Beth Morris was a Welsh actress who had a successful career in television and film, appearing in shows such as I, Claudius, David Copperfield, and The District Nurse. She was also known for her relationships with actors Stephen Moore and Bill Nighy. She died at the age of 74 on March 1, 2018, in her home in Penllergaer, Wales. But what was the cause of her death and how did she live her life?
Early Life and Career
Beth Morris was born on July 19, 1943, in Gorseinon, Wales, to Charles Emlyn Morris and Gwendoline Lillias Morris. She always wanted to act and went to drama school before moving to London to pursue her dream. She made her debut in 1969 in the TV series Softly, Softly, and went on to appear in many other shows and films in the next three decades. Some of her notable roles include:
- Drusilla, the sister and lover of Emperor Caligula, in the 1976 BBC adaptation of I, Claudius
- Dora, the first wife of David Copperfield, in the 1974 BBC adaptation of David Copperfield
- Evalina Williams, a nurse who works with Megan Roberts (Nerys Hughes), in the 1987 BBC series The District Nurse
- Sara, a rebel leader who helps Blake (Gareth Thomas) escape from a prison planet, in the 1978 sci-fi series Blake’s 7
- Jackie, a girlfriend of Terry McCann (Dennis Waterman), in the 1980 comedy-drama series Minder
She also appeared in films such as Crucible of Terror (1971), That’ll Be the Day (1973), Tales That Witness Madness (1973), and Son of Dracula (1974). She also performed on stage, such as in Bertolt Brecht’s Edward II at the Round House Theatre in London.
Personal Life and Relationships
Beth Morris was married to actor Stephen Moore from 1974 to 1986. Moore was known for his roles in Rock Follies, The Last Place on Earth, and as the voice of Marvin the Paranoid Android in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. They had two children together: Robyn Moore, who is also an actress, and Guy Moore.
After her divorce from Moore, she became a partner of actor Bill Nighy for several years. Nighy is famous for his roles in Love Actually, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. They never married but remained close friends until her death.
She lived in Y Garn, Penllergaer, a village near Swansea, where she enjoyed gardening and painting. She was also an animal lover and had several pets.
Cause of Death
Beth Morris died on March 1, 2018, at her home in Penllergaer. She was found by a lifelong friend who had gone to check on her. The cause of her death was not publicly revealed, but it was reported that she had been suffering from ill health for some time. She was cremated at Swansea Crematorium on March 16, 2018.
Her family and friends paid tribute to her as a talented and generous person who loved life and laughter. Her cousin Sue Morgan said: “We were very proud of her. She flew high.” Her former partner Bill Nighy said: “She was a wonderful woman and a wonderful actress.”
Beth Morris left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a devoted fan base who admired her work and personality. She will be remembered as one of the finest Welsh actresses of her generation.
