Virginia Anne Northup, Lady White (24 April 1946 – 5 June 2004), known professionally as Virginia North, was a British model and actress. She was best known for her role as Vulnavia, the titular character’s assistant, in the cult horror film The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971). She was married to Gordon White, Baron White of Hull, from 1974 to 1991.

Virginia North
Lady White
Born
Virginia Anne Northrop

(1946-04-24)24 April 1946
London, England
Died5 June 2004(2004-06-05) (aged 58)
East Sussex, England
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)Actress, model
Years active1967–1971
Spouse
(m. 1974; div. 1991)

Life and career

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Born Virginia Anne Northrop in London to a British mother and a U.S. Army father, North spent her early years in Britain, France, Southeast Asia and finally Washington, D.C., following her father's military postings. By the mid-1960s she had returned to Britain, where she worked as a model, specialising in swim wear. In 1968, she joined the newly established London agency Models 1.[citation needed]

North began her film career with small parts in the Bulldog Drummond film Deadlier Than the Male (1967) and the Yul Brynner vehicle The Long Duel (1967). She returned to film two years later as Robot Number Nine in Some Girls Do (1969), the second in the Bulldog Drummond franchise, and as Olympe in two short scenes in the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969).[1]

The 1969 Department S episode "The Mysterious Man in the Flying Machine" marked her only television appearance.

Her last role was as Vincent Price's silent assistant, Vulnavia, in the horror comedy The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971).[2]

Personal life

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In 1974, North married the industrialist Gordon White.[3]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1967 Deadlier Than the Male Brenda
1967 The Long Duel Champa
1969 Some Girls Do Robot No. 9
1969 On Her Majesty's Secret Service Olympe
1971 The Abominable Dr. Phibes Vulnavia (final film role)

References

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  1. ^ "On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)". BFI Screenonline. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  2. ^ Eric Weber. "Cult Movies Showcase: The Abominable Dr. Phibes". Turner Classic Movies. Archived from the original on December 17, 2007.
  3. ^ Nicholas Faith; Richard Griffiths (August 24, 1995). "OBITUARY: Lord White of Hull". The Independent.
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