playing Mr. Stringer in her Miss Marple films. Rutherford decided not to have children due to fears of passing on mental illness, as she battled depression and her parents had severe mental health issues — her father murdered her grandfather and her mother committed suicide. She was brought up by her aunt Bessie after her mother’s death. She had a cousin, Tony Benn, the British politician. Rutherford was spiritual; she once recalled encountering the ghost of John Baldwin Buckstone at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in the 1960s.

Legacy

Margaret Rutherford is known for two roles: the eccentric psychic Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit and the shrewd amateur detective Miss Jane Marple in four films. Her portrayal of Madame Arcati set the standard for all subsequent interpretations. Agatha Christie herself admired Rutherford’s Miss Marple so much that she dedicated her 1963 novel The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side to Rutherford in admiration. Rutherford’s legacy extends beyond her films: she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1967, and she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1964. She was the last competitive Oscar winner born in the 19th century. In 2021, Turner Classic Movies honored her with a full day of her filmography. Her grave in Gerrards Cross bears the epitaph A Blithe Spirit, a fitting tribute to her enduring charm.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 2

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Margaret Rutherford — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 3

A wall of memorable lines from Margaret Rutherford — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

I Hope I’m an Individual. I Suppose an Eccentric Is a Super Individual. Perhaps an Eccentric Is Just off Centre – Ex-centric. but That Contradicts a Belief of Mine That We’ve Got to Be Centrifugal.
You Never Have a Comedian Who Hasn’t Got a Very Deep Strain of Sadness Within Him or Her. One Thing Is Incidental on the Other. Every Great Clown Has Been Very near to Tragedy.
How I Would Love to Have Been a Great Traditional Actress Like Bernhardt, Duse, or Ellen Terry. There Have Been so Many Parts I Yearned to Play.

Did you know?

FACTS · 24

Little-known facts about Margaret Rutherford — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Agatha Christie dedicated her 1963 Miss Marple novel The Mirror Crack’d From Side To Side to Rutherford in admiration.
Stringer Davis, her husband, portrayed Mr. Stringer in her four Miss Marple films and appeared with her in other films as well.
Her father William Benn murdered her grandfather in 1883, nine years before her birth. Her mother Florence Nicholson committed suicide when Rutherford was three years old, and she was brought up by her aunt Bessie Nicholson in Wimbledon. A small inheritance after her aunt died allowed her to join the Old Vic in repertory.
Robert Morley said in a 1967 TV interview that Rutherford was always too nice, too soft, too much the perfect auntie and frightfully funny, describing her as a good woman.
She decided not to have children despite strong maternal feelings out of fear that they would contract mental illnesses, as she and her parents had: she battled depression, her father was a murderer, and her mother committed suicide.
She was awarded the OBE in the 1961 Queen’s New Year Honours List and the DBE in the 1967 Queen’s New Year Honours List for services to drama.
She was interred at Saint James Churchyard in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, with her husband. Her epitaph reads A Blithe Spirit.
The Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts named an award after her.
She collaborated with husband Stringer Davis on a total of 27 television and cinema productions.
While filming The Virgin and the Gypsy in 1969, Rutherford suffered frequent memory lapses causing delays, leading to her replacement by Fay Compton. She never made another film.
On August 5, 2021, she was honored with a day of filmography during the Turner Classic Movies Summer Under the Stars.
She was the 58th actress to receive an Academy Award, winning Best Supporting Actress for The V.I.P.s at the 36th Annual Academy Awards on April 13, 1964.
She was offered the role of Miss La Creevy in The Great Inimitable Mr. Dickens 1970 and rehearsed at home with Ned Sherrin and Anthony Hopkins, but due to illness could not remember her lines and was replaced.
A memorial service was held for her at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden on July 21, 1972.
Her cousin is the well-known British politician Tony Benn.
She appeared in two adaptations of Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest: as Lady Bracknell in 1946 and as Miss Prism in 1952.
She started out teaching elocution and piano.
Her interest in theatre developed at school, and her guardian aunt paid for private acting lessons.
In 1925 at age 33, she was accepted as a student at the Old Vic Theatre, where she appeared in small Shakespearean roles in productions starring Edith Evans, including The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure, and The Taming of the Shrew.
Song of Norway 1970 was the last project she was contracted for, but due to poor memory she was replaced before shooting began.
She once recollected an unexpected backstage encounter during the early 1960s with the ghost of John Baldwin Buckstone, the benevolent former manager of London’s Theatre Royal, Haymarket; uncertain of convention, she simply stroked his leg.
She studied at the Old Vic School and made her debut in their 1925 pantomime, later becoming a star on stage in the late 1930s playing Madame Arcati and Miss Prism.
She started work on The Virgin and the Gypsy 1970 but illness caused her to be replaced by Fay Compton.
She has the distinction of being the last winner of a competitive Academy Award born in the 19th century.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 36

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Margaret Rutherford.

When was Margaret Rutherford born?

Margaret Rutherford was born on May 11, 1892, in Balham, London, England. She was the daughter of William Rutherford Benn and Florence Nicholson.
Where was Margaret Rutherford born?

She was born in Balham, London, England, UK. This area is part of the London Borough of Wandsworth.
When did Margaret Rutherford die?

She died on May 22, 1972, at age 80. Her death occurred in Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire, England.
How did Margaret Rutherford die?

She died of pneumonia. Her death took place in Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire, England.
How old was Margaret Rutherford at death?

