History of Barbara Windsor in Timeline
Dame Barbara Windsor was a prominent English actress celebrated for her comedic roles in the Carry On film series and her dramatic portrayal of Peggy Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders. Joining the EastEnders cast in 1994, she quickly became a fan favorite, earning the Best Actress award at the 1999 British Soap Awards. Her character, Peggy Mitchell, became an iconic figure in British popular culture. After a 22-year run, Windsor left the show in 2016 when her character was written out of the series. Her career spanned several decades, making her a recognizable face on British television and in film.
August 1937: Birth of Barbara Windsor
Barbara Ann Deeks was born in Shoreditch, London in August 1937.
1937: Birth and Family Background
Barbara Windsor was born in Shoreditch, London, in 1937 to John Deeks, a bus driver, and Rose Ellis, a dressmaker. Her birth was registered in Stepney.
1939: Relocation during World War II
At the start of World War II in 1939, Barbara Windsor and her mother moved to Stoke Newington to live with her maternal family after her father was called up for service.
1944: Discovering a Passion for Performing
In 1944, after a brief stay with a schoolfriend's family and an incident involving her friend's father, Barbara Windsor returned to London. During this time she attended dancing school and showed a passion for performing.
1950: Stage Debut
Barbara Windsor began her career on stage in 1950 at the age of 13.
1950: Pantomime Debut
Barbara Windsor's first pantomime appearance was in 1950.
1952: West End Debut and Parental Divorce
In 1952, Windsor appeared in the West End musical Love From Judy. This same year, her parents divorced, and she was required to testify in court.
1953: Adoption of Stage Name
Barbara Windsor adopted the stage name "Windsor" in 1953, inspired by the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
1954: Film Debut as Extra and Early Television Appearances
Barbara Windsor began her film career as an uncredited extra in 1954, including a role in The Belles of St. Trinians. She also made early television appearances.
1954: Film Debut
Barbara Windsor made her film debut in The Belles of St. Trinian's in 1954.
1959: Theatre Workshop and Rising Prominence
Barbara Windsor joined Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop and gained recognition for her performance in the 1959 stage production Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be.
1960: Working with Jayne Mansfield
Barbara Windsor appeared alongside Jayne Mansfield in the film Too Hot to Handle in 1960.
1963: Sparrows Can't Sing and BAFTA Nomination
In 1963, Windsor appeared in the film Sparrows Can't Sing and received a BAFTA nomination for Best British Film Actress.
1963: BAFTA Nomination
In 1963, Windsor received a BAFTA Award nomination for her role in the film Sparrows Can't Sing.
1964: First Carry On Film
Barbara Windsor's first Carry On film, Carry On Spying, was released in 1964.
1964: Crooks in Cloisters Release
Windsor appeared in the comedy film Crooks in Cloisters in 1964.
1964: Tony Award Nomination
Windsor received a Tony Award nomination in 1964 for the Broadway production of Oh, What a Lovely War!.
1964: Carry On Spying Release
Windsor's first Carry On film, Carry On Spying, was released in 1964.
1965: Tony Award Nomination and Twang!!
Barbara Windsor received a Tony Award nomination for Oh, What a Lovely War! in 1965 and also appeared in the musical Twang!!.
1965: San Ferry Ann and A Study in Terror Release
In 1965, Barbara Windsor appeared in two films: the comedy San Ferry Ann and the thriller A Study in Terror.
1965: A Study in Terror Release
Windsor appeared in the thriller film A Study in Terror in 1965.
1966: Come Spy with Me
From 1966 to 1967, Barbara Windsor appeared alongside Danny La Rue in Come Spy with Me.
1967: Carry On Doctor Release
Carry On Doctor, starring Barbara Windsor, was released in 1967.
1967: The Beggar's Opera
Windsor appeared in a production of The Beggar's Opera in 1967.
1968: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Release
Windsor appeared in the fantasy film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968.
1968: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Release
Barbara Windsor appeared in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968.
1969: Iconic Bikini Scene in Carry On Camping
In 1969, Carry On Camping was released, featuring Barbara Windsor's memorable bikini scene.
1969: Carry On Camping Release
Carry On Camping, featuring Barbara Windsor's iconic bikini scene, was released in 1969.
