The Laughter, Love, and Tragedy of Dora Bryan 

Another well researched history of the great Dora Bryan. I'll never forget the part she played in "a taste of honey" also the dizzy love struck cook in the very first Carry On film. I never did see her in a live performance but many-many times on TV a lady with a wonderful bubbly personality. Far removed from the depression she suffered later in life. Such lovely memories and never forgotten and may she rest in peace together with her husband.

Dora also made a record in 1963 called "All I Want For Christmas Is A Beatle", which I recall was big hit.

I know an ex-dancer who worked with Dora in the mid 1960s. She says she was truly beautiful both physically and in character. She once commented to Dora that she had the legs of a dancer. Dora replied that she may have the legs of a dancer but she had the arms of a freckled scaffolder and flexed a perfectly rounded bicep.

Gosh what tragedies she and her husband went through. She was a wonderfully gifted actress.

Thankyou again for the wonderful step back in time with Dora xx

Dora was one of those very few people who really were the best of British. It's good to hear your enthusiasm ringing through.

I'm an American and not familiar with Dora, your tribute was touching. Thank you.

My mum was a good friend of Dora's and I often had the pleasure of looking after her dog. She lived not far away from us in Oldham.

Such a beautiful and lovely lady. Dora suffered much in her life and yet still came across as a bubbly woman. RIP with your darling husband.

I remember seeing Dora Bryan in 70, girls, 70 in 1991 at the Vaudeville Theatre. She was so fit and funny in the show and not only did she did high kicks, but also the splits as well, which got a standing ovation. Also on the night Liza Minnelli was sitting a couple of rows behind me, which just added to a wonderful evening and experience.

Watching Dora's life story was like being wrapped in a soft warm blanket while being fed chocolates!, thank you so much!.

We met Dora in a taxi cue , she like us just came of the Brighton train. Dora was kind enough to give me her autograph . I still have it and very proud it. A lovely person. R.I.P. Dora ❤🎉💎

What a beautiful and thoughtful tribute to such a brilliant actress. I doubt that I am the only one fighting back tears due to grit in my eyes. Dora's career I only became aware of in recent years and your kind words along with images will no doubt seek others to delve into her other film and television works. The sincerest of thanks to you and your exquisite content.

Thanks for the memories....Dora Bryan's name is always associated in my mind with laughter, warmth and love. One of the stars for my family as I was growing up. What an amazing legacy for a lovely lady. Thanks again.

Even with numerous tough events throughout her life, as a performer she was a delightful shining light. RIP Dora

Dora was such a friendly lady. Met her in Kemp Town, Brighton, in the eighties, where I had a Fruit and Veg shop. She always came in and often bought Granny Smith apples. She said she always ate one on the train back from theatre in London late at night. So friendly and down to earth. An honor to have met her.

Hello, knowing how much you loved and appreciated the work of the late Dora Bryan, I came across a lovely little British Pathe short news reel which I think you would like. It features Dora and is entitled Home on Wheels, made in 1957. As always, thank you for the great content on your channel. Kindest regards

What a tragic life for someone who brought such happiness to millions. I only ever remember her smile. God bless.

Thank you so much yet again Dora pops up in every autobiography that I read.

Thank you. Another little gem. You know, I can never watch Jack Lemmon dressed as a woman in Some Like It Hot without a part of me thinking that it's really Dora Bryan.

Dora and her husband are admirable for sticking together through all the ups and downs. So glad she had a happy childhood and a rock solid marriage. It is always nice to hear of a celebrity who is friendly and down to earth. Thank you for your fascinating videos.

What a lovely tribute. I'd met her on several occasions, the first time at a party as a teenager in 1978. I seem to remember she delivered meals on wheels around Brighton and was a great dog lover. 😊

Absolutely beautiful tribute to the late Dora Bryan I will always remember her in her last appearance on tv in the sitcom last of the summer wine playing the part of the the sister Ros the sister to Edie Pegden aka actress the late Thora Hird such a brilliant versatile actress

A roller coaster of emotions for dear Dora. I had no idea. She was such a lovely person, wonderful actress, mother and wife. Thank you for uploading this, it is a beautiful tribute to a sweet, talented lady. She was exceptional.

