Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actress Sally Ann Howes has died at the age of 91.
The much loved actress - who played Truly Scrumptious, the feisty and modern daughter of the wealthy sweet factory owner, passed away on Sunday aged 91.
Sally made her first appearance in the film Thursday's Child at just twelve years old and after she replaced Julie Andrews in My Fair Lady on Broadway she became widely recognised.
She starred in Brigadoon in 1963 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical.
Five years later, in 1968, came her Chitty Chitty Bang Bang role where she won legions of fans with her charms and talents.
One of her much loved scenes is as the wound-up figurine in the “Doll on a Music Box" number.
She said of that moment, which had around 150 extras looking on:" They put me up on this box and off I went. And I got it in one take!”
Sally returned to the theatre despite her movie success because she loved the live interaction.
She said: "I would have liked a film career, but I didn't pursue it – I just loved connecting with an audience.
"The theatre is a drug. The problem is that to be remembered, you have to do films."
Her other theatre roles included What Makes Sammy Run?, The King and I, and Cinderella.
In February 1958 when she became Eliza Doolittle in Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady she was thrilled to be part of such a production.
She told Playbill in 2007: “It was absolutely wonderful when you’re in probably the greatest show that’s ever been written. It’s certainly up among the top 10.
“"I enjoyed it immensely. I loved the American audiences, I loved the show, and I enjoyed being in America. Broadway at that time was the capital of musicals.”
Sally married Broadway composer Richard Adler in 1958 , adopting his two sons after their beloved mother passed away.
She also tied the knot with Andrew Maree briefly before marrying British literary agent Douglas Rae in 1973 who passed away in September after 48 years of wedded bliss.
Hearing of her death one fan said: "Sad news approaching Christmas The Scrumptious Sally Ann Howes RIP xx"
Another added: "Very sad to hear that Sally Ann Howes, Truly Scrumptious, passed away this week. She brought so much joy to all our lives in the iconic Chitty role. RIP."
And a third said: "I adored “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” when I was a kid, was right up there with “Mary Poppins” and “Bednobs and Broomsticks’ and “Pete’s Dragon” - she will be remembered fondly in our childhood memories by me and my siblings, singing along in my Grandpa’s old car."
