Sarah Churchill is the only child of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Winston Churchill, and his wife, Clementine Churchill. She was born on 7 October 1914 in St Margaret’s, Westminster, London and was raised in both her parents’ homes in the family estate at Chartwell in Kent and their home in London.
Sarah is widely recognized for maintaining close relationships with both of her parents throughout their lives and representing her father in later years. As well as being the daughter of one of the world’s most recognizable statesmen and a British icon, Sarah forged her own career in the entertainment industry as an actress, scriptwriter and cabaret artist, and was the mother of the former actress and model, Lady Celia Vestey.
Early Years and Education
Sarah was born into a privileged family, surrounded by wealthy and influential people. She was raised by nannies at Chartwell and had little contact with her parents during her childhood. Her mother hired a prominent teacher, Piers Butler of Ireland, and later Baron of Dunboyne, to be Sarah’s tutor and he and his wife, Evelyn, had a major influence on Sarah’s upbringing. She attended some of the best schools in the country and became a talented dancer, which was encouraged by her father. Later in life, Sarah enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and gained a drama scholarship in 1932, although she did not finish her studies due to the early death of her father in 1965.
Acting Career and Marriage
Sarah began her show business career in 1940, as a cabaret artist at the Kit Kat Club in London. She occasionally wrote her own material for the music hall stage and was known for her witty, off-the-cuff remarks. She continued performing for several years and earned a modest living from her performances.
In 1942 she married Christopher Soames, a British politician, and the couple had two children, Celia and Rupert.
In 1945, Sarah Churchill made her film debut in the British film, Everything’s Happening. She was also married to actor, Vyvyan Oliver, however the couple divorced in 1952.
Later Years and Writing
Although she had only a handful of roles in films, Sarah enjoyed a wide and varied career in television and theatre. She made many appearances on television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Stu Erwin Show, Celebrity Squares and The Hollywood Palace. She also wrote for television, including the BBC series, Celebration and BBC’s Sunday Night Theatre. One of her most noted works was the play, The Prime Minister Bans the Bombs, which was critical of Britain’s nuclear weapons policy at the time.
Sarah was very close to her father and often visited him in the last few years of his life. She kept a diary of her time with him during this period, which was later published in a book titled ‘Sarah: Sir Winston Churchill’s Daughter.’ She never remarried and passed away in 1982 in London, aged 67.
Legacy
Sarah Churchill was well-known in her time as the daughter of one of Britain’s most distinguished leaders. She is remembered today as much for her own accomplishments as for being the daughter of a revered public figure. She is a strong example of an independent woman who was not afraid to be outspoken and create her own career in the entertainment industry.
Apart from her acting and writing career, Sarah had a deep devotion to her father. She was often seen accompanying him in public and quoted as saying about him: “He was more like a great big brother. He was kind and he was fun.” Sarah is also remembered for being a loyal and devoted mother, who maintained close relationships with her two children and eight grandchildren throughout her life.
Sarah Churchill is remembered for many reasons – as a warm and loving daughter of Sir Winston Churchill, an independent and talented actress and writer, and a loyal and devoted mother. Her legacy is an example to all of the possibilities that one can pursue if they have the passion and courage to take the leap. Though she was the daughter of a beloved statesman, Sarah forged her own unique career in the entertainment industry and shown that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
