Jeannette Charles, the Queen Elizabeth II lookalike who appeared in iconic films such as The Naked Gun and Austin Powers, has sadly passed away at the age of 96. Born in 1927, Jeannette rose to fame in 1971 when her uncanny resemblance to the Queen was noticed. Despite initially struggling to launch her acting career due to her likeness, she eventually found success and became one of the best lookalikes in the entertainment industry. Her daughter, Carol Christophi, paid tribute to her mother, describing her as a force of nature who adored the Royal Family. Jeannette’s impressive filmography includes roles in movies such as The Rutles, National Lampoon’s European Vacation, and Austin Powers in Goldmember. Her career spanned several decades until 2014, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved and talented actress.
Jeannette Charles dead at 96: Late Queen Elizabeth’s lookalike who starred in Austin Powers and Naked Gun dies
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.
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Jeannette Charles passed away on Sunday in a care home in Great Beddow, EssexCredit: Roger Crump – The Sun
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She appeared in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! in 1988Credit: Alamy
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Jeannette rose to fame in 1971, when her uncanny resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II was spottedCredit: Getty
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 ChristophiJeannette’s daughter
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
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Jeannette earned herself a successful career in television and film until 2014Credit: Roger Crump – The Sun
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