Barbara Ferris, the British actress best remembered for her brief but memorable role as barmaid Nona Willis on the iconic soap opera Coronation Street, has died at the age of 85. She passed away on May 23, 2025, her family confirmed, though the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Ferris's career spanned decades and mediums, from television and film to stage and dance. Born in London as the second of two children to Dorothy and Roy Ferris, she began her acting journey as a teenager at the Italia Conti stage school, supplementing her family's income by working in commercials and pantomimes. Alongside acting, she also had a career in modelling and dance, performing notably in Bob Fosse's production of The Pajama Game.
In 1961, Ferris landed the role of Nona Willis, a barmaid at the famous Rovers Return pub on Coronation Street. However, her time on the soap was short-lived. She left after just 10 episodes, citing difficulties with mastering the northern Lancastrian accent required for the role. Despite the brevity of her stint, the part cemented her place in British television history.
Her film career was equally varied and noteworthy. Ferris appeared in the 1964 horror film Children of the Damned and starred as Dinah in the 1965 musical film Catch Us If You Can, where her character famously eloped with Dave Clark. This role remained a cherished memory for many fans, with one describing it as a "core memory" from childhood. She also shared the screen with cinematic legends such as Laurence Olivier in A Pair of Briefs (1962), Oliver Reed in The System (1964), and John Cleese and Donald Sutherland in Interlude (1968).
Ferris's final film appearance came in 1990 with Peter Medak’s gangster drama The Krays, in which she portrayed Mrs. Lawson. After that, she retired from acting to focus on her family and to accompany her husband on international work trips, living in homes across Ireland, Zurich, and London.
Her personal life was as rich as her professional one. In 1960, she married film producer John Quested. Their honeymoon was notably brief—a single night at the Dorchester hotel—before she embarked on her professional stage debut. The couple had three children: Nicholas, Christopher, and Catherine.
Barbara was also the elder sister of Pam Ferris, an acclaimed actress known for roles in Matilda, Call the Midwife, and as Marge Dursley in the Harry Potter films. Pam once credited Barbara with profoundly changing her life. After Barbara emigrated to New Zealand with her husband and their infant, she encouraged Pam’s family to join them. Pam recalled a phone call with Barbara that deeply moved her family, leading to their relocation. "It was wonderful to be close to my sister again but there was so much more that I loved about my new surroundings," Pam told MailOnline.
Barbara's family was notable for other achievements as well. Her sister Liz Ferris was a champion springboard diver who won a bronze medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics, showcasing a family legacy of talent across arts and sports.
Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues alike since news of Barbara Ferris's passing became public. Many praised her quiet grace and unforgettable presence on screen. One fan wrote on social media, "Absolutely gutted to hear about Barbara Ferris. She had such a quiet grace on screen — Catch Us If You Can was a core memory from my childhood. Rest easy, Dinah." Another added, "RIP to Barbara Ferris - unforgettable in The Krays. That voice, that presence. We were lucky to have her, even if briefly." A former colleague recalled, "Barbara was one of the kindest, most generous actors I ever worked with. Her laughter lit up every set we shared. It was an honour just to be around her."
Beyond her acting, Ferris also contributed to the world of fringe theatre, producing and financing two compilation shows at the King’s Head in Islington. She took on challenging roles, including a leading part in Edward Bond's controversial play Saved, which highlighted the cultural frustrations of youth on government benefits in 1960s London. The play faced censorship, but garnered support from luminaries like Laurence Olivier, who defended its importance in public discourse.
Barbara Ferris's death marks the loss of a versatile and cherished figure in British entertainment history. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances, her impact on family, and the fond memories shared by fans worldwide.
