Tributes pour in as celebrated stage and screen star Shirley Anne Field sadly takes her final bow

In the wake of the recent passing of the acclaimed stage and screen star, Shirley Anne Field, tributes from across the entertainment industry are pouring in, underscoring the profound impact she had on the world of film and television.

Field’s family released a statement announcing her passing on Sunday, December 10, revealing that she died with her family and friends by her side.

No cause of death has been disclosed.

“It is with great sadness that we are sharing the news that Shirley Anne Field passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023, surrounded by her family and friends,” the statement read.

“Shirley Anne will be greatly missed and remembered for her unbreakable spirit and her amazing legacy spanning more than five decades on stage and screen.”

Born on June 27, 1936, Field’s foray into the world of fame began when she started modelling after attending the Lucie Clayton School and Model Agency.

She graced the pages of pin-up magazines, catching the eye of Bill Watts, a theatrical agent, who facilitated her entry into the realm of late 1950s British films.

Her cinematic journey included uncredited roles in films such as Simon and Laura in 1955 and The Good Companions in 1957. However, it was the groundbreaking Horrors of the Black Museum in 1959 that marked her emergence into a more substantial film role. Shirley continued to make her mark with memorable performances in films like Peeping Tom and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, solidifying her status as a notable actress.

In 1960, Field landed the breakthrough role of Tina Lapford in The Entertainer, directed by Tony Richardson. Her success continued with starring roles in films like Man in the Moon and The War Lover alongside Steve McQueen.

In the following years, Field’s versatility shone through with lead roles in Lunch Hour and The Damned to international projects such as Kings of the Sun. Her Hollywood journey unfolded with movies such as Doctor in Clover and Alfie.

As the 1970s unfolded, Shirley transitioned to television, leaving her mark on the small screen with appearances in shows such as Santa Barbara and an array of TV movies. Her filmography in subsequent decades boasted an array of roles, including appearances in My Beautiful Laundrette and Hear My Song.

As news broke of her passing, fans flooded social media platforms with messages of appreciation for Field’s contributions to cinema and television. Many are reminiscing about their favourite roles and the impact her performances had on their lives.

So So sad to hear of the passing of Shirley Anne Field such a beautiful talented friend. We had so many laughs, was always a joy to be in her company. Lovely memory at a heritage garden party. RIP #ShirleyAnneField pic.twitter.com/TUGnOouWCT

— Vicki Michelle MBE 💙 (@vickimichelle) December 11, 2023

I’m a bit behind with this post, but I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of Shirley Anne Field who died on Sunday aged 87.
I kissed her on screen many years ago, when I was playing her toy-boy lover.
She was a beautiful, gracious & talented lady. RIP X pic.twitter.com/qfHUsABmDF

— Far-Right Jules de Barsham🇬🇧🇮🇱 (@DeBarsham) December 12, 2023

So v sad to hear Shirley Anne Field has died. Starred in my fav film of the 60s, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. I sat next to her in a Con in Birmingham & Ken Cranham called me. I told him who I was next to & he insisted I pass the phone to her. (I think they’d had a thing😉) pic.twitter.com/Boa46O9k2I

— Judy Jarvis (@judyjarvis) December 11, 2023

Sad – sweet lady and good actress Shirley Anne Field has left us, with friend and agent Thomas Bowington,@BowingtonM pic.twitter.com/RDfBSKJI54

— Jane Merrow (@janemerrow) December 12, 2023

RIP Shirley Anne Field.

I had the great fortune to meet her in the mid 80’s through an actor friend of mine she was working with at the time.
Being terribly young, I didn’t really have a concept of the breadth & greatness of her contribution to British cinema…
1/ pic.twitter.com/lfgwh3ViGQ

— P .▽. E . (@panvalues) December 12, 2023

Shirley Anne Field & I both studied acting at The Actor’s Workshop in the 1950s. She went on to become one of Britain’s most glamorous stars and a 60s icon. She was one of my dearest friends & very important in my life. Her passing is a great loss. I will miss her dearly. pic.twitter.com/EO3jPIaBz4

— Jess Conrad OBE (@Jessconradcom) December 11, 2023

One of the first celebrity interviews I did when I started out in journalism in London was with #ShirleyAnneField. And all because she was born in Forest Gate, east London. One of the best to have come from the British New Wave of actors. RIP pic.twitter.com/GpRhEK3i81

— Nick Jury (@TheRealNickJury) December 11, 2023

Sad news that English actress Shirley Anne Field died Sunday age 87.
Shirley appeared in some quality Brit films in the 60s Saturday Night & Sunday Morning, Alfie, The Damned, Peeping Tom & years later Hear My Song also on tv in Murder She Wrote and 42 ep. of Santa Barbara #RIP pic.twitter.com/mCSayaQnkl

— Peter Oxley (@oxley264) December 12, 2023

Field is survived by her daughter, Nicola Crichton-Stuart.