Hubbry Logo
Annette AndreAnnette AndreMain
Open search
Annette Andre
Community hub
Annette Andre
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Annette Andre
Annette Andre
from Wikipedia

Annette Andre (born 24 June 1939)[1] is an Australian actress best known for her work on British television throughout the 1960s and 1970s.[2]

Key Information

Early life and early career

[edit]

The daughter of an upholsterer, Annette Andre was born in Drummoyne,[1] Australia, as Annette Christine Andreallo.[1] She was raised in Sydney[2] and educated at Brigidine College, Sydney.[citation needed]

She began work as a ballet dancer at the age of 4 at an academy linked to the Australian Ballet. At the age of 15, she decided to quit ballet and pursue acting. Because she realised that she was not yet 16, the legal age to work in acting, Andre enrolled in a radio training school, and her first radio role was in the serial radio drama called Kid Grayson Rides the Range.[3] Her first role was in the television movie If It's a Rose. Her other Australian television performances included Slaughter of St Teresa's Day.[4]

Later career

[edit]

She moved to the UK in 1963 and was cast in Emerald Soup.[5]

Her first film role was in This Is My Street (1964), in which her performance was described as "superb."[6] Her other film credits include The Heroes of Telemark (1965), He Who Rides a Tiger (1965), Up Jumped a Swagman (1965), with Frank Ifield, and the Charlie Drake comedy Mister Ten Per Cent (1967). She also played Philia, a beautiful virgin concubine from the house of procurer Marcus Lycus (Phil Silvers) in the 1966 film version of the Broadway musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. She played in the stage musical Vanity Fair in London's West End.[7]

Her longest running role was as Marty Hopkirk's widow Jeannie Hopkirk in the ITC series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) (1969–70).[8][9] She also made guest appearances in other shows such as Whiplash, The Human Jungle, The Avengers, The Saint, Adam Adamant Lives!, The Troubleshooters, The Baron, The Brothers and The Prisoner.

During the 1970s, Andre guest starred in episodes of The Persuaders!, The New Avengers and Return of the Saint. In the 1980s, she appeared in the soap opera Crossroads as well as returning to Australia to play Jennifer Brent in Taurus Rising and Camilla Wells in Prisoner (retitled Prisoner: Cell Block H in the US and UK).

During 1985 and 1986, she appeared onstage in London's West End in the mystery thriller The Business of Murder at the Mayfair Theatre.[citation needed]

Andre is now semi-retired from acting, and devotes much of her time to animal welfare issues. She spearheads the new BFF Support Group and, with her producer husband Arthur Weingarten, works closely with Virginia McKenna of the Zoo Check campaign.[10] She made one of her rare appearances at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention in Aberdeen, Maryland, US in September 2007.

Personal life

[edit]

She was once linked romantically with George Best, the footballer.[11]

In the early 1960s, she turned down a proposal of marriage from Benny Hill.[12]

She has a daughter. She chose not to reveal the identity of the father.[13]

Memoir

[edit]

In 2018, Andre published her memoir Where Have I Been All My Life,[14] with a foreword by Sir Roger Moore and an appreciation by her Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) co-star, Kenneth Cope.[citation needed]

