Marianne Elliott

From the renowned theatrical family of the Knights, Esmond Knight, the patriarch, was a renowned stage actor in the 1920s who made his first film appearance in 1931. During WWII, he served in the Royal Navy, where he lost an eye and was almost blinded in the other, during an engagement against the Bismarck. He went on to portray a Royal Naval Officer in 1960's Sink the Bismarck! His wife, Frances Clare, was a comedienne often featured in Ivor Novello operettas. Together, they raised their daughter, the accomplished character actress Rosalind Knight, who was inspired by a production at Drury Lane at age six. Their descendants include Rosalind's daughter, the actress Su Elliot, her husband Michael Elliott, a director and producer, and their daughter Marianne Elliott, a director. This illustrious family of artists have made their mark on the world of entertainment for generations.