Glenda Jackson, the Acclaimed British Actor and Politician, Passes Away at 87

London — Glenda Jackson, a highly acclaimed performer who won two Academy Awards and later entered politics as a British lawmaker, has passed away at the age of 87. Jackson’s agent Lionel Larner confirmed her death, stating that she peacefully passed away at her home in London after a brief illness. Larner also mentioned that she had recently finished filming “The Great Escaper” alongside Michael Caine.

Jackson was one of the biggest British stars of the 1960s and 70s, and she received Academy Awards for her performances in “Women in Love” and “A Touch of Class.”

After her successful acting career, Jackson transitioned into politics and served as a Labour Party lawmaker for 23 years. She even held the position of Minister for Transport in Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government. However, her views diverged from Blair’s when it came to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Jackson publicly expressed her deep shame over Blair’s decision and predicted the disproportionate harm the war would cause to vulnerable populations.

Following her departure from politics in 2015, Jackson returned to acting and delivered some of her most acclaimed performances, including the title character in Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” She shared her experiences with CBS News.

In 2019, Jackson made a triumphant return to film after a 25-year hiatus with the movie “Elizabeth is Missing.” Her performance as a woman with Alzheimer’s attempting to solve a mystery earned her a BAFTA award, the British equivalent of an Oscar.

Tulip Siddiq, Jackson’s successor as the Labour lawmaker for the London seat of Hampstead and Kilburn, expressed her devastation at Jackson’s passing. Siddiq described Jackson as a formidable politician, an amazing actress, and a supportive mentor. Siddiq tweeted, “Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda.”