Joan Sims is a name that immediately brings to mind classic British comedy, especially for fans who grew up watching the beloved “Carry On” films. It’s no surprise that British audiences remember Joan Sims most fondly for her memorable performances in this long-running and wildly popular series. Known for its cheeky humor, slapstick antics, and playful innuendo, the “Carry On” franchise gave Joan Sims the perfect stage to shine—she appeared in an impressive 26 of the films, becoming one of its most recognizable faces. Among all those roles, Joan Sims reportedly had a special soft spot for Carry on Cowboy, a hilarious spoof of Westerns set in the fictional Stodge City—a clever nod to the legendary Dodge City.
But while the “Carry On” series defined much of her early fame, Joan Sims didn’t slow down when the curtain closed on that era. She smoothly transitioned into new projects, proving her versatility as an actress. One standout role came in the heartwarming sitcom As Time Goes By, where Joan Sims brought warmth and wit to a story about enduring love—following a couple separated by war and decades, only to reunite later in life. Her chemistry with fellow cast members, including Dame Judi Dench, was undeniable.
Earlier in her career, Joan Sims also shared the screen with true legends. In the TV movie Love Among the Ruins, she appeared alongside icons Katharine Hepburn and Sir Laurence Olivier in a poignant tale about a celebrated stage actress fighting to protect her reputation amid false accusations. It was a powerful reminder that Joan Sims could hold her own in serious drama just as well as in comedy.
In what would be her final performance, Joan Sims once again joined forces with Dame Judi Dench in The Last of the Blonde Bombshells, a touching and nostalgic TV movie centered around a reunion of an all-female swing band. It was a fitting farewell for Joan Sims—an actress whose talent, charm, and enduring presence left a lasting mark on British entertainment. From raucous farce to heartfelt storytelling, Joan Sims truly lived a remarkable career.
When it comes to Joan Sims’s film career, one standout performance that really shines is in Doctor in the House (1954), which happens to be her highest rated movie. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised her role in this classic, making it a clear favorite among her body of work. On the other hand, Joan Sims also appeared in Carry on Camping (1969), a film that, despite its popularity with some audiences, ended up being her lowest rated movie. While Joan Sims brought her signature charm and comedic flair to both films, the reception between them couldn’t have been more different. Still, each role contributed something unique to Joan Sims’s enduring legacy in British cinema.