She was 80 years old when she died on May 22, 1972. She was born on May 11, 1892.
Where did Margaret Rutherford die?

She died in Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire, England, UK. She is buried at Saint James Churchyard in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.
What was Margaret Rutherford's real name?

Her birth name was Margaret Taylor Rutherford. She was known professionally as Margaret Rutherford and later as Dame Margaret Rutherford after receiving the DBE.
What did Margaret Rutherford do for a living?

She was an actress and soundtrack artist. She performed on stage, in film, and on television, best known for her character roles.
What nationality was Margaret Rutherford?

She was British, specifically from the United Kingdom. She was born in England and lived most of her life there.
Who were Margaret Rutherford's parents?

Her parents were William Rutherford Benn and Florence Nicholson. Her father murdered her grandfather and her mother committed suicide when Rutherford was three.
Who was Margaret Rutherford married to?

She was married to actor Stringer Davis. They wed on March 25, 1945, and remained married until her death in 1972.
Where did Margaret Rutherford go to school?

She attended Wimbledon High School and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She also studied at the Old Vic School.
What awards did Margaret Rutherford win?

She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for The V.I.P.s in 1964. She was also made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1967.
How many major awards did Margaret Rutherford win?

She won two major awards: an Academy Award and the DBE award. The Academy Award was competitive.
What is Margaret Rutherford best known for?

She is best known for playing Miss Jane Marple in four films and Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. She also won an Oscar for The V.I.P.s.
How tall was Margaret Rutherford?

She was 5 feet 5 inches tall, which is 1.65 meters. Her height was typical for actresses of her era.
Why was Margaret Rutherford also known as Dame Margaret Rutherford?

She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1967 Queen’s New Year Honours List. This titled her as Dame Margaret Rutherford.
How many Miss Marple films did Margaret Rutherford appear in?

She appeared in four Miss Marple films: Murder She Said 1961, Murder at the Gallop 1963, Murder Most Foul 1964, and Murder Ahoy 1964. She also made a cameo as Marple in The Alphabet Murders 1965.
Did Margaret Rutherford have any children?

She decided not to have children. She feared passing on mental illness because she suffered from depression and her parents had severe issues.
What was Margaret Rutherford's epitaph?

Her epitaph reads A Blithe Spirit, a reference to her famous role as Madame Arcati. It is inscribed on her grave in Gerrards Cross.
Where is Margaret Rutherford buried?

She is buried at Saint James Churchyard in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, England. She is interred with her husband Stringer Davis.
What was Margaret Rutherford's relationship with Agatha Christie?

Agatha Christie admired Rutherford’s portrayal of Miss Marple and dedicated her 1963 novel The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side to Rutherford in admiration.
What was Margaret Rutherford's first film?

Her first film was Hideout in the Alps 1936, in which she played Miss Butterby. It was a Twickenham-Wardour production.
When did Margaret Rutherford start acting?

She made her stage debut in 1925 at the Old Vic Theatre at age 33. She studied there and appeared in small Shakespearean roles.
Did Margaret Rutherford win an Oscar?

Yes, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1964 for her role as the Duchess of Brighton in The V.I.P.s.
Who was Margaret Rutherford's husband?

She married Stringer Davis, an actor, on March 25, 1945. They appeared together in many films and TV shows.
How many films did Margaret Rutherford and Stringer Davis appear in together?

They collaborated on a total of 27 television and cinema productions. He often played characters named Mr. Stringer.
What illness did Margaret Rutherford suffer from?

She battled depression throughout her life. Later in life, she suffered memory loss, which affected her acting and eventually ended her career.
What was Margaret Rutherford's maiden name?

Her maiden name was Margaret Taylor Rutherford. She was born with that name and did not change it professionally.
When was Margaret Rutherford made a Dame?

She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1967 Queen’s New Year Honours List.
What role earned Margaret Rutherford her Academy Award?

She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for playing the Duchess of Brighton in The V.I.P.s 1963.
Did Margaret Rutherford have any siblings?

The source does not mention any siblings. She was raised as an only child by her aunt.
What was Margaret Rutherford's performance as Madame Arcati like?

She bicycled about the Kentish countryside in Blithe Spirit with her cape fluttering. This performance set the standard for all future portrayals of the character.
How did Margaret Rutherford's childhood affect her?

Her father murdered her grandfather before she was born, and her mother committed suicide when she was three. She was raised by her aunt and feared passing on mental illness.
What was Margaret Rutherford's last film role?

Her last completed film role was in Chimes at Midnight 1965 as Mistress Quickly. She was later replaced in The Virgin and the Gypsy due to illness.
Who inspired Margaret Rutherford's acting career?

She was inspired by studying at the Old Vic and performing with Edith Evans. Her guardian aunt also paid for private acting lessons.

View all 36 questions View fewer questions

Audited & updated by

Michael is the last person to read a profile before it goes live, which makes him the one who catches what everyone else missed. 5 years as a copy editor has given him a sharp sense for what's off. A wrong year, a vague credit, a sentence that almost makes sense but doesn't quite. He's especially thorough with filmographies. He'll tell you that's where most of the errors hide. He's right.

Published on September 26, 2026

Report an issue

If something on this page looks off, we genuinely want to know about it. Send us a quick email with the celebrity's name, the detail that seems incorrect, and any sources you're referencing. We review every report and update the page as soon as we can.

Report an issue