Keir Starmer recalls role as Cleopatra in Morecambe and Wise sketch, which actor considered career highlight
Tributes have been paid from the worlds of arts and politics to Glenda Jackson, the Oscar-winning actor turned Labour MP, who has died aged 87.
Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said: “I was very sad to hear of Glenda Jackson’s passing. She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. She played many roles with great distinction, passion and commitment.
“From award-winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice. As a fellow north London MP, I know how much she was loved and respected by her constituents.”
He evoked her famous appearance on Morecambe and Wise as Cleopatra with a play on her line “All men are fools, and what makes them so is having beauty like what I have got”.
He said: “Of course, no tribute to Glenda could fail to mention her role as Cleopatra in that most famous and loved of all the Morecambe and Wise sketches. We will never see talent like what she has got again.”
Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson said: “His thoughts will be with her friends and family at this time, but I’m sure we will have more to say.
