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Ruth Madoc

Ruth Madoc
Born: 16 APR 1943
Place of Birth: Norwich, but brought up in Llansamlet
 

Famous For: Actress renowned for playing Gladys Pugh in TV's 'Hi-de-Hi'

Good Morning Campers! Hi De Hi!

Trivia: Ruth played Fruma Sarah in the film "Fiddler on the Roof"

Biography: Ruth played the role of Gladys for eight years between 1980 and 1988, becoming a firm household favourite in the process. The sitcom was set in the late 1950s and followed the exploits of the quirky team at a 'Maplins' Holiday Camp.

Gladys Pugh, the camp's Chief Yellowcoat, was described as the 'Vamp From The Valleys' - a woman relentless in her pursuit of the Entertainment manager Jeffrey Fairbrother.

On stage Ruth has done everything from Shakespeare to musicals, co-starring with the late Harry Secombe in "Pickwick", playing Dorothy Brock in "42nd. Street" and an 80 year old Jewish mother in "Gypsy".

In 2000 she played the role of Mrs. Ifans in "Very Annie Mary" alongside fellow Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce.

Recently Ruth and her husband/manager John Jackson have bought a house in the small town of Glynneath. They hope to use this for holidays and as a place to stay if she has television or theatre work in Wales.

During June 2003 Ruth was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Swansea Institute of Higher Education.



Helen from the West Midlands says:
"I have been a massive fan of Ruth Madoc since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I've seen her many times on stage and have met her twice, once at the Lowry after a performance of 'A Murder Is Announced' when she was so sweet and lovely. And after 'Cinderella' in Blackpool when she let me have a photo taken with her and an autograph and again, was fantastic, so down to earth!"

Roy Hayes says:
"I met Ruth Madoc when I was about three or four years old. I was chose to present her with flowers at Chichester. My mum has also met her a couple of times as well. I think she is wonderful in Hi De Hi; it is so funny!"

Jackie is a big fan of Ruth:
"I adore Hi De Hi and I managed to buy series one and two. I think Ruth Madoc was brilliant as the hardworking and lovestruck Gladys Pugh. She is great in straight or comedy acting, keep up the good work Ruth."

Eileen has contacted us from Manchester:
"I am very excited as I have just met Ruth Madoc. She is filming a new series today and tomorrow to be transmitted next year for Granada TV with Griff Rhys Jones at our place of work - Hulton Lane Day Hospital. Unfortunately I mistook her for a tea lady as she was dressed in an old coat and white wig! She was a very amused when she thought I had mistaken her. She was very pleasant and easy to get on with and asked alot about where I worked. I think she is a lovely lady and obviously doing an enormous job trying to raise thousands of pounds for charity."

Moment of Glory: Nationwide fame as the Vamp of the Valleys - Gladys Pugh, in 'Hi - De - Hi'

Comment on this story

Audrey Simpson, Dublin
Absolutely love Ruth Madoc. Does anyone know if a DVD was made of the musical 'Hi Di Hi? I would love to meet her. I am watching 'Hi Di Hi' again on a back-to-back basis - the whole nine series - when the last one finishes I start them again. Wish she had been in 'You rang m'lord' - she would have been great as the fathers mistress. You lucky people above to have worked with her.
Wed Apr 29 12:57:05 2009

ray hall
I remember the show and the two yellow coats, the Web twins. I grew up with the twins in Mistley Essex but am the same age as their younger brother Terry.
Mon Sep 29 15:47:20 2008

Rachael Constable newmarket
I would love to find out how to contact ruth as she grew up with my mother and so far e-mailing her fan page has not worked! any suggestions! x
Wed Jul 30 13:41:39 2008

eloise ireland
Ruth was amazin as the part of ms hannigan!! jst finished workin back stage with the cast of annie!! really miss them all.
Tue Aug 28 10:55:06 2007

Anna from Dublin
I have just finished in the production of "Annie", as one of the orphans, July, and Ruth played Miss. Hannigan! She was brillant at the part and really made the show! She was so great and lovley to work with aswell!
Wed Aug 15 12:27:09 2007

Thomas Meurs, the Netherlands
I just want to say, that it was through my parents I learned to love English comedy. And believe me I’ve seen them all. There are so many great actors, and Ruth is one among them, the only extra thing she did was setting my little schoolboy’s child heart on fire in her appearance as Gladys Pugh in "Hi di Hi". Thanks Gladys…
Mon Oct 16 11:13:54 2006

Leslie Chandler, Gloucester
Can anyone tell me how to get hold of any musical recordings of Ruth?
Mon May 22 10:52:58 2006

