Introduction
Sally Thomsett (born 3 April 1950) is an English actress who was born in Sussex, England. She appeared in the film The Railway Children (1970) and played Jo in the TV sitcom, Man About the House (1973–76. She also appeared in the film, Straw Dogs (1971).
The Railway Children
In 1970, Thomsett was cast as the 11-year-old Phyllis, despite the actress being 20 years old at the time, three years older than Jenny Agutter, who played her older sister, Bobbie. Her contract forbade her to reveal her true age during the making of the film, and she was not allowed to be seen smoking, drinking, driving her car, or in the company of her boyfriend during the shoot. She did have experience of playing girls, and the Edwardian smocks disguised her bust. Even the film crew were unaware of her age, and they gave her sweets while treating Agutter as nearly an adult. She did, however, make an appearance on BBC children's television shortly after, where the interviewer said, "I wouldn't dream of asking a lady her age, but you're obviously quite a bit older than the part you played in the film". She received a nomination for the BAFTA Film Award for Newcomer to Leading Film Roles.
Personal life
Thomsett is married to Paul Agnew, a landscape gardener; they have one child, Charlotte Agnew.
Filmography
- Seventy Deadly Pills (1964)
- Danny the Dragon (1967)
- The Railway Children (1970)
- Straw Dogs (1971)
- Baxter! (1973)
- Man About the House (1974)
Television
- Dead End Creek (1965, TV series)
- The Very Merry Widow (1967-68, TV series)
- Take Three Girls (1969-70, TV series)
- Softly, Softly: Taskforce (1970, TV series)
- Wicked Women (1970, TV series)
- Z-Cars (1970, TV series)
- Shirley's World (1971, TV series)
- Doomwatch (1971, TV series)
- The Fenn Street Gang (1971, TV series)
- Man About the House (1973, TV series)