Superb well done! what a lovely/tragic story of Dora. I once sat next to her in a cafe in early 2000 in Eastbourne she was with her children and a friend and she was full of life and talking loudly! lol . Such a lovely lady and a great actress. RIP.

A poignant, comprehensive, and and sympathetic overview of a fine actress and a wonderful person. Thank you.

My goodness young lady ,it's an absolute pleasure to see how you get the stars lives and deaths across to us ,you have a gift .🥰

Dora was a lovely lady. As I stated previously in a different reply I met her many times at the Theatre where I work. She was always great fun and we had many chats over the years. In her last visit, Hello Dolly, we had tea together in her Dressing room. A lovely, lovely lady. Dave.

Thoroughly enjoyed this video on an old favourite of mine. What a lovely person she was, and how refreshing to hear about the love she shared with her husband.

Your videos are so addictive:so well put together with stacks of details that make the subject live again. I live in Brighton and vaguely knew she once owned a hotel but now you fleshed out, it makes a lot more sense. What a sad life but she always seems to rise above it. A good example to us all. Must watch another story.

I do remember Dora in Bryan in Last Of The Summerwine thanks for sharing

I had the immense pleasure of being part of the pantomime cast , which was on at the Palace Theatre Torquay , a long with Dora , who was playing the fairy godmother . I can't honestly remember the year of the panto , but I have a programmer somewhere . The only way I could even date it , was by the fact she was talking about the care her husband was receiving at the time . Sh e was a very lovely and generous lady , as well as a seasoned professional . It bought back some happy memories of that time on the coast . The town had a lovely little cafe that I used to use in between shows . I was staying in a small flat on top of the cliffs overlooking the theatre . The weather was beautiful , even for December ,& the coastal sunsets were spectacular . Time flys by so fast , it's hard to comprehend .

Thanks for this profile on Dora What a tragic life ... 😢 Dora has appeared in Last of the Summer Wine Was Brilliant ... 👏 Tragic - Bitter sweet ... Love Story ❤ RIP 🙏 🕊 ☮ 😢😥

A touching and warm tribute to someone whose voice alone was enough to know here was an actor/entertainer with a heart ❤️

Thank you. A pleasant voice and a sensitive handling of the story.

Lovely and touchingly done. Always enjoyed anything Dora did, RIP...

Thanks! What a lovely moving tribute to a lovely talented lady. I loved her in "A Taste of Honey". RIP Dora

What a lovely tribute. I really loved listening to your commentary. She was a fabulous actress and you have done her proud. Thank you

Thank you for your well rehearsed video. Dora was a favourite of mine.

Thank you for this lovely tribute to the wonderful Dora Bryan. Her performance as the hapless little tart/mother in "A Taste of Honey" was unforgettable. Nice comment from another viewer who said that "Dora was a true example of the best of British." Beautiful bit of piano music at the end of your tribute.

I absolutely love the way that you structure your work. It's easy to follow, maintains interest, and you always make it exciting to listen to.

I loved Dora Bryan - still do - every now and then i get the urge to have a listen to her singing "Beause he loves me " from A Taste Of Honey - it always cheers me up - so even now long after she has gone she is still making people feel good - a wonderful woman

Another great narrative about Dora. I had no idea how sad parts of her life were. But at least she did have a good family life except for the loss of her daughter. Very sad about Clarges apartment conversion. My friends building company had similar short sighted treatment by a bank. Thank you once again for your endeavours. .

So much information about Dora Bryan that I had no knowledge of. I loved her bubbly personality and the parts she played. My respect for her has grown because of this very moving video.

You are such a wonderful storyteller & i enjoy your videos so much. Thankyou

You are such a lovely lady you bring so many memories back to me from when I was a child thank youxxxx

Such a beautiful tribute , Dora Bryan was brilliant .....heartbreaking what they both went through .....God Bless them both Always . Thank You 🇨🇦

Thank you so much for this excellent video about the great Dora Bryan. I remember going, as a child, with my mother to see her in the play "Hello Dolly" in London.

