Jill Melford came from a rich theatrical background. She was evacuated to
America during World War Two and was educated at Gardner School and the
Ballet Arts School, both of which are in New York. Her New York theatre
debut came in 1949 when she appeared as a dancer in a production of
'Oklahoma!' and her first London appearance came in 1953 when she
performed in 'The Seven Year Itch'. She went on to appear in other
stage plays including 'Auntie Mame', 'Ulysses in Night-time', 'The Life
of the Party', 'The Right Honourable Gentleman', 'There's a Girl in My
Soup', 'Not Now, Darling', 'Best of Friends' and 'The Chairman'. In
addition to her acting work, Melford was also an experienced interior
decorator. She was divorced from the actor John Standing with whom she
had a son, Alexander.
Shoreditch(2003)as Butterfly Senior
Little Lord Fauntleroy(1995)as Lady Tenby
Taggart(1983)as Mrs. Drake
The House of Eliott(1991)as Lady Haycock
Trainer(1991)as Sarah Maxwell
Arena(1975)as Self