Hilary Heath

Biography

Hilary Dwyer, also known by her married name Hilary Heath, was an English actress and film producer, renowned for her roles in British horror films and her later work behind the scenes in the film industry.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 6, 1945, in Liverpool, England, Dwyer was the daughter of Frederick Dwyer, an orthopaedic surgeon. She showed early talent in the arts, studying ballet and piano, and later attended the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She trained in repertory theatres and appeared on stage at the Bristol Old Vic.

Acting Career

Dwyer began her acting career in the mid-1960s, gaining recognition for her performances in several British horror films produced by American International Pictures. Her notable roles include:

Witchfinder General (1968)

The Oblong Box (1969)

Cry of the Banshee (1970)

Wuthering Heights (1970)

In addition to her film work, Dwyer performed on the London stage, further establishing her versatility as an actress.

Transition to Producing

In 1974, Dwyer married talent agent Duncan Heath, with whom she had two children. Together, they founded Duncan Heath Associates, a talent agency that later became part of ICM Partners. The couple divorced in 1989.

Under her married name, Hilary Heath, she transitioned into film production. Her producing credits include:

An Awfully Big Adventure (1995)

Rebecca (1997, TV remake)

The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (2003, TV remake)

Jamaica Inn (2014, miniseries)

Later Life and Passing

In her 60s, Dwyer pursued a master's degree in psychology from Oxford University and became a certified cognitive behavioral therapist. She worked as an addiction counselor, often volunteering her services to those in need. Hilary Dwyer passed away on March 30, 2020, at the age of 74.