Thorndike, Dame Sybil (1882-1976), was a distinguished British actress. Her versatility was reflected by her acclaimed appearances in modern comedy, Greek tragedy, poetic drama, and classics from many countries. One of her most notable roles was as the French national heroine Joan of Arc in the first production of the English playwright George Bernard Shaw’s historical drama Saint Joan (1923). Thorndike also appeared in several motion pictures from 1921 to 1961.
Sybil Thorndike was born on Oct. 24, 1882, in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England. She made her stage debut in 1904. She married the British actor and director Lewis Casson in 1908, and they performed together frequently during the next 55 years. Thorndike performed with the Old Vic Company from 1914 to 1918, establishing herself as one of the leading tragic actresses of her day. In 1931, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She died in London on June 9, 1976.
