Paula Jacobs

Paula Elsa Jacobs (1932 – 26 June 2021) was a distinguished British actress whose impressive career in film and television spanned an incredible forty years.

Born in Liverpool within a Jewish family, Jacobs was the daughter of J.P. Jacobs, whose business notably provided all the elastic for Marks & Spencer. She made her television debut in 1962 with a role in the popular series Z-Cars, marking the beginning of a prolific career. Over the years, she became known for her memorable performances in a variety of beloved shows, including Softly, Softly: Task Force (1972–1975), Shoestring (1979), and Hammer House of Horror (1980). Her versatility shone through in roles such as Mrs. Biggs in Porterhouse Blue (1987) and Maud Wilberforce in the cherished series Jeeves and Wooster (1990).

Jacobs also featured in numerous other productions, including The New Statesman (1989), Bergerac (1990), and the long-running soap Coronation Street (1994). She delighted audiences with her appearances in comedies such as French and Saunders (1993) and Drop the Dead Donkey (1994–1998). Her talent extended to dramatic roles in series like Casualty (1989–1995), Dalziel and Pascoe (2000), and Agatha Christie's Poirot (2004). Paula Jacobs leaves behind a rich legacy, celebrated for her contributions to British television and her ability to bring diverse characters to life.