Iola Gregory

Iola Gregory
Born 1946
Wales, UK
Died 21 November 2017 (aged 71)
Llandwrog, Wales, UK
Occupation Actress
Years active 1970s–2017
Known for Jean McGurk in Pobol y Cwm
Spouse(s) Robert Blythe (divorced)
Partner(s) Gerallt Lloyd Owen (his death)
Children 2; Angharad Elen Blythe and Rhian Alaw Blythe

Iola Gregory (1946 – 21 November 2017) was a Welsh actress. She was best known for her role as Jean McGurk ("Mrs Mac") in the long-running S4C soap series Pobol y Cwm.[1]

Early life

Gregory's mother, Millicent "Millie" Gregory, was a Welsh language campaigner for the Welsh Language Society who died of a heart attack. Her father, Oliver Gregory, was manager of National Westminster Bank in Aberystwyth.[2]

Career

Gregory started acting professionally in the 1970s. In 1977, she co-founded Theatr Bara Caws, a community theatre in Caernarfon.[1] She began starring in S4C's Pobol y Cwm as Jean McGurk in a recurring role in 1987. She left the series in 1997, but made further appearances as the character in 1999 and 2002.[3] She was later cast in the S4C programmes Rownd a Rownd and Porthpenwaig.[4]

Gregory also had roles in the Welsh-language films Coming Up Roses (1986) and Dal: Yma/Nawr (2003).[5]

Personal life and death

Gregory was married to Welsh actor Robert Blythe until their separation. Their daughter, Rhian Blythe, also became an actress, whilst Angharad Elen became a writer and TV Producer.[5] She later dated poet Gerallt Lloyd Owen, and remained together until his death in July 2014.[6]

Gregory died with her daughters by her side on 21 November 2017 in Llandwrog, at the age of 71.[1][3][7]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Yr actores Iola Gregory wedi marw yn 71 oed" (in Welsh). BBC. 22 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  2. ↑ "Death of a leading language supporter". Ceredigion County Council. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  3. 1 2 Wyn-Williams, Gareth (21 November 2017). "'One of the great names of Welsh drama' Tributes to Iola Gregory". Daily Post. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  4. ↑ "S4C pays tribute to actor Iola Gregory". S4C. 21 November 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  5. 1 2 Thomas, Huw (21 November 2017). "Iola Gregory: Pobol y Cwm actress dies aged 71". BBC. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  6. ↑ Stephens, Meric (11 August 2014). "Gerallt Lloyd Owen: Renowned Welsh poet". The Independent. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  7. ↑ "IOLA GREGORY : Obituary". bmdsonline.co.uk (in Welsh). Western Mail. 25 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
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