1970: Sing a Rude Song
Barbara Windsor played Marie Lloyd in the musical biopic Sing a Rude Song in 1970.
1971: The Boy Friend Release
Barbara Windsor appeared in Ken Russell's musical film The Boy Friend in 1971.
1971: Carry On Henry Release
Carry On Henry, starring Barbara Windsor, was released in 1971.
1972: The Threepenny Opera
Barbara Windsor starred alongside Vanessa Redgrave in The Threepenny Opera in the West End in 1972.
1972: Carry On Abroad Release
Carry On Abroad, featuring Barbara Windsor, was released in 1972.
1972: The Threepenny Opera
In 1972, Windsor appeared in The Threepenny Opera in the West End alongside Vanessa Redgrave.
1973: Carry On London!
From 1973 to 1975, Barbara Windsor appeared in the West End revue Carry On London! with other members of the Carry On team.
1974: Last Carry On Film
Barbara Windsor's last Carry On film, Carry On Dick, was released in 1974.
1974: Final Carry On Film
Carry On Dick, Barbara Windsor's last Carry On film, was released in 1974.
1975: Carry On Laughing
Windsor appeared in both series of the ATV sitcom Carry On Laughing in 1975.
1975: End of Carry On London!
Barbara Windsor finished her run in the West End revue Carry On London! in 1975.
1975: Carry On Barbara! and Twelfth Night
In 1975, Windsor toured with her own show, Carry On Barbara!, and also played Maria in Twelfth Night at the Chichester Festival Theatre.
1976: End of Barbara Windsor's Affair with Sid James
In 1976, Barbara Windsor's well-publicized affair with her co-star Sid James came to an end. Their three-year relationship was notable during the time they worked together on the later Carry On films.
1977: That's Carry On!
Barbara Windsor co-presented the Carry On compilation film, That's Carry On!, in 1977.
1977: Carry On Specials
Barbara Windsor continued to appear in Carry On television and compilation specials until 1977.
1981: Entertaining Mr Sloane
Barbara Windsor played Kath in Entertaining Mr Sloane at the Lyric Hammersmith in 1981.
1985: EastEnders Launches with Casting Policy
In 1985, the producers of EastEnders launched the show with a policy of not casting well-known actors. Barbara Windsor expressed her desire to be part of the original cast despite this policy.
1991: Peggy Mitchell's Character Introduction
In 1991, the character of Peggy Mitchell was first introduced in EastEnders, played by Jo Warne. Barbara Windsor later took over this role in 1994, which became one of her most notable performances.
1993: Entertaining Mr Sloane Revival
Windsor reprised her role as Kath in Entertaining Mr Sloane for a national tour with the National Theatre in 1993.
1994: Barbara Windsor Joins EastEnders as Peggy Mitchell
By 1994, EastEnders relaxed its policy on casting well-known actors, and Barbara Windsor joined the show as Peggy Mitchell, a role that became iconic. This marked a significant moment in Windsor's acting career.
1994: Joins EastEnders
In 1994, Barbara Windsor joined the cast of the BBC soap opera EastEnders, playing the iconic role of Peggy Mitchell.
1998: Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick Premiere
In 1998, the play "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick", in which Samantha Spiro played Barbara Windsor, premiered at the National Theatre.
1999: Barbara Windsor Wins Best Actress at British Soap Awards
Barbara Windsor received the Best Actress award at the 1999 British Soap Awards for her role as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, highlighting her impactful performance on the show.
1999: Wins Best Actress Award
Barbara Windsor won the British Soap Award for Best Actress in 1999 for her role as Peggy Mitchell.
2000: Cor, Blimey! Release
The TV film adaptation of "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick", titled "Cor, Blimey!", was released in 2000. The film starred Samantha Spiro as Windsor and featured a cameo appearance by Windsor herself.
2000: MBE and BBC Hall of Fame Induction
In 2000, Barbara Windsor was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and was the first person inducted into the BBC Hall of Fame.
2001: Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick Touring Production
In 2001, Rachel Clarke took over the role of Barbara Windsor in the touring production of "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick".
2003: Barbara Windsor's Absence from EastEnders Due to Illness
In 2003, Barbara Windsor had to take a two-year break from EastEnders due to a debilitating case of the Epstein–Barr virus, though she made a brief guest appearance in 2004.