Filmography and works

[edit]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Type
1957 The House on the Corner TV series
1958 If It's a Rose Anna TV movie
1959 Act of Violence
Wuthering Heights Isabella[15]
1960 The Slaughter of St Theresa's Day Thelma
Stormy Petrel Ann Bligh TV series, 4 episodes
1961 The Merchant of Venice Jessica TV movie
Martine Martine
Whiplash Fiona Merrick
Cassie
Charlene
TV series, 3 episodes
Consider Your Verdict The Other Woman TV series, episode: Queen Versus Regan
1962 Boy Round the Corner Carrie TV movie
1963 Our Man at St. Mark's Jackie Hawkins TV series, episode: Holier than Thou
The Sentimental Agent Betsy Ann TV series, episode: Finishing School
Emerald Soup Penny Dalton TV series, 3 episodes
1964 The Avengers Judy TV series, episode: Mandrake
Crane Petra TV series, episode: Two Rings for Dinner
Sergeant Cork Mary Briggs TV series, episode: The Case of the Two Poisons
Story Parade Rosie Sullivan TV series, episode: The Little White God
Emergency-Ward 10 Sally Graham TV series, 3 episodes
The Human Jungle Jane TV series, episode: Dual Control
1965 Gideon C.I.D. Sue Young TV series, episode: The Nightlifers
The Mill on the Floss Lucy Deane TV series, 4 episodes
Front Page Story Ingar TV series, episode: They Don't Grow on Trees
1966 Adam Adamant Lives! Paula TV series, episode: Beauty Is an Ugly Word
1964-67 The Saint Madeline Gray
Linda Henderson
Madeline Dawson
Carmen
Annette
TV series, 5 episodes
1967 Mogul Tammy Gervais TV series, episode: Home and Dry
The Baron Samantha Ballard TV series, episode: Roundabout
The Dick Emery Show Herself TV series, episode 6.1
Half Hour Story Angie TV series, episode: What Will You Do About Christmas?
The Revenue Men Jane Quest TV series, episode: Conflict of Interests
The Prisoner Monique (the watchmaker's daughter TV series, episode: It's Your Funeral
1968 The Guns of Will Sonnett Leah Galt TV series, episode: The Sins of the Father
Detective Anna Pryde TV series, episode: Cork on the Water
1969-70 Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) Jeannie Hopkirk TV series, 25 episodes
1971 The Persuaders! Pekoo Rayne ITV series, episode: Powerswitch
1972 Owen, M.D. Mary Jane Phillips TV series, 2-part episode:Saddler's Challenge
The Brothers Sally Wolfe TV series, 5 episodes
Man at the Top Tricia Kennedy TV series, episode: Living Like a Lord
1973 Nobody Is Norman Wisdom Moria TV series, episode 1.3
1975 The Rough with the Smooth Irene Fellowes TV series, episode: 1.6
1976 The New Avengers Suzy Miller TV series, episode: House of Cards
1978 Return of the Saint Sandy TV series, episode: Yesterday's Hero
1980 Company & Co. Lucy TV series, episode: A Little Confidence
1981 Sporting Chance TV series, episode 6: A Perfect 10
1982 Taurus Rising Jennifer Brant TV series
1982-83 Cop Shop Yvonne Holmes
Elizabeth Bakos
TV series, 15 episodes
1984 Prisoner: Cell Block H Camilla Wells TV series, 4 episodes
1984-1985 Crossroads Sarah Alexander TV Series
1988 Maigret Judith Hollenbeck TV movie
2025 The Prisoner of Portmeirion : Our Lives Herself

Films

[edit]
Year Title Role Type
1964 This Is My Street Jinny Feature film
1964 Panic Button Drama student
1965 He Who Rides a Tiger Julie
1965 The Heroes of Telemark Girl Student
1965 Up Jumped a Swagman Patsy
1966 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Philia
1967 Mister Ten Per Cent Muriel
2017 Nobis Margaret

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist
1965 You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' The Righteous Brothers[16]

