QUEEN Elizabeth II’s lookalike, who featured in Naked Gun and Austin Powers, has sadly died aged 96.
Jeannette Charles passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday in a care home in Great Beddow, Essex.
The star, who reached the same age as the late monarch, featured in many beloved movies.
Jeannette rose to fame in 1971, when her uncanny resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II was spotted.
She was always respectful of the Queen and adored the Royal Family. We will miss her dearly
Carol Christophi
She would go on to earn herself a successful career in television and film until 2014 – regarded as one of the best lookalikes in the entertainment industry.
The icon featured in a string of on-screen roles, from The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash, The Naked Gun and Austin Powers In Goldmember.
In an emotional tribute, daughter Carol Christophi, said: “Mum was a real character and a force of nature. She had an amazing life.
“She was always respectful of the Queen and adored the Royal Family. We will miss her dearly.”
Jeannette was born on 15 October 1927 and originally had trouble launching her acting career due to her likeness to the Queen.
She instead found work as a secretary but everything changed in 1972.
The legendary lookalike had a self-portrait commissioned as a present for her husband and it was displayed at the Royal Academy in London.
Spectators mistakenly assumed the painting was a portrait of Her Majesty.
The artwork was disqualified as the rules stated pieces were to be painted from real life subjects in person.
When people discovered Jeanette had been used as the model, her name made headlines across the media.
Almost overnight she became a screen sensation, with advertisement offers and acting jobs.
To perfect her impersonations, Jeannette studied the Queen’s voice and soon landed major roles.
Jeannette Charles films
- Leos Leiden 1976 – The Queen
- Secrets of a Superstud 1976 – The Lady
- Queen Kong 1977– HM The Queen, uncredited.
- All You Need Is Cash, or The Rutles, 1978 – A Queen of England
- National Lampoon’s European Vacation 1985 – Queen Elizabeth
- Nipagesh Bachof 1987 – Queen of England
- The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! 1988 – Queen Elizabeth II
- The Parent Trap 1998 – Queen Elizabeth II, deleted scene.
- Tusenårsfesten 1999 – Queen Elizabeth II
- Austin Powers in Goldmember 2002 – Queen Elizabeth II
