Biography
Ruth Sheen (born 1952) is an English actress.
Born in London, Sheen began her career by training at the East 15 Acting School, and has appeared regularly on British television and in British films since 1988. On television, she had recurring roles as Nanny Simmons in Berkeley Square (1998), and as Nurse Ethel Carr in the series Bramwell (1995–1998). She has also appeared as four different characters in six episodes of The Bill between 1989 and 2004.
She has also appeared in five Mike Leigh films: in the female lead role of Shirley in High Hopes (1988); as Laughing Woman in Secrets & Lies (1996); as Maureen in All or Nothing (2002), as Lily in Vera Drake (2004) and as Gerri in Another Year (2010). Her role in High Hopes won her the Best Actress award at the 1989 European Film Awards.
In 2007, she played the role of Lyn, opposite Ben Whishaw's Steven, in the world premiere of Philip Ridley's stage play, Leaves of Glass at the Soho Theatre, London.
She also plays the mother of Jim Sturgess's character, Jamie, in Philip Ridley's feature film, Heartless.
Filmography
Cast Credits

The Thursday Murder Club
Character: Aunt Maud
MOVIE • 2025

Touch
Character: Mrs. Ellis
MOVIE • 2024

The After
Character: Tabatha
MOVIE • 2024

Hijack
Character: Elaine Atterton
TV • 2023

Sweetly It Turns
Character: Joy
MOVIE • 2023

Cyrano
Character: Mother Marthe
MOVIE • 2021

The Nevers
Character: Mrs. Beechum
TV • 2021

It's a Sin
Character: Sandra
TV • 2021

Gangs of London
Character: Deborah Devereux
TV • 2020

Brassic
Character: Kath
TV • 2019

VS.
Character: Fiona
MOVIE • 2018

The Woman in White
Character: Mrs. Clements
TV • 2018

Strike
Character: Pat Chauncey
TV • 2017

Prime Suspect 1973
Character: Renee Bentley
TV • 2017

A Street Cat Named Bob
Character: Elsie
MOVIE • 2016

SuperBob
Character: Pat
MOVIE • 2015

Unforgotten
Character: Lizzie Wilton
TV • 2015

A Royal Night Out
Character: Jack's Mum
MOVIE • 2015
The One and Only Mike Leigh
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2014

Mr. Turner
Character: Sarah Danby
MOVIE • 2014