Children's TV star dies aged 98 as tributes pour in to 'very memorable' actress (2024)

TRIBUTES are pouring in for the star of a beloved 1980s children's show who has died aged 98.

Super Gran icon Gudrun Ure died at home in London, her loved ones confirmed.

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The star gained a mass following as the granny who gained superpowers after being struck by a magic ray.

Gudrun's heartbroken niece today confirmed her passing.

Paying tribute to her "really kind" aunt, devastated Kate McNeill said: "She had a very memorable voice.

"I remember my husband was watching Casualty one night, and I went 'that's Gudrun' as soon as I heard the voice."

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Gudrun won over the nation's hearts in Super Gran, which ran from 1985 through to 1987.

In one episode she even starred alongside football legend George Best.

While she landed the role on the children's show at 59, she had a lengthy career on screen and stage either side of that.

She also appeared in TV shows Midsomer Murders, Where The Heart Is, and The Crow Road.

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Devastated fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their heartbreak.

One wrote: “So sad to hear that actress Gudrun Ure has died today at the age of 98.

"Born in Milton in Campsie, she was a seasoned actress of stage and screen.

"She was much-loved as Super Gran, the main character of the 1980s TV show.”

Another said: “Sad news coming in that Supergran AKA Gudrun Ure has passed away at the grand old age of 98.”

One heartbroken fan added: “Ah no! Loved Supergran. Thanks for the memories Gudrun.”

EMMY AWARD

While another said: “Supergran was a great kids show and the theme song was an absolute banger. It is sad news RIP Gudrun Ure.”

One more added: “Ah no! I was just telling the kids about her last week. Sleep well Supergran.”

Super Gran was based on a series of books written by Forrest Wilson.

The show was about Granny Smith, who landed superpowers after accidentally being hit by a magic ray.

She then used her powers to protect the residents of Chiselton from a series of villains - most notably Scottish actor Iain Cuthbertson's scheming Scunner Campbell.

The show was hugely popular and sold to around 60 other countries across the globe.

Most popular shows starring Gudrun Ure

GUDRUN Ure starred in many TV shows and films over the years.

Here's the top ten most popular titles according to IMDB.

  1. Midsomer Murders - In the third series in 2000, Gudrun appeared as Celia Armstrong, a resident at a nursing home who is killed off
  2. Casualty - Gudrun guest starred three times in the BBC drama her last appearance came in 2009 as Isabel
  3. The 10th Kingdom - this TV mini series aired in 2000, with Gudrun appearing as Mrs Murray Snr in three episodes
  4. Where The Heart Is - the actress appeared as Mildred Miller in the heartwarming drama, which starred Lesley Dunlop, Thomas Craig and Pam Ferris
  5. The Million Pound Note - this movie, released in 1954, also starred comic actress Joyce Grenfell and Hollywood star Gregory Peck. Starring under the name Ann Gudrun, the Scottish actress played Renie
  6. The Adventures Of Robin Hood - Gudrun played Mistress Rawlins in this TV series in 1956
  7. The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice - in 1951 Gudrun voiced Desdemona in this Orson Welles film. The role was played by French Canadian star Suzanne Cloutier
  8. No 73 - Gudrun made a guest appearance as Super Gran on this live ITV Saturday morning show in 1985
  9. Colonel March of Scotland Yard - in 1956 Gudrun starred as Nell alongside Boris Karloff in this TV series
  10. Super Gran - Gudrun's most famous role was the title character in this comedy TV series

In 1985 it won an International Emmy award in the Children and Young People category.

Born on March 12, 1926, Gudrun once played Desdemona to Orson Welles’ Othello.

She also had starring roles in the 1954 film Man With A Million and in TV shows Garry Halliday and Armchair Theatre.

The actress performed in a number of other films, TV and radio productions from the 1950s onwards, too.

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These included starring as Lady MacBeth in an Encyclopaedia Britannica series of educational films.

Gudrun was married to John Ramsay for more than 40 years until he died in 2008.

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Children's TV star dies aged 98 as tributes pour in to 'very memorable' actress (2024)

FAQs

Children's TV star dies aged 98 as tributes pour in to 'very memorable' actress? ›

Super Gran

Super Gran
Super Gran is a Scottish fictional series about a grandmother with superpowers. Initially a series of books written by Forrest Wilson, a children's television show was adapted by Jenny McDade and produced by Tyne Tees Television for Children's ITV.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Super_Gran
star Gudrun Ure has died at the age of 98 as tributes have poured in online. Scottish actress Gudrun was the star of the beloved '80s children's show Super Gran. The show saw the granny gain superpowers after being struck by a magic ray. Her niece Kate McNeill has confirmed her death, according to the BBC.

How old was Super Gran? ›

Super Gran was the 1980s programme that had children of all ages running to the television. The star of the show was the eponymous hero, played by Gudrun Ure, whose death at the age of 98 was announced on Tuesday 14 May.

Where was Super Gran filmed? ›

Filming. The show was filmed in various locations around North East England, including Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, South Shields and Beamish Museum. Inventor Black's laboratory was housed in an empty church on Tynemouth Front Street, which became Land of the Green Ginger.

What powers did Super Gran have? ›

Billy Connolly performed the theme song. The series had a low budget, and Super Gran's abilities were accordingly restricted. Her main abilities were super hearing, super speed, and the ability to jump very high.

What year was Super Gran on TV? ›

Her portrayal of the granny who gained superpowers after being struck by a magic ray won her legions of young fans in the ITV series, which ran from 1985 through to 1987. Her death was confirmed by her niece Kate McNeill.

Was Lulu in Super Gran? ›

"Super Gran" Supergran and the Raving Beauty Contest (TV Episode 1985) - Lulu as Isla St. Porridge - IMDb.

Who is Super Granny? ›

Super Granny is an arcade game series about rescuing kitties. The protagonist of the series is Granny, an elderly woman with a strong affection towards felines.

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