AceShowbiz - Barbara Leigh-Hunt, the beloved actress who graced the big and small screens for seven decades, has passed away at the age of 88. She died peacefully on September 16 at her home in Warwickshire, England.

Leigh-Hunt's star shone brightest in Alfred Hitchcock's penultimate film "Frenzy" (1972), where she portrayed Brenda, one of the victims of Barry Foster's "Necktie Murderer." Her performance on the acclaimed BBC adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" (1995) as Lady Catherine de Bourgh alongside Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle further cemented her status as a television icon.

Throughout her career, Leigh-Hunt showcased her versatility by appearing in films such as "Henry VIII and His Six Wives" (1972), "Bequest to the Nation" (1973), "Oh Heavenly Dog" (1980), "Billy Elliot" (2000) and "Vanity Fair" (2004). She also made significant contributions to theater, both in the West End and on Broadway.

Leigh-Hunt received an Olivier Award in 1993 for her portrayal of Sybil Birling in an NT revival of J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls". Her stage credits also included memorable performances as Lady Bracknell in "The Importance of Being Earnest", Ophelia in "Hamlet" and Big Mama in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Born in Bath, Somerset on December 14, 1935, Leigh-Hunt began her career at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and later joined the Old Vic company in London. She traveled with the company to Broadway in the 1950s and later appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

Leigh-Hunt's life was marked by both triumph and loss. She was married to actor Richard Pasco from 1967 until his death in 2014. She is survived by a legacy of unforgettable performances that will continue to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.

Donations in memory of Barbara Leigh-Hunt can be made to The Royal Theatrical Fund or Denville Hall.