University News Last updated 13 August 2014
“Lauren Bacall was a woman of independence and she was one of the last survivors of the great age of Hollywood movies”, said Stephen Simms, Director of Birmingham School of Acting, part of Birmingham City University.
The Oscar winning actress died at the age of 89 on Tuesday 12 August, after suffering a stroke at her New York home.
“As the 1950s political atmosphere in the USA reasserted stereotype roles for women in America, where women were defined by the men around them, Bacall found it difficult to find strong parts which matched those of her earlier career,” added Stephen.
“Lauren Bacall was one of my personal favourite actors and I was lucky enough to see her on stage as well as screen.
Stephen Simms
"Her autobiography is a candid and fascinating insight into the golden age of Hollywood and a career which began for Lauren at roughly the same age as most people enter drama school. She was a great inspiration for young actors.”