Jeannette Charles, the actress famed for her striking resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II and subsequent appearances in Naked Gun and Austin Powers has passed away at the age of 96. The iconic lookalike died in a care home located in Great Beddow, Essex, on Sunday, surrounded by her family. Notably, Jeannette lived to be the same age as Her Majesty The Queen.
Her uncanny likeness to the Queen was first recognised back in 1971 and lead the way for a successful television and film career that spanned until 2014. She was widely acknowledged as one of the industry's best impersonators. As touching tributes poured in, her daughter Carol Christophi released an emotional statement where she beautifully recalled: "Mum was a real character and a force of nature.
She had an amazing life." Further exemplifying Jeannette's respect and admiration for the royals, Carol added: "She was always respectful of the Queen and adored the Royal Family . We will miss her dearly.
" Speaking in May 2022, just months before Queen Elizabeth II's death in September that year, Jeannette recalled how she began her career as a lookalike. Writing in the Guardian, the late star explained how she spotted an advert in a local paper regarding artist Jane Thornhill’s portrait-painting service. "I loved the finished piece, and Jane asked if she could submit it for the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition," Jeannette penned.
"They assumed the painting was of the Queen and contacted Buckingham Palace , who said she ha.