2004: Guest Appearance on EastEnders Amid Illness
Despite her illness, Barbara Windsor made a two-episode guest appearance in EastEnders in 2004, demonstrating her commitment to her role as Peggy Mitchell.
2005: Barbara Windsor Hosts BBC Documentary Series
In 2005, Barbara Windsor hosted two series of the BBC documentary 'Disaster Masters', showcasing her versatility as a presenter.
2005: Barbara Windsor's Return to EastEnders
In 2005, Barbara Windsor rejoined the cast of EastEnders full-time after recovering from her illness, resuming her role as Peggy Mitchell.
2006: Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa! Release
In the 2006 BBC television film "Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!", Barbara Windsor was portrayed by Rachel Clarke.
October 2009: Barbara Windsor Announces Exit from EastEnders
In October 2009, Barbara Windsor announced her decision to leave her role as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders. She expressed her desire to spend more time with her husband, marking the end of an era for her character on the show.
2009: Lifetime Achievement Award at British Soap Awards
In 2009, Barbara Windsor was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards, celebrating her enduring contribution to television and her iconic role as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders.
August 2010: Freedom of the City of London
Barbara Windsor was given the Freedom of the City of London in August 2010.
September 2010: Peggy Mitchell's Departure from EastEnders
On 10 September 2010, Barbara Windsor's character, Peggy Mitchell, made her final appearance on EastEnders after a fire destroyed the Queen Victoria pub. This marked the end of her long-standing role on the show.
September 2010: Barbara Windsor Becomes Face of Jackpotjoy Campaign
In September 2010, it was announced that Barbara Windsor would front a television campaign for the online bingo site Jackpotjoy, portraying the Queen of Bingo.
November 2010: City of Westminster Honour
In November 2010, Barbara Windsor was honored by the City of Westminster with a tree-planting and plaque ceremony.
2010: Alice in Wonderland Release
Barbara Windsor voiced the Dormouse in the animated film Alice in Wonderland in 2010.
2010: British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement & Freedom of City of London
In 2010, Barbara Windsor was awarded the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Freedom of the City of London.
January 2011: Barbara Windsor's Cameo in 'Come Fly with Me'
Barbara Windsor appeared as herself in an episode of the television show 'Come Fly with Me' in January 2011, adding to her list of television appearances.
2011: Final Pantomime
Barbara Windsor's last pantomime appearance was in 2011.
2011: Barbara Windsor's Regular Radio Presenting Work
From 2011, Barbara Windsor regularly presented music and showbusiness history programs on BBC Radio 2 and was a frequent stand-in for Elaine Paige, illustrating her broadening career in media.
2012: Barbara Windsor Becomes Patron of Amy Winehouse Foundation
In 2012, Barbara Windsor became a patron of the Amy Winehouse Foundation, showing her support for the charity established in memory of her late friend, Amy Winehouse.
July 2013: Announcement of Barbara Windsor's Return to EastEnders
In July 2013, it was announced that Barbara Windsor would return for a special episode of EastEnders, marking her continued association with the show.
September 2013: Barbara Windsor's Special Episode of EastEnders
On 20 September 2013, Barbara Windsor returned to EastEnders for a special episode, reaffirming her iconic status as Peggy Mitchell.
April 2014: Barbara Windsor's Alzheimer's Diagnosis
In April 2014, Barbara Windsor was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease but chose to keep the diagnosis private, sharing it only with friends and colleagues.
September 2014: Barbara Windsor's Single Episode Return to EastEnders
Barbara Windsor made a single episode return to EastEnders on 25 September 2014, showcasing the enduring popularity of her character, Peggy Mitchell.
November 2014: Honorary Doctorate
In November 2014, Barbara Windsor received an honorary doctorate from the University of East London.
2014: Barbara Windsor Unveils Amy Winehouse Statue
In 2014, Barbara Windsor unveiled a statue of Amy Winehouse in Camden Market, honoring her late friend and contributing to her legacy.
February 2015: EastEnders 30th Anniversary Special
In February 2015, Barbara Windsor participated in the EastEnders 30th anniversary special, EastEnders: Back to Ours, alongside Pam St Clement, celebrating the show's history and their characters' dramatic moments.