Writing

[edit]
  • Where Have I Been All My Life? (2018)[14]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Annette André (born Annette Christine Andreallo; 24 June 1939) is an Australian actress best known for her role as Jeannie Hopkirk, the widow of a murdered private detective, in the British supernatural television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) (1969–1970). Born in , , she began her performing career as a professional at age 16 with a prominent company affiliated with the Sadler's Wells Ballet (predecessor to ) after overcoming a childhood condition through dance therapy encouraged by her mother. By her mid-teens, André shifted to acting, starting with radio dramas, stage productions, and early television roles in , including a supporting part in the adventure series Whiplash (1960–1961). Relocating to in the early , André secured small roles, such as an uncredited appearance in (1963) and a part in the comedy (1964), before establishing herself in British television. Her breakthrough came with recurring guest spots on iconic series, including The Saint (1962–1969), The Avengers (1961–1969), and (1967–1968), where she portrayed diverse characters from spies to villagers. She starred as the courtesan in the 1966 adaptation of the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, earning acclaim for her comedic timing. Beyond Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), she appeared in later 1970s shows like The Persuaders! (1971), (1978–1979), and The New Avengers (1976–1977), often playing elegant, resourceful women. In her later career, André returned to soap operas with roles in the Australian series Prisoner: Cell Block H (1980–1981) and the British Crossroads (1980s), before semi-retiring in the 1990s. She married American film producer Arthur Weingarten in 1988, with whom she had a daughter, Anouska, born in 1979; the couple resided in , , and New York before settling in , . A committed , André has volunteered with the , working closely with its founders and . In 2018, she published her memoir, Where Have I Been All My Life?, detailing her journey from to stardom and personal challenges. As of 2025, she remains active in fan conventions, including PortmeiriCon, and occasional interviews, reflecting on her contributions to cult British television.

Biography

Early life

Annette André, born Annette Christine Andreallo on 24 June 1939 in , , , was the daughter of an Italian immigrant father who worked in the local upholstery business and an Australian mother. Her family provided a supportive environment in , where her mother's encouragement played a pivotal role in fostering her early interest in the . No siblings are documented in available records, and the household dynamics centered on her parents' modest working-class life, which emphasized resilience and opportunity despite limited resources. Raised in , André experienced a childhood marked by both challenges and early exposure to , including attendance at Brigidine College, a local school that offered a structured education before she pursued performance training. At age three, she was diagnosed with a serious condition that confined her to limited activity, with doctors in predicting a restricted future and little prospect for recovery; however, her mother's proactive care, including enrollment in physical activities, helped her regain strength and inspired a lifelong determination. This illness impacted her physical development during her early years but ultimately fueled her drive to overcome adversity through disciplined pursuits. André's initial foray into the began at age four, when her enrolled her in classes at the training academy affiliated with , linked to London's Sadler's Wells. She demonstrated an immediate passion, training rigorously for twelve years and becoming obsessed with , which her had introduced without anticipating the depth of her commitment. By age fifteen, having fully recovered and built exceptional resilience, she was offered a full-time position with the , marking her transition to professional aspirations, though legal restrictions on child labor delayed formal employment until she turned sixteen.

Career beginnings in Australia

Annette Andre began her professional performing career in as a ballet dancer, having trained intensively from the age of four at the academy affiliated with Company. At 15, she became the youngest dancer ever selected for a full-time position with the company, marking her professional debut, though legal restrictions on employment for minors delayed her official start and ultimately led her to abandon shortly thereafter. Around the age of 17, Andre transitioned to , enrolling in a radio training school and securing her first professional role in the long-running serial drama Kid Grayson Rides the Range, a Western series broadcast on Australian radio stations. This marked her entry into voice work, where she collaborated with established performers such as Don Pascoe and Grant Taylor, honing her skills in an era before television dominated the industry. She soon expanded into theatre in , taking on minor roles and positions, including as the understudy in The Reluctant Debutante and early appearances like Cobweb in a production of during her childhood, though her professional stage work intensified post-radio. Andre's television career commenced in 1957 with minor roles in local Australian series and plays, reflecting the nascent state of the medium in the country. Her debut came in the ATN-7 serial The House on the Corner, where she portrayed a Hungarian girl across four episodes, followed by a lead role as Anna in the ABC live production If It's a Rose, a two-hander adaptation of an Italian play directed by Ray Menmuir. Subsequent appearances included Isabella in Wuthering Heights (1959, ABC), a significant part in the modern drama The Slaughter of St. Teresa's Day (1960, ABC), and the role of Captain Bligh's daughter in the historical miniseries Stormy Petrel (1960), the first Australian TV production of its kind. She also featured in Whiplash (1960–1961), an American-Australian co-production, guest-starring in multiple episodes, as well as The Merchant of Venice (1961, ABC) as Jessica and the mute protagonist in Martine (1961). These roles, often in live broadcasts, showcased her versatility in drama and classics but were limited to supporting parts in a developing industry. While Andre built a foundation in radio, theatre, and early television, opportunities in Australian film remained scarce during the early , with her work confined to small on-screen roles in TV like Stormy Petrel rather than feature films. The constrained local production landscape, characterized by limited budgets and a focus on live TV, presented significant challenges, including inconsistent employment and few avenues for advancement beyond minor characters. These limitations prompted her decision to emigrate in , seeking greater prospects abroad after her experiences in Whiplash opened doors to international work.

