C16th makeups: Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I

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 (The Sea Hawk & Fire Over England), Claudette Colbert, and Jean Simmons among others.

Recent movies and mini series have featured Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth & Elizabeth: The Golden Age), Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love), Anne Marie Duff (The Virgin Queen) and Helen Mirren (Elizabeth I) in the role,

And who could forget 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, and Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson will share the role in Anonymous.

The movies

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 (2000): Kevyn 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.