Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, is a recurrent favourite and has been played by: Sarah Churchill, Bette Davis (The Virgin Queen and The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex), Glenda Jackson (Elizabeth R and Mary, Queen Of Scots), Flora Robson (twice), Claudette Colbert, and Jean Simmons among others. Recent movies have featured Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth) and Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love) in the role, not forgetting the unforgettable portrayals by Miranda Richardson in Blackadder: a movie with Glenn Close was supposedly in production or pre-production but disappeared into development-hell.
Doctor Who (2007): At the end of the Doctor Who episode ‘The Shakespeare Code’ set in 1599 an angry queen Elizabeth I (Angela Pleasence) arrives at the Globe looking for the Doctor – someone else he’s upset on his travels. Barbara Southcott was the makeup designer; the makeup included a bald-cap to raise Sarah’s hairline.
Faceforward: Kevin Aucoin turned Karen Elson into Elizabeth I for this book.
Jubilee (1978): Jenny Runacre appeared as Elizabeth I.
The Sonny and Cher Show (1976): Cher appeared as Elizabeth I in a sketch.
Young Bess (1953): Jean Simmons played princess Elizabeth. William Tuttle was the makeup designer.
Hallmark Hall of Fame (1952): Sarah Churchill played Elizabeth I among many other historical characters.
Drake of England (1935): Athene Seyler played Elizabeth I.