Breakthrough in the UK

After establishing her career in Australian television and theatre, Annette Andre emigrated to in 1962 at the age of 23, seeking greater opportunities in the international scene. Upon arrival, she faced the typical challenges of a newcomer, including auditions for minor roles and securing an English agent, which led to her first West End appearance in the musical Vanity Fair. Her initial UK work consisted of small parts in films and television, marking a period of building visibility through supporting roles rather than leads. Andre's early film roles helped solidify her presence in British cinema. In 1964, she appeared in This Is My Street, a drama directed by Sidney Hayers, playing a supporting character in a story of marital tension and urban life. This was followed by her role as in the 1966 film adaptation of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, a comedic where she portrayed the sought by multiple suitors, showcasing her versatility in light-hearted ensemble pieces alongside stars like and . These performances, though not starring, provided crucial exposure and connected her to the burgeoning British film industry. Her breakthrough came in television with the role of Jeannie Hopkirk in the ITC supernatural detective series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) (1969–1970), appearing in all 26 episodes. In the show, private investigator Jeff Randall teams up with the of his murdered partner Marty Hopkirk to solve crimes, while Jeannie, Marty's grieving widow and Jeff's secretary, provides emotional support and practical assistance to the agency, often reacting to the eerie elements with a mix of and resilience. This character dynamic highlighted Andre's ability to blend warmth, wit, and vulnerability, cementing her as a recognizable face in British TV. Complementing this success, Andre made notable guest appearances in several iconic 1960s series, further establishing her reputation. She featured in The Saint in 1967 as Laura in the episode "The Best Laid Schemes," working alongside Roger Moore's Simon Templar and beginning a professional rapport with the star through multiple collaborations across the series. In The Avengers (1967), she played Suzy in "The Positive-Negative Man," contributing to the show's blend of espionage and sci-fi intrigue. Her role as the Watchmaker's Daughter in The Prisoner (1968) episode "It's Your Funeral" added to her portfolio in dystopian thriller territory. These appearances, often in spy and thriller genres, allowed her to network with industry figures like Moore and Patrick McGoohan, carving out a niche in high-profile action-adventure programming.

Later career and retirement

Following her breakthrough roles in the 1960s, Annette Andre continued to secure guest appearances on British television throughout the 1970s, including as Pekoe Rayne in The Persuaders! (1971), in The New Avengers (1976), and Sandy in Return of the Saint (1978). These roles built on her established presence in action and adventure series, though opportunities in film and stage began to diminish by the late 1970s, with her last major film appearance in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966). Her work during this period reflected a shift toward episodic television, as the industry increasingly favored ensemble casts and shorter commitments over lead film parts. In the 1980s, Andre returned to Australia for roles such as Jennifer Brent in the soap opera Taurus Rising (1982) and Camilla Wells in Prisoner: Cell Block H (1984), marking a reconnection with her roots after years in the UK. She also took on the recurring part of Sarah Alexander in the British soap Crossroads (1984–1985), one of her final sustained television engagements. By the mid-1980s, her on-screen output tapered significantly, aligning with broader industry trends that limited roles for women over 40, though Andre has noted in interviews that she remained open to projects amid these changes. Andre entered semi-retirement in the late , prioritizing personal life over full-time while making occasional appearances, such as a supporting in the Nobis (2017). In a 2019 interview, she clarified that she was not fully retired but selective about work, citing a desire for balance after decades in the profession. Her most recent public involvement came in 2025 with an appearance in the documentary The Prisoner of Portmeirion: Our Lives, where she reflected on her early career alongside fellow cast members from . This sporadic engagement underscores her transition from regular performing to selective contributions, influenced by evolving personal priorities and the challenges of age-related in .

