Claire Nielson was best known for playing glamorous guest Mrs Hamilton in the iconic episode of the BBC sitcom
Claire Nielson, who has died aged 89
An actress from the legendary sitcom Fawlty Towers has passed away at the age of 89. Claire Nielson appeared alongside John Cleese in one of the show’s most unforgettable episodes.
Nielson took on the role of glamorous guest Mrs Hamilton, who checks into the Fawlty Towers hotel with her American husband. In the sketch, her husband has a heated confrontation with Basil over a Waldorf salad, which lent the classic episode its title.
The memorable scenes featured in the second series of the programme. The episode culminates with an irate Fawlty ejecting all guests from his hotel, reports the Mirror.
Upon hearing of her passing, admirers of both the show and the actress shared their condolences online.
One Twitter/X user posted: “#rip to the wonderful Claire Nielson, actress from Fawlty Towers’ Waldorf Salad episode, among many other UK TV appearances.”
Another commented: “Sad news. Claire Nielson was part of the charm that made Fawlty Towers so memorable. Thoughts with her family and fans.”
A third paid tribute on Facebook: “R.I.P. Claire Nielson of Fawlty Towers, Scotch and Wry and Rab C. Nesbitt.”
In the past, Nielson had spoken about her agent’s anger when she disclosed she had taken the role. They worried that playing such a character would damage her career prospects.
She recalled at the time: “Back then, pretty young women who did light entertainment stopped being offered dramatic parts but I’d always preferred comedy, so I didn’t care.” Beyond her iconic role in Fawlty Towers, Nielson graced numerous beloved programmes. She was a familiar face in The Two Ronnies sketches, frequently taking on female characters.
Her television credits also featured The Dick Emery Show, Upstairs Downstairs, Z-Cars, Taggart and Monarch of the Glen.
During the 1960s, she had a significant role in the crime drama Ghost Squad. She also brought Barbara Grant to life in the 1971 film adaptation of Kidnapped.
Outside of her acting career, Nielson flourished as a talented painter. She authored a children’s book titled The House at Strone, an adventure story set in the post-war era.
Additionally, she wrote a manual on grandparenting and enjoyed cooking and playing piano as hobbies. Neilson was instrumental in establishing the Drama Pool in Stratford-upon-Avon, where she conducted acting workshops for schoolchildren.
In 1994, Nielson wed her long-term partner, actor Paul Greenwood, recognised for his portrayal of PC Michael “Rosie” Penrose in the BBC sitcom Rosie.
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