Damaris Hayman was an English character actress often cast in upper class or eccentric roles. Born in 1929 in Kensington, London, and educated at Cheltenham Ladies' College. After repertory work in the theatre, she made her film début in
The Belles of St. Trinian's (1954) in an uncredited role as a sixth former.
Apart from scores of small parts, Hayman appeared in the
Doctor Who (1963) serial, "The Dæmons" (1971; episodes 1-5) as Miss Hawthorne, the self-proclaimed White Witch of the village of Devil's End. 'Doctor Who, the Television Companion' described her character as "very memorable" and praised Hayman as being "perfectly cast in the role, her engaging performance adding much to the story".
She appeared in
Citizen James (1960),
Comedy Playhouse (1961),
Steptoe and Son (1962),
Ours Is a Nice House (1969),
Happy Ever After (1974),
The Sweeney (1975), and
One Foot in the Grave (1990). She worked with
Ronnie Barker, appearing in one episode of his final series,
Clarence (1988). She appeared in
The Liver Birds (1969) as Miss Rigby and in
Duty Free (1984)'s
A Duty Free Christmas (1986). After appearing in a sketch in
Tony Hancock's last television series in 1967, she became a close friend of the comedian in the remaining year of his life.
Hayman died in 2021, shortly before her 92nd birthday.
White Witch of Devil's End(2017)as Miss Hawthorne
Nelson's Column(1994)as Mrs. Sprott
One Foot in the Grave(1990)as Elderly Lady, Receptionist
If You See God, Tell Him(1993)as Singer
Screen Two(1984)as Miss Lottinville
Truly Miss Marple: The Curious Case of Margaret Rutherford(2012)
The Doctors - The Jon Pertwee Years - Behind the Scenes Vol 1(2021)as Self
The Devil Rides Out(2012)as Self - 'Miss Hawthorne'
The Magical World of Disney(1954)as Black-haired Woman
