Yootha Joyce came up through Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop before moving into television and film. She became best known for playing Mildred Roper, the socially aspiring wife of landlord George, in the sitcom Man About the House (1973–1976), which regularly drew audiences of over 24 million. The character's popularity led to the spin-off George and Mildred (1976–1979), built around Mildred's relentless efforts to climb the social ladder. Despite this huge success, Joyce struggled with typecasting and ill health in her final years, dying from liver failure at just 53.