Biography

Hazel’s career started when she was three years old in Ireland. Her many credits include starring roles in Oklahoma, Annie Get Your Gun and numerous Gilbert & Sullivan productions. Hazel played opposite Ray McAnally and Milo O’Shea as the lead in the musical Carrie, before continuing her career in London with work on LWT and ITV. On stage, Hazel succeeded Barbra Streisand in the title role of Funny Girl at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Following this, Hazel became involved in the film industry, travelling with her late husband, the film director Peter Collinson, before returning to London. Best known for her appearance in the cult 1969 film “The Italian Job”, her screen work included films such as “My Hands Are Clay” (1959) and “Target of an Assassin” (1976), alongside Anthony Quinn and John Phillip Law. She was also among the original performers at RTÉ following the launch of Irish television, contributing to its formative years. Her TV career included appearances in productions such as the anthology series “Love Story”, and she toured widely, performing in summer seasons alongside Tommy Cooper.