Rosemary Moore, London
I absolutely love Ruth, especially as Gladys Pugh and I adore her Welsh accent!! Hilarious character and a wonderful role model!
Mon May 15 10:26:41 2006

Cari from Pant -Y- Ffordd
I am only 14 going on 15 years old but I love watching the antics of the Maplins crew.Ruth Madoc was excellent as Gladys there would have been no one better to play her.Just like Dad's Army, Hi-De-Hi is a classic thanks to the brilliant writing of Jimmy Perry and David Croft. These great comedies are being brought to a new generation. Absoulutely Marvellous. Da iawn i chi gyd!!!!!
Sat Feb 25 14:29:13 2006

Alan McKenzie, Oakville, Ontario
I was lent a copy of the video "Hi De Hi!" as I am rehearsing for a Welsh play "Trivial Pursuits" in Mississauga, Ontario. Quite apart from the laughs we had I just delighted in Ruth's charming Welsh accent and that incidentally has helped me enormously, (my normal accent is English). Also Ruth is just adorable!!
Tue Dec 13 23:32:06 2005

Phil Marriott from Southampton
I was lucky enough to interview Ruth for a radio interview to promote her appearance in Annie the musical. She was down-to-earth, funny and sincere - unlike so many other celebrities in her field.
Wed Nov 2 20:34:01 2005

john price from rotherham ---orriganaly porthcawl
Yes a good actress---I remember seeing her in a television version of Dylan Thomas' under milk wood and since that scene of her in the water have always thought what a good looking lady she is.
Wed Sep 14 16:44:05 2005

Andrew Davie, Japan
I was young at the time, but her performance in Hi De Hi was absolutely memorable. A strong performer and very talented.
Tue Aug 16 07:41:02 2005

Rob Evans from the Isle of Man
Big fan. Ruth was fantastic and very funny. Plus very good looking.
Sun Aug 14 17:54:18 2005

Russell, London
I could just cry.
Tue Aug 2 18:24:36 2005

Jamie Ross, Renfrew
I am a massive fan of Hi-de-Hi. When it came out I did not even exist because I am only 18. But you have just got to love Gladys Pugh and the relationship with Mr Fairbother. I wish the two had got together in the end, and the way she picked on Sylvia (Slyvia get your hands out of your pockets!)and most of all the annnouncements (Hi-de-hi) (ho-de-ho!).
Sun Jul 10 21:30:47 2005

Heather - St. Helens (Lancashire)
I remember watching 'Hi de Hi' when I was younger, and have just bought up to series 4 on dvd! Gladys was my fave character - I think she is great and would love to meet her!! Any news about if she is doing any plays at the minute? I heard that she was? I would love to go!!
Sun Jun 12 23:24:31 2005

Dave, Nuneaton
I was Ruth's chauffeur at Nuneaton Carnival 2004. Love you Ruth x
Thu Jun 9 19:14:23 2005

Dave from Grand Cayman
I'm still in love with Ruth - why do we not see her more often on our television screens?
Thu May 26 19:41:49 2005

Jim May
Superb actress and a joy to watch. Nice hair before her time.
Wed Apr 20 20:09:22 2005

Garry from Dinbych
I'm so in love with her... Liz Hurley is not a patch on my Ruthie!
Wed Feb 9 18:36:49 2005

Karen Roberts and Barry Daniels
We are sitting here having a glass of wine learning lines for the a panto and discussing Ruth and reminising about her and saying what a wonderful person she is and not fogetting John her hubby! Great to see the new show she looks great.
Thu Dec 2 23:41:20 2004

Maria from Chesham
Hi-de-Hi was a wonderful comedy programme. Although I was only 14 at the time I enjoyed every minute. Gladys Pugh was my favourite character. It is a pleasure to be able to watch the show again on DVD. Ruth is a great actress and a very pleasant lady too. Very Best wishes for the future Ruth.
Wed Dec 1 15:49:27 2004

John, Florida
Ruth is great. She does more with a look than others do with reams of dialogue. Her performances are a joy to watch.
Sat Nov 27 03:04:39 2004

Jill Williams, Pontypridd
Hi di Hi was brilliant and Ruth Madoc was fabulous as Gladys Pugh - I've never met anyone who doesn't think so. I always watch the reruns on UK Gold. Plus my friend Julia Hann looked exactly like her.
Fri Nov 19 15:07:54 2004

Neil from Suffolk
I have just seen Hi De Hi again on DVD. I was 13 when it was first transmitted and was in love with Ruth Madoc. I still am! Great Series!
Mon Nov 15 10:04:18 2004



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