Patricia Evelyn Beverley Matthews Harmsworth, Viscountess Rothermere (5 May 1929 – 12 August 1992) was an English socialite and actress. As Beverly Brooks, she appeared in several films, such as ''

Reach for the Sky ''Reach for the Sky'' is a 1956 British biographical film about aviator Douglas Bader, based on the 1954 biography of the same name by Paul Brickhill. The film stars Kenneth More and was directed by Lewis Gilbert. It won the BAFTA Award fo ...

'' (1956).

Early life

Patricia Evelyn Beverley Matthews was born on 5 May 1929 to John William Matthews, an architect.

Career

Shortly after her first marriage, and the birth of her first child, she enrolled at the Rank Charm School to become a starlet. This led to her being given a part in ''Reach for the Sky''.

Filmography

* ''

Simon and Laura ''Simon and Laura'' is a 1955 British comedy film directed by Muriel Box and starring Peter Finch and Kay Kendall. Play Satirising the early days of BBC Television, ''Simon and Laura'' focuses on an argumentative theatrical couple called Simo ...

'' (1955) – Mabel * '' Lost'' (aka ''Tears for Simon'') (1955) – Pam (telephone operator) – uncredited * '' Man of the Moment'' (1955) – Air Hostess * '' Find the Lady'' (1956) – June Weston * ''

'' (1956) – Sally

Television

* '' The Vise'' – "Diana" in episode "The Eighth Window" (episode No. 1.19) (4 February 1955) *Clive James: Postcard from London, appears as herself, "Bubbles", (BBC, 1991).

Personal life

When she was 22 years old, Matthews met Captain Christopher Brooks, of the

Coldstream Guards The Coldstream Guards is the oldest continuously serving regular regiment in the British Army. As part of the Household Division, one of its principal roles is the protection of the Monarchy of the United Kingdom, monarchy; due to this, it often ...

, while she was attending a motor-racing event at Goodwood. They married soon after on 2 June 1951. They had one child, Sarah Jane Brooks, in 1956. At the age of 27, while still married to Captain Brooks, she met Vere Harmsworth (1925–1998) at a party. She soon divorced Brooks and married the eventual

Viscount Rothermere Viscount Rothermere, of Hemsted in the county of Kent, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1919 for the press lord Harold Harmsworth, 1st Baron Harmsworth. He had already been created a baronet, of Horsey in t ...

on 21 March 1957. In 1957 and 1964, she gave birth to two daughters. After her father-in-law, Esmond Harmsworth (1898–1978), remarried and produced a son, also named Esmond, Patricia researched the methods of a Dr. August Von Borosini in influencing the sex of her baby and gave birth to a son in December 1967. Their children were Geraldine Theodora Gabriel Harmsworth (born 1957), Camilla Pamela Caroline Harmsworth (born 1964) and Jonathan Harold Esmond Vere Harmsworth, 4th Viscount Rothermere (born 1967). As Lady Rothermere, she led a colourful social life, earning her the nickname of "Bubbles" through a love of champagne. She died aged 63 from a heart attack in Nice, France, after taking an accidental overdose of sleeping pills.

Honours

In 1997, Jonathan Harmsworth set up The Patricia Rothermere Award in honour of his mother. It was a two-part award and the first part went to

Judi Dench Dame Judith Olivia Dench (born 9 December 1934) is an English actress. Widely considered one of Britain's greatest actors, she is noted for her versatility, having appeared in films and television, as well as for her numerous roles on the stage ...

in recognition of her services to theatre. The second part was given to promising drama students of that year. In 1997, that went to Mark Rice-Oxley. The award was presented at the ''Evening Standard'' Theatre Awards show. It was later called the Lady Rothermere Drama Award.

References

External links

*
Peerage.com

WorldRoots.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rothermere, Patricia Harmsworth, Viscountess 1929 births 1992 deaths English film actresses English socialites

Patricia Patricia is a feminine given name of Latin language, Latin origin. Derived from the Latin word ''Patrician (ancient Rome), patrician'', meaning 'noble', it is the feminine form of the masculine given name Patrick (given name), Patrick. Another we ...

British viscountesses Actresses from New York City 20th-century English actresses 20th-century American women Actresses from London