Jeannette Charles dead: Queen Elizabeth II lookalike dies at amazingly poignant age
British actress Jeannette Charles was best known for her uncanny resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II and roles in Austin Powers and Naked Gun.
Jeannette Charles, the celebrated doppelganger of Queen Elizabeth II, has sadly died aged 96.
Known for her roles in Naked Gun and Austin Powers, the renowned impersonator passed away at a care home in Great Beddow, Essex, on Sunday, with her loving family by her side.
Remarkably, Jeannette reached the same age as the monarch she so famously resembled.
Her career as the Queen's lookalike was sparked in 1971, leading to a distinguished run in television and film that lasted until 2014. She was hailed as one of the best impersonators in show business.
Amidst heartfelt tributes, her daughter Carol Christophi shared a poignant statement, saying: "Mum was a real character and a force of nature. She had an amazing life."
Carol also highlighted Jeannette's deep respect for the monarchy: "She was always respectful of the Queen and adored the Royal Family. We will miss her dearly.", reports the Mirror.
In May 2022, months before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September, Jeannette reminisced about the start of her lookalike journey.
In an article for the Guardian, she recounted discovering an advert in a local newspaper for artist Jane Thornhill's portrait service.
Jeannette, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Queen, shared her fascinating story: "I loved the finished piece, and Jane asked if she could submit it for the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition," she wrote.
The mix-up that ensued is straight out of a British comedy the painting was mistaken for one of the Queen, leading Buckingham Palace to clarify that Her Majesty had not sat for it, resulting in Jane's disqualification from the exhibition.
She recounted the media frenzy that followed: "When she arrived at the gallery to collect her work, she was pounced on by journalists. After that, my phone didn't stop ringing I was interviewed for newspapers, magazines and radio, and an agent said my resemblance to the Queen could be a money-spinner."
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The next four decades were a whirlwind of celebrity encounters and unique opportunities for Jeannette.
"I handed out gifts with Liberace and presented a silver disc to the band Queen. The only time Ken was impressed was when he got to meet Muhammad Ali, who had requested a photograph with me," she reminisced.
Jeannette also expressed pride in her television appearances: "I'm proud to have featured on Blue Peter," and detailed her involvement with various entertainment legends.
She even turned down a risque request from Ali G, maintaining her poise and dignity: "I sat in when the Spitting Image team were modelling their puppet of the Queen, and contributed to candid camera-type shows and skits for the Goodies, the Rutles and Spike Milligan, though I gave short shrift to Ali G when he asked me to drop my knickers as I got into a limousine."
Throughout her illustrious career, Jeannette portrayed Queen Elizabeth II on numerous occasions, including appearances in films such as Queen Kong, All You Need is Cash, National Lampoon's European Vacation, Naked Gun and Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Besides her film roles, Jeannette also graced the small screen, with a memorable stint on Saturday Night Live in 1977.
She even made a surprise appearance in the Big Brother house in 2009, leaving one contestant believing they had met the actual monarch.
Jeannette retired from acting in 2014 and lived out her days in Danbury, Essex.
