Actress. A World War II ENSA performer who later appeared in several films, she is perhaps best remembered as the wife of actor Jack Hawkins and as the author of a memoir of her wartime activities. Born Doreen Mary Beadle, she took to the stage early and under the name Doreen Lawrence began her professional career at 15. She accumulated a number of theatrical credits, then when World War II came and her husband was inducted into the British Army she joined the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Posted to the Far East, she performed in a variety of locations and while in Bombay met Hawkins and formed an attachment. Returning home after the conflict, she resumed her career and married Hawkins as soon as both her divorce and his (from Jessica Tandy) were final. Doreen was seen in "Green Fingers" (1947) and the 1948 "Woman Hater" but retired from show business to raise the couple's eventual three children. Remaining in London after Hawkins death, she appeared in television documentaries and in 2009 published "Drury Lane to Dimapur: Wartime Adventures of an Actress". She died of the effects of advanced age.
Actress. A World War II ENSA performer who later appeared in several films, she is perhaps best remembered as the wife of actor Jack Hawkins and as the author of a memoir of her wartime activities. Born Doreen Mary Beadle, she took to the stage early and under the name Doreen Lawrence began her professional career at 15. She accumulated a number of theatrical credits, then when World War II came and her husband was inducted into the British Army she joined the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Posted to the Far East, she performed in a variety of locations and while in Bombay met Hawkins and formed an attachment. Returning home after the conflict, she resumed her career and married Hawkins as soon as both her divorce and his (from Jessica Tandy) were final. Doreen was seen in "Green Fingers" (1947) and the 1948 "Woman Hater" but retired from show business to raise the couple's eventual three children. Remaining in London after Hawkins death, she appeared in television documentaries and in 2009 published "Drury Lane to Dimapur: Wartime Adventures of an Actress". She died of the effects of advanced age.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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