Personal life

Relationships and family

Annette Andre was romantically linked to footballer in 1970, though she later described their connection as merely a couple of dates that the press exaggerated into a full relationship. Earlier, in the , she had a brief romance with Spanish bullfighter Manuel Benítez 'El Cordobés'. In the early , comedian proposed marriage to Andre, whom he admired professionally and personally; she respectfully declined, viewing him as a "wonderful, shy, lonely, eccentric" friend rather than a romantic partner. Andre married American producer and writer Arthur Weingarten in 1989, after meeting him during the production of a 1988 adaptation of Maigret. The couple divided their time between , , and a home in New York's , where they enjoyed a stable life focused on creative projects and family. Weingarten passed away from on October 30, 2021. Prior to her , Andre became a single mother at age 40 when her daughter Anouska was born in 1979; she has chosen not to disclose the father's identity publicly, noting that their relationship had ended before the birth and that he had once proposed , which she turned down. The was , and Andre briefly considered termination but ultimately embraced motherhood alone, returning to in the early 1980s to raise her daughter amid her acting commitments. This period marked a significant career interruption, as she balanced single parenthood with selective roles before semi-retiring after her to prioritize family. As of 2025, Andre resides in south-west , close to her daughter Anouska and two grandchildren, Jake and Nia, maintaining a stable post-retirement life centered on family proximity and personal pursuits like painting.

Activism and philanthropy

Following her semi-retirement from acting, Annette Andre has devoted much of her time to advocacy. She began hands-on volunteering with the in during the 1990s and continued this work after relocating to the . The , co-founded in 1984 by actors and to promote and oppose animal exploitation in captivity, aligned closely with Andre's lifelong passion for animal protection. She also volunteered with the Amanda Foundation in , focusing on animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Andre collaborated extensively with her husband, producer Arthur Weingarten, whom she married in 1989, on animal rights initiatives until his death in 2021. Together, they worked closely with Travers and McKenna, contributing to advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness about captive and supporting conservation projects through donations and organizational involvement. In 2017, Andre announced her role in spearheading a new support group for the to bolster fundraising and volunteer engagement. Throughout the and , Andre participated in media appearances and to highlight animal rights issues, including discussions on the ethical treatment of animals in and the need for stricter laws. For instance, in a , she emphasized her ongoing commitment to these causes, stating, " did take up my time for a number of years working as a hands-on volunteer." Her efforts extended into the , with continued public endorsements of conservation amid growing environmental concerns. As of 2025, Andre's activism has been recognized for amplifying the voices of smaller conservation organizations, contributing to broader awareness of animal welfare challenges, though she has not received formal awards for these efforts. Her work has inspired fellow artists to engage in humanitarian causes, blending her entertainment background with advocacy for sustainable wildlife practices.