Thank you so much for this beautiful biography of one of England's most loved actresses and persons. I loved her work and the shows I have been able to find She and Bill overcame so much but stayed happy and loved and were loved in return what a way to live one's life. I enjoy your special handling of each video and you can see how much they have a special place in your heart too

Loved Dora in Taste of honey. What a tragic life she had. But she had a great husband and family to keep her going. Loved listening to your tribute. Thank you.

I’m an Australian but a great fan of English actors and actresses. Love your videos, lots of information presented with great sensitivity. Hope I can get to Britain one day to visit some of the resting places of these wonderful artists. Thank you

My goodness what a lot of tragedy and heartache she had to endure. I remember seeing Dora on the TV in the 70s, for some reason I remember her appearing on 'Celebrity Squares', hosted originally by Bob Monkhouse, along with a number of her contempories. Thanks again Shar for an insight into the life of someone I knew little about. With Best Wishes. 👍

Aww thank you as always for this excellent video. The fact that Dora kept on performing despite her personal problems shows her determination and professionalism . This was a sad one but it shows that no one is exempt from life’s ups and downs , even if they they slap on a happy face .

Hello Shar🙋‍♀️ Thank you for an interesting and thoroughly researched video📹 I saw Dora Bryan on stage at the Victoria Palace Theatre 🎭 in London’s West End in the musical 🎶 “Charlie Girl” also starring Nicholas Parsons and Paul Nicholas. As you can imagine, it was a wonderful production. I also read Dora Bryan’s autobiography “According to Dora.” So I knew about the tragedy in her life. Again it is such a pity there is no known memorial plaque to a talented and much loved Actress.🌹🌹🌹

Oh dear! This one had me in tears! I loved her acting and her amazing personality, but knew little about her life - thank you for this interesting and heartwarming tribute.

Love conquers all. Bitter sweet memories, she had a very tough time, but has left fabulous memories. RIP Dora ❤️

What lovely & sad story of Dora that I didn't know, you're so brilliant of doing this...Thank you 💕🌹🌷⚘

What a delightful lady you are. Your sensitive & kindly films recounting the actors who brought us so much happiness are adorable. I have always felt at home in the peace & gentility of cemeteries. Just as well as, like everyone else, I will take my place in a leafy churchyard at some point. At least I know I’ll be perfectly happy when the time comes. I am a medium so I know that this life is but Chapter 1 & that Chaperone 2 will be wonderful. I wish you every happiness.

For someone that gave us so much laughter and entertainment and happy moments it was sad and upsetting to hear her sadness life and her child pasting. Dora was a bright light. Remember her as a child may RIP DORA AGAIN thank you for a brilliant informative program

Always fancied wee Dora. Cute and cuddly and loved the accent.

Great video BBB , what a lovely lady Dora was and so much tragedy. Most of us can only dream of the kind of selfless, supportive and loving relationship she and Bill had .May they both Rest in Peace.

That was truly magical but also tinged with sadness. Dora was an exceptionally good actress whom I remember watching as a child. Your presentation and knowledge of Dora made this a very touching tribute 💝

As chat-up lines go, “I saw you at the bus stop” surely takes some beating! Likewise the manner in which she arrived at her stage name was remarkable too. All her fame and successes yet tinged with tragedies. As always, thank you for your research and sympathetic approach.

Loved the movie a Taste of honey. Glad to hear more about her life.

So much heartache but still had a smile on her face right to the end.

Wonderful video well narrated and well researched on a famous lovable actress. But her life was filled with tragic and heartbreaking events.

Another great actress sadly gone, I loved Dora in Carry on sergeant, Dora was fantastic with a sad ending, Thank you for another great story 👍 👍RIP Dora Bryan 🌺🌺

As always, beautifully, respectfully and lovingly presented. My favorite Dora Bryan role was as a ditsy mermaid in "Mad About Men".

Dora Bryan, true royalty!, class, beauty and talent!, Queen Dora!.

Another fabulous biography, with such respect and empathy, as always! Many thanks.

