Wendy Richard Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Wendy Richard MBE (1943-2009) was a beloved English actress best known for her roles in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders and the sitcom Are You Being Served?. Born Wendy Emerton, she grew up in the Shepherd’s Tavern at 50 Hertford Street in the fashionable Mayfair district of London, where her parents were publicans. The building, now commemorated with a blue plaque, was Wendy’s home from 1948 to 1953 during her childhood years.

Wendy’s acting career spanned over five decades. She first gained prominence in the 1960s and 70s with her comedic turn as Miss Brahms in the long-running BBC sitcom Are You Being Served?. In 1985, she took on the role of matriarch Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, a part she played for 21 years until 2006. Her powerful performances earned her numerous awards and accolades.

In 2000, Wendy was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to television. Sadly, she passed away in 2009 after a battle with breast cancer. The blue plaque at her childhood home in Mayfair serves as a tribute to her life and her significant contributions to British entertainment. Located in the City of Westminster, an area renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and ties to the arts, the plaque is a fitting memorial to one of England’s most cherished actresses.