Works and legacy

Memoir

In 2018, Annette André published her autobiography Where Have I Been All My Life? through Quoit Media Limited, a small independent press, in a hardcover edition of 272 pages (ISBN 9781911537106). The book was released on September 11, 2018, and is structured chronologically, beginning with a pivotal 1972 incident and tracing her journey from childhood through her ballet training, acting career, personal relationships, and eventual retirement. It features a foreword by Sir Roger Moore, who praises André's resilience and contributions to British television. The memoir explores several key themes, including André's overcoming of a chronic illness in her youth that nearly derailed her aspirations, leading to her professional debut at age 15. It candidly recounts the highs and lows of her acting career, from breakthrough roles in iconic British series to challenges in the industry, interspersed with personal anecdotes such as a romance with a and a proposal from . Reflections on regrets over life choices, family dynamics including her daughter's birth and marriage, and her enduring passion for —stemming from her later-life advocacy alongside her husband—form the emotional core, emphasizing themes of perseverance and self-discovery. Reception for the has been largely positive, with reviewers commending its honest and poignant tone. On Amazon UK, it holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 84 customer reviews, praised for its "arresting honesty" and engaging storytelling that balances humor with vulnerability. users rate it 4.25 out of 5 based on 16 ratings and 6 reviews, highlighting the candid insights into her career interactions and personal growth. No significant updates or related writings by André have been published since 2018.

Filmography

Annette Andre's film career began with uncredited roles in major productions and evolved into supporting parts in British comedies and dramas during the mid-1960s, showcasing her versatility in both dramatic and light-hearted roles. Her cinematic work primarily spanned 1963 to 1967, with appearances in international co-productions and UK-based features that highlighted her early breakthrough from Australian theater to international screens.
YearTitleRoleDirectorRuntimeNotable Co-StarsDescription
1963Handmaiden (uncredited)192 min, , Epic historical drama depicting the romance between and ; Andre's minor role marked her entry into international film during production in and .
1964Drama studentGeorge Sherman82 min, , Italian-American comedy about a businessman funding a chaotic film adaptation of to evade taxes, featuring Andre in a small ensemble part amid the farce at the .
1964This Is My StreetJinny94 min, , British kitchen sink drama exploring class tensions and infidelity in a working-class neighborhood, where Andre portrayed a key supporting character in the ensemble.
1965Up Jumped a SwagmanPatsy91 min, , Musical comedy following an Australian singer's misadventures in , with Andre as the romantic interest in a lively pop-infused .
1965Girl student (uncredited)131 min, , action film based on Norwegian resistance efforts against Nazi production, featuring Andre in a brief background role.
1965He Who Rides a TigerJulie99 minTom Bell, , Ronald FraserCrime drama about a petty thief's unlikely bond with an elderly woman, where Andre played a supporting role in this character-driven British production.
1966A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the ForumPhilia99 min, , , Frenetic screen adaptation of the Broadway musical farce set in , with Andre as the innocent virgin central to the plot's mistaken identities and .
1967Mister Ten Per CentMurielPeter Graham Scott89 min, , Comedy satirizing the British theater world, following a hapless agent's schemes; Andre appeared in a supporting role amid the ensemble of eccentric characters.
Andre had no major feature films after 1967, focusing instead on television, though she noted in her that these roles provided essential experience leading to her TV success. No unreleased films are documented in her career.

Other contributions

Annette Andre's television career featured several prominent roles that showcased her versatility in British and Australian programming. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Jeannie Hopkirk in the supernatural detective series (1969–1970), where she appeared across all 26 episodes as the widow of the ghostly Marty Hopkirk, providing emotional depth to the partnership between her late husband and his living colleague Jeff Randall. Earlier, Andre made her television debut with a in the adventure series The Saint in 1967, playing a supporting role in an episode that highlighted her emerging screen presence. On stage, Andre returned to theatre in the mid-1980s, starring opposite in the mystery thriller The Business of Murder at London's from 1984 to 1986, contributing to its successful West End run. She also performed in Australian productions, including a national tour of Whose Life Is It Anyway? in 1981, where she took on the role of Dr. Scott in Brian Clark's acclaimed play about and . In addition to acting, Andre has engaged in writing and advocacy beyond her memoir. She has contributed through interviews where she reflects on her career and promotes , notably discussing her hands-on volunteering with the in England alongside founders and . Her efforts include supporting the foundation's conservation initiatives, reflecting a lifelong commitment to protecting that she has shared in public discussions. Andre's early career also encompassed radio work in , beginning at age 17 with dramatic readings and serials that honed her vocal skills before transitioning to television and .

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.