Eirian Iola Gregory (15 September 1946 – 21 November 2017) was a Welsh actress. She was best known for her role as Jean McGurk in the long-running S4C soap series Pobol y Cwm.[1]
Iola Gregory | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1946-09-15)15 September 1946 Hammersmith, England |
| Died | 21 November 2017(2017-11-21) (aged 71) Llandwrog, Wales |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1977–2017 |
| Known for | Jean McGurk in Pobol y Cwm |
| Spouse | |
| Partner | Gerallt Lloyd Owen (d. 2014) |
| Children | 2; Angharad and Rhian |
Gregory's mother, Millicent "Millie" Gregory, was a Welsh language campaigner for the Welsh Language Society who died of a heart attack. Her father, Oliver Gregory, was manager of National Westminster Bank in Aberystwyth.[2]
Gregory started acting professionally in the 1970s. In 1977, she co-founded Theatr Bara Caws, a community theatre in Caernarfon.[1] She began starring in S4C's Pobol y Cwm as Jean McGurk in a recurring role in 1987. She left the series in 1997, but made further appearances as the character in 1999 and 2002.[3] She was later cast in the S4C programmes Rownd a Rownd and Porthpenwaig.[4]
Gregory also had roles in the Welsh-language films Coming Up Roses (1986), Dal: Yma/Nawr (2003).[5]
Gregory was married to Welsh actor Robert Blythe until their separation. The couple had two daughters, Angharad Elen and Rhian Alaw. Angharad is a writer and television producer, and Rhian also became an actress.[5] She later in a relationship with poet Gerallt Lloyd Owen, and remained together until his death in July 2014.[6]
Gregory died with her daughters by her side on 21 November 2017 in Llandwrog, at the age of 71.[1][3][7]