November 2015: Barbara Windsor's Secret Filming for EastEnders
In November 2015, Barbara Windsor secretly filmed a return to EastEnders, which was broadcast in January 2016. This surprise appearance was part of her character's final storyline.
January 2016: Broadcast of Barbara Windsor's Secret EastEnders Episode
Barbara Windsor's secretly filmed return to EastEnders was broadcast in January 2016, marking the beginning of her character Peggy Mitchell's final storyline.
May 2016: Final Appearance of Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders
On 17 May 2016, Barbara Windsor made her final appearance as Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders, concluding her long-standing role on the show.
2016: Peggy Mitchell Departs EastEnders
Barbara Windsor's character, Peggy Mitchell, was killed off from EastEnders in 2016, marking the end of her time on the show.
2016: Barbara Windsor Reprises Voice Role in 'Alice Through the Looking Glass'
In 2016, Barbara Windsor reprised her voice role as the Dormouse in 'Alice Through the Looking Glass', continuing her involvement in the film series after her previous work in 'Alice in Wonderland'.
2016: Barbara Windsor Switches on Blackpool Illuminations
In 2016, Barbara Windsor was invited to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations, 57 years after her co-star Jayne Mansfield had done so, marking a celebratory moment in her career.
2016: Alice Through the Looking Glass Release
Windsor reprised her voice role as the Dormouse in Alice Through the Looking Glass in 2016.
2016: Made a Dame
Barbara Windsor was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2016 for her services to charity and entertainment.
2016: DBE Award
Barbara Windsor was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to charity and entertainment.
May 2017: Barbara Windsor's Cameo in the Biopic 'Babs'
In May 2017, Barbara Windsor appeared as herself in a cameo role in the BBC Television biopic 'Babs', which depicted her life and career, highlighting significant events such as her marriage to Ronnie Knight and her roles in the Carry On films.
May 2017: Hackney Empire Walk of Fame Induction
On May 25, 2017, Barbara Windsor was inducted into the Hackney Empire Walk of Fame.
2017: Babs Release
In 2017, a TV biopic titled "Babs" was released, focusing on the life of Barbara Windsor. Jaime Winstone and Honor Kneafsey played younger versions of Windsor, while Samantha Spiro played the older Windsor.
May 2018: Public Revelation of Barbara Windsor's Alzheimer's Condition
On 10 May 2018, Barbara Windsor's husband, Scott Mitchell, publicly revealed her Alzheimer's condition, bringing attention to her health struggles and raising awareness about the disease.
January 2019: Dementia Campaign with London Marathon Participation
In January 2019, Scott Mitchell and Barbara Windsor's former EastEnders co-stars announced their participation in the London Marathon to support a dementia campaign, highlighting Windsor's ongoing health challenges.
August 2019: Barbara Windsor and Scott Mitchell Become Alzheimer's Society Ambassadors
On her 82nd birthday in August 2019, Barbara Windsor and her husband Scott Mitchell became ambassadors for the Alzheimer's Society, launching a campaign to unite against dementia and urging governmental action on the issue.
August 2020: Barbara Windsor Moves to a Care Home
In August 2020, it was reported that Barbara Windsor had moved into a care home in London as her Alzheimer's condition progressed, marking a significant change in her living situation.
December 2020: Death of Barbara Windsor
Barbara Windsor passed away in December 2020.
December 2020: Death of Barbara Windsor
Barbara Windsor passed away on 10 December 2020 at the age of 83 at Anita Dorfman House, a Jewish Care home in Stanmore, North London. Her death marked the end of a celebrated life and career.
December 2020: Tributes to Barbara Windsor on EastEnders and Beyond
Following her death in December 2020, the next episode of EastEnders was dedicated to Barbara Windsor. Tributes were paid by her co-stars, entertainers, politicians, and members of the Royal family, highlighting her status as a national treasure.
January 2021: Barbara Windsor's Funeral
Barbara Windsor's funeral took place on 8 January 2021 at Golders Green Crematorium, where her body was cremated. The service was attended by notable figures and featured floral tributes referring to her iconic roles, though attendance was limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
January 2022: Peggy Mitchell's Voice Featured in EastEnders
On 25 January 2022, an episode of EastEnders featured the voice of Peggy Mitchell, using archived audio of Barbara Windsor. This tribute aired after Windsor's passing, connecting her legacy with the show's ongoing narrative.