You would never guess just how bad life was for her when you saw her films. she did achieve one thing everyone that has watched a British film knows her maybe not by name? but that bubbly voice and wonderful face, a lovely Lady,,and so are you thanks for inviting us along,

A marvellous trubute to a great actress but what a sad story

I have to say how much I enjoy your videos, yesterday morning with coffee in hand I spent the day watching most of them still in my PJs.. till quite late in the afternoon, until we had loadshedding here in South Africa, our electricity goes off twice or even three times a day here for two ours at a time.. , when it came back on, I laughed at Dick Emery as I went to school in Brighton in the UK and the " oh you are awful. ..but I like you " brought back some wonderful memories.. thank you for such a wonderful series of great actors from the past ..keep it up ,,, you have me as an avid watcher...Lindsay Ziehl MBE.

My sincere thanks for a fantastic production, I do appreciate the hard work in research to make this video a reality. You are extremely talented and very fitting tributes to the loved actors and actresses as well as famous people Thank you

Thank you for yet another beautifully presented video.

Thank you for this. She was a wonderful actress. Her son is a talented photographer.

Another of my childhood memories. There are so many films, in which she made me laugh. My favourite being Carry on Sargent. Thank you as always.

Thank you so much for covering this wonderful woman’s life. I’m 78 and my mother and I adored her , I remember quite clearly my mother’s comments on Dora’s ability! What a talent! She appeared in Dinner Ladies - she and Thora Hird stole that one episode - delightful!

Absolutely wonderful !!!! Thank you !!

God bless them both She must of had a love of cats and dogs so that alone says she is a good human being I’m glad she was genuinely loved through her life.

A really beautiful, authentic tribute. Your channel is very special thank you. 🌻

Thank you for all the effort in researching all your articles so well…..

Thank you. A well written story of Dora's life.

Enjoyed learning more about the fantastic Dora- she is wonderful in "A Taste of Honey" and on records ("Why, Because He Loves Me," "Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh Seven," etc.).

Brilliant actress so sad loosing those babies ❤️ that was very interesting she ought a lot of laughter in our household RIP Dora ❤

Brilliant video of a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing it.

You put such compassion into this story, never forgetting how human we all are no matter how many dollars we do or do not make, or how much we deserve a smoother road in life. Her story really does make a person stop and contemplate life. Thanks again for your work.

What a sad beautiful and hard working life she had. Thanks again for a great video.

Remember Dora doing a cameo role in Ab Fab (No knickers) and a cameo as Anne Reid’s (Jeans) mother in Dinner Ladies. Remember her line in that to Jean about wearing tracksuit pants and a good sx life ‘You can be bare a*** in seconds’ Hilarious character actress.

I had never heard of Dora Bryan and wasn’t planning to watch this video, but I am so glad that I did. Dora sounds like a wonderful person and your voice is so soothing.

Fascinating as always. What a long life and wonderful love story with the support of her man throughout. Seeing Dora, and all these other actors, in their many roles I never even think of their personal lives. How tragic with her pregnancies and her daughter. I really love how informative, respectful and memory provoking your videos are.

Captivating! Thanks so very much xx

I remember Dora doing one or two PIFs in the 70s warning of stranger danger to parents on TV. Also, loved her as the headmistress in The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery. I had no idea of how tough her life was. Great tribute to a fine actress and lady--many thanks.

Another wonderful and fascinating piece of work Shar. Once again, many, many thanks.❤

What a sad story many ups and downs but to loose 3 babies is so sad. Happy they were able to adopt giving children love and happiness gave them happiness. I remember her in so much shows she was very talented such a shame she went through depression. I was glued to this story very well told thanks for sharing love from Holmfirth West Yorkshire 💙 💚

Thank you as always for an excellent upload. I remember Dora Bryan very well. She was a marvelous actor. I didn't realise she had such tragedy in her life.

Some of the nicest people l have ever met, have been whilst we are walking our dogs. We meet as strangers, but part as friends, often to never see one another again. However the occasion does repeat, it is just never knowing when. Dora was wise, to this fact.💖

Great memories. Thank you ❤

This is so well put together, just loved it.

Amazing lady great actress lovely lady watching on tv loved watching her lovely couple Bill and Dora has a good life together sad at times god bless them both miss you Dora ❤❤