Ruth Sheen
Acting
Ruth Sheen (born 1952) is an English actress. Born in London, Sheen began her career by training at the East 15 Acting School, and has appeared regularly on British television and in British films since 1988. On television, she had recurring roles as Nanny Simmons in Berkeley Square (1998), and as Nurse Ethel Carr in the series Bramwell (1995–1998). She has also appeared as four different characters in six episodes of The Bill between 1989 and 2004. She has also appeared in five Mike Leigh films: in the female lead role of Shirley in High Hopes (1988); as Laughing Woman in Secrets & Lies (1996); as Maureen in All or Nothing (2002), as Lily in Vera Drake (2004) and as Gerri in Another Year (2010). Her role in High Hopes won her the Best Actress award at the 1989 European Film Awards. In 2007, she played the role of Lyn, opposite Ben Whishaw's Steven, in the world premiere of Philip Ridley's stage play, Leaves of Glass at the Soho Theatre, London. She also plays the mother of Jim Sturgess's character, Jamie, in Philip Ridley's feature film, Heartless.
Known for
Acting75
movieThe Thursday Murder Club
2025
Aunt Maud
movieTouch
2024
Mrs. Ellis
movieThe After
2024
Tabatha
tvHijack
2023
Elaine Atterton
movieCyrano
2021
Mother Marthe
tvThe Nevers
2021
Mrs. Beechum
tvIt's a Sin
2021
Sandra
tvGangs of London
2020
Deborah Devereux
tvBrassic
2019
Kath
movieVS.
2018
Fiona
tvThe Woman in White
2018
Mrs Clements
tvStrike
2017
Pat Chauncey
tvPrime Suspect 1973
2017
Renee Bentley
tvUnforgotten
2015
Lizzie Wilton
movieA Royal Night Out
2015
Jack's Mum
movieThe Trial of Elizabeth Gadge
2015
Elizabeth Gadge
movieMr. Turner
2014
Sarah Danby
tvInside No. 9
2014
Elizabeth Gadge
movieWelcome to the Punch
2013
Iris Warns
tvThe Mimic
2013
Mrs Hurdle
tvAccused
2010
Mo's Mum
movieThe Hardest Part
2010
Bus Lady
movieHeartless
2010
Marion Morgan
tvMisfits
2009
Maggie
Brave Young Men
2009
Stephanie Malloy
movieFanny Hill
2007
Mrs. Jones
tvFanny Hill
2007
Mrs Jones
movieRun Fatboy Run
2007
Claudine
movieA Class Apart
2007
Ruth - Candy's mum
Hush Your Mouth
2007
Mrs Collins
movieImagine Me & You
2006
Mrs Webster
movieFootprints in the Snow
2005
Lady Victualler
tvTwenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky
2005
Aunt Winnie
movieVanity Fair
2004
Miss Pinkerton
movieCheeky
2003
Tamara
movieAll or Nothing
2002
Maureen
movieLorna Doone
2001
Betty Muxworthy
tvLorna Doone
2000
Betty Muxworthy
tvNever Never
2000
Sandra
Bait
2000
Cafe Woman
movieDon Quixote
2000
1st Wench / Young Lady
movieVirtual Sexuality
1999
Jackie Lovett
tvBerkeley Square
1998
Nanny Simmons
tvThe History of Tom Jones: A Foundling
1997
Mrs. Harris
tvMidsomer Murders
1997
Valerie Horton
movieDifferent for Girls
1996
Nosy neighbour
movieSecrets & Lies
1996
Laughing Woman
movieSin Bin
1994
Viv Hastings
tvCracker
1993
Jean McIlvanney / Jean McIIvanney
tvPeak Practice
1993
Pauline Wadham
movieGhostwatch
1992
Emma Stableford (voice)
movieA Fatal Inversion
1992
Forensic Scientist
movieClubland
1991
Karen
Night Voice
1990
Helen Baldwin
movieHigh Hopes
1989
Shirley
movieThe Angry Earth
1989
Nurse Berry
movieLittle Dorrit
1987
Society Lady
tvCasualty
1986
Barbara George
tvScreenPlay
1986
Karen
tvScreen Two
1985
Viv Hastings
