Zena Marshall


Zena Moyra Marshall was a British actress of film and television, who was born in Kenya.

Early years

Although she was born in Nairobi, Zena Marshall grew up in Leicestershire following her father's death and her mother's remarriage. Marshall was of English, Irish and French descent.

Career

Marshall attended St Mary's, Ascot and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She worked with Ensa during the Second World War.
Marshall first acted on stage. Her film career began with a small role in Caesar and Cleopatra, with Claude Rains and Vivien Leigh. Her exotic looks resulted in her being cast in "ethnic" roles, such as Asian women, including her role as the Chinese character Miss Taro, in the first James Bond film, Dr. No. She also appeared in Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines as the Countess Ponticelli, and made numerous television appearances. Her last film performance was in The Terrornauts in 1967.

Personal life

Marshall married bandleader Paul Adam in 1947 and later wed Alexander Ward, before her final marriage, to film producer Ivan Foxwell. All these unions were childless.

Death

Zena Marshall died of cancer in 2009, aged 83. She was interred in St Thomas a Becket Churchyard, Skeffington, Harborough District, Leicestershire, England.

Filmography

Film

Television