In Memoriam: Jackie Burroughs
To many viewers now, the TV show “Road to Avonlea” is remembered as starring the young Sarah Polley. But I confess my favourite parts of the show involved interactions between the kind but strait-laced Hetty King and the younger people she just can’t understand. Her niece Sara Stanley. Her younger sister Olivia King Dale. I liked Hetty King, as portrayed by Jackie Burroughs, for her upper-crust vowels, her eccentricity and frankness, her staunchness and vulnerability, and most of all for her kindness.
Sadly, I saw today that Jackie Burroughs has passed away from stomach cancer. Thank you, Ms. Burroughs, for the memories.
– Jean AAR
very good post. Ne’er knew this, thankyou for letting me know.
I’m betraying my age, but I also remember some wonderful performances in Stratford when Jackie was glamorous and, dare I say it, downright sexy. Most people remember her as Aunt Hetty. Although her role as Hetty won her fame and recognition, I still like to think of her as an incredibly evocative and seductive actress. I miss her and other luminaries of the stage like Nicholas Pennel and Richard Monette.
Excellent actress. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Jean.
Brilliant actress who played, over the years, a wide array of film characters. I was saddened to hear about this.