Biography
Howells was born in London, the daughter of composer Herbert Howells, and was educated at St Paul's Girls' School, where her father worked as Director of Music. She made her first stage appearance at Dundee in 1939, in John Drinkwater's Bird in Hand, then moved to Oxford in 1942 and three years later made her London debut at the Embassy Theatre, Swiss Cottage. In 1947 she appeared in the comedy Jane at the Aldwych Theatre. After several years in the West End, and a brief stint on Broadway where she appeared in Springtime for Henry in 1951, she began to appear in films. After the death of her father in 1983, Ursula Howells instigated the "Herbert Howells Society" and became a standard bearer for the promotion of his work. She financially supported the recording of his compositions and did much to encourage the publishing and promotion of church music.
Acted in 70
2000s
- 2001
The Cazalets
TV
1990s
- 1999
The Tichborne Claimant
Lady Doughty
- 1998
A Rather English Marriage
Mary
- 1997
- 1995
She's Out
Mrs Lawson · 2 episodes
- 1994
A Pinch of Snuff
Alice Andover
- 1992
Jewels
The Duchess · 2 episodes
1980s
- 1986
Time After Time
May Swift
- 1985
Miss Marple: A Murder Is Announced
Miss Blacklock · 3 episodes
- 1984
Miss Marple
Miss Blacklock · 1 episode
The Cold Room
Headmistress
- 1982
The Barchester Chronicles
Miss Thorne · 2 episodes
- 1981
- 1980
The Enigma
Mrs Fielding
Gentle Folk
Mrs Menant
1970s
- 1978
Father, Dear Father
Barbara Mossman · 1 episode
When the Actors Come
Barbara Karolina
- 1977
Hard Times
Mrs Gradgrind · 3 episodes
- 1974
- 1973
Father Dear Father
Barbara
- 1971
Cousin Bette
Adeline Hulot · 5 episodes
- 1970
Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny & Girly
Mumsy
1960s
- 1969
- 1968
Father, Dear Father
Barbara · 45 episodes
Ooh La La!
Mme Pontagnac · 1 episode
Assignment K
Estelle
- 1967
Torture Garden
Miss Maxine Chambers (segment 3 "Mr. Steinway")
Half Hour Story
Peggy · 1 episode
All Gas and Gaiters
Mrs Buckley · 1 episode
- 1966
The Informer
Lady Tregunter · 1 episode
- 1965
- 1964
A Choice of Coward: Present Laughter
Liz Essendine
A Choice of Coward
Liz Essendine · 1 episode
- 1963
80,000 Suspects
Joanna Duten
The Madhouse on Castle Street
Martha Tompkins
The Sicilians
Mme. Perrault
- 1962
Two Letter Alibi
Louise
1950s
- 1959
- 1957
Now Let Him Go
Nurse Judith
Account Rendered
Lucille Ainsworth
West of Suez
Eileen
- 1956
Armchair Theatre
Margaret, Violet Green, Nurse Judith, Prue · 1 episode
Keep It Clean
Pat Anstey
- 1955
They Can't Hang Me
Antonia Pitt
Lilli Palmer Theatre
Mary · 1 episode
Track the Man Down
Mary Dennis
The Constant Husband
Ann
The Gilded Cage
Brenda Lucas
- 1954
Sherlock Holmes
TV
The Weak and the Wicked
Pam Vickers
- 1953
The Blakes Slept Here
Emily
The Oracle
Peggy
Number Three
Maureen Dartington
- 1952
I Believe in You
Hon. Ursula
The Cocktail Party
Movie
- 1951
Flesh and Blood
Harriet Marshall
- 1950
