Louise Jameson
- Actress
- Director
- Writer
Louise Jameson is a classically trained actress whose first love is the stage, but she also became known to millions of British television viewers through her roles in such hugely popular television series asDoctor Who (1963),Tenko (1981),Bergerac (1981)andEastEnders (1985).
Jameson had formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and embarked on a considerable amount of stage work, including two-and-a-half years at the Royal Shakespeare Company. She also achieved several roles in television, includingZ Cars (1962)andEmmerdale Farm (1972),and the horror filmDisciple of Death (1972).She auditioned for the role of a nurse inAngels (1975)and the role of Purdey inThe New Avengers (1976).
In 1976, Jameson got her big break into television when she won the role of Leela, the alien savage companion ofTom Baker's Doctor in the BBC's Saturday evening science-fiction adventure seriesDoctor Who (1963).Jameson joined the series midway through its 14th season and when it was at the height of its popularity under producerPhilip Hinchcliffe;her debut inThe Face of Evil: Part One (1977)was seen by 10.7 million viewers. She also attracted much tabloid attention due to her skimpy leather costume, with many people calling her the sexiest companion yet. Despite the series' huge popularity, Doctor Who had been coming under increasing fire fromMary Whitehousefor its violent and horrific content. Hinchcliffe was replaced byGraham Williamsat the end of the season and the new producer was told by the BBC to lighten the tone of Doctor Who.
Jameson completed another season of Doctor Who but her relationship withTom Bakerwas strained. She decided to leave the series during the production ofImage of the Fendahl: Part One (1977),when she was offered another prestigious stage role as Portia in The Merchant of Venice at the Bristol Old Vic, and she left at the end ofThe Invasion of Time: Part Six (1978).
In 1981, Jameson appeared as a regular in another popular BBC series,Tenko (1981),where she was cast byPennant Roberts,who had auditioned her for Doctor Who and directed her first story. In 1985, she became a regular in the BBC's Jersey-based detective dramaBergerac (1981)as starJohn Nettles's love interest.
Between 1998 and 2000, Jameson played Rosa di Marco in the BBC's top soap operaEastEnders (1985),although Jameson later said she found the heavy schedule and lack of rehearsal time left her dissatisfied.
As well as her acting roles, Jameson has been a prison visitor in her spare time. One of her achievements was encouragingLeslie Granthamto become an actor while he was serving a murder sentence. She has directed youth productions of the works ofWilliam Shakespearefor local festivals and she has run a Sunday Drama College, based in her home town of Tunbridge Wells.
Jameson had formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and embarked on a considerable amount of stage work, including two-and-a-half years at the Royal Shakespeare Company. She also achieved several roles in television, includingZ Cars (1962)andEmmerdale Farm (1972),and the horror filmDisciple of Death (1972).She auditioned for the role of a nurse inAngels (1975)and the role of Purdey inThe New Avengers (1976).
In 1976, Jameson got her big break into television when she won the role of Leela, the alien savage companion ofTom Baker's Doctor in the BBC's Saturday evening science-fiction adventure seriesDoctor Who (1963).Jameson joined the series midway through its 14th season and when it was at the height of its popularity under producerPhilip Hinchcliffe;her debut inThe Face of Evil: Part One (1977)was seen by 10.7 million viewers. She also attracted much tabloid attention due to her skimpy leather costume, with many people calling her the sexiest companion yet. Despite the series' huge popularity, Doctor Who had been coming under increasing fire fromMary Whitehousefor its violent and horrific content. Hinchcliffe was replaced byGraham Williamsat the end of the season and the new producer was told by the BBC to lighten the tone of Doctor Who.
Jameson completed another season of Doctor Who but her relationship withTom Bakerwas strained. She decided to leave the series during the production ofImage of the Fendahl: Part One (1977),when she was offered another prestigious stage role as Portia in The Merchant of Venice at the Bristol Old Vic, and she left at the end ofThe Invasion of Time: Part Six (1978).
In 1981, Jameson appeared as a regular in another popular BBC series,Tenko (1981),where she was cast byPennant Roberts,who had auditioned her for Doctor Who and directed her first story. In 1985, she became a regular in the BBC's Jersey-based detective dramaBergerac (1981)as starJohn Nettles's love interest.
Between 1998 and 2000, Jameson played Rosa di Marco in the BBC's top soap operaEastEnders (1985),although Jameson later said she found the heavy schedule and lack of rehearsal time left her dissatisfied.
As well as her acting roles, Jameson has been a prison visitor in her spare time. One of her achievements was encouragingLeslie Granthamto become an actor while he was serving a murder sentence. She has directed youth productions of the works ofWilliam Shakespearefor local festivals and she has run a Sunday Drama College, based in her home town of Tunbridge Wells.
