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SIGN UPEdwina is a delightful female name of English origin, meaning "Rich/Prosperous Friend." It is a feminine form of the male name Edwin, originating from Old English and signifying "rich friend." Initially popular until the Norman Conquest, the name experienced a revival during Victorian times. Notable individuals bearing this name include Australian journalist Edwina Bartholomew, American actress Edwina Booth, and British writer and former Member of Parliament Edwina Currie. In addition to real-life figures, Edwina has also been featured as a character in various fictional works, such as in the film "National Velvet" and the television series "Bridgerton." With a rich history and a charming meaning, Edwina is a name that exudes warmth and prosperity.
Edwina Cynthia Annette Mountbatten, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, was an English heiress, socialite, and relief worker, known for her role as the last vicereine of India. Born in 1901 to a prominent family, she inherited great wealth from her maternal grandfather, Sir Ernest Cassel, and later married Louis Mountbatten, a member of the British royal family. The wedding of Edwina and Louis Mountbatten was a highly publicized event, attended by royalty and dubbed the "wedding of the year."During the Second World War, Edwina Mountbatten played an active role in humanitarian efforts, serving as Superintendent-in-Chief of the St John Ambulance Brigade and assisting in the repatriation of prisoners of war in South East Asia. She received several honors for her contributions, including the American Red Cross Medal and appointment as a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.As the vicereine of India from February 1947 to June 1948, Edwina Mountbatten focused on relief efforts and organized cholera vaccinations and sanitation facilities for the people of India during the tumultuous post-Partition period. Her dedication to humanitarian work earned her widespread praise.Throughout her life, Edwina Mountbatten's remarkable philanthropy and social activism left a lasting impact, and she is remembered as a compassionate and influential figure in British history.
Edwina Currie, born on October 13, 1946, is a British writer, broadcaster, and former politician. She served as a Conservative Party Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire from 1983 to 1997 and was a Junior Health Minister for two years. Currie gained notoriety after resigning in 1988 during the salmonella-in-eggs controversy, where her warning about salmonella in British eggs caused a significant decline in egg sales, leading to her nickname "Eggwina." In 2002, the publication of her diaries revealed a four-year affair with colleague John Major, who later became Prime Minister. Despite controversy surrounding her decisions, she remains an outspoken public figure known for her strong opinions. Currie is also a successful author, having written six novels and four works of non-fiction. She has appeared on various media platforms, solidifying her reputation as a media personality. Currie's early life saw her born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Liverpool, and she later pursued higher education at Oxford and the London School of Economics. Her political career included serving as a Birmingham City Councillor before her time as an MP. After leaving politics, Currie continued to make headlines with appearances on popular TV shows and her refusal to accept a ministerial position from Prime Minister John Major.
Edwina Findley, also known as Edwina Findley Dickerson, is an accomplished American actress recognized for her diverse roles in both television and film. Born in Washington, D.C., Findley's acting journey began with appearances in theater productions before she made her television debut in the recurring role of the acclaimed HBO drama series The Wire. She has since showcased her talent in various productions, including the HBO series Treme, the Oprah Winfrey Network drama If Loving You Is Wrong, and notable films such as Middle of Nowhere, Insidious: Chapter 2, and Get Hard. Findley's performance in the 2015 drama film, Free in Deed, earned her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female nomination. Her notable roles continued to expand, with appearances in series like Fear the Walking Dead, Chicago Med, and the Netflix murder-mystery series, The Residence. Findley's versatility and dedication to her craft have solidified her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Edwina Sandys, born on December 22, 1938, is a renowned English artist and sculptor. She is the daughter of Duncan Sandys and the granddaughter of Winston Churchill. Sandys began her career as a visual artist in 1970, following a stint as a Sunday Telegraph columnist and novelist. One of her notable works, "Breakthrough," features eight sections of the Berlin Wall and is displayed at Westminster College in Missouri. Another prominent piece, "BreakFree," is exhibited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York. Sandys also created the Millennium Arch sculpture at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. In addition to her artistic achievements, she has authored books such as "Edwina Sandys Art" and "Social Intercourse." Recognized for her contributions to British cultural interests in New York, Sandys was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1984 New Year Honours. She has been married twice and has two sons. Sandys' remarkable career and artistic legacy continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Edwina Booth, born Josephine Constance Woodruff, was an American actress best known for her role in the 1931 film Trader Horn. Born in Provo, Utah in 1904, she was the eldest of five children. Despite suffering from hypoglycemia, she pursued a career in acting and was discovered by director E. J. Babille while sunbathing on a California beach. Booth's career took a dramatic turn during the filming of Trader Horn in East Africa, where she contracted malaria and suffered from multiple illnesses and injuries due to the challenging filming conditions. This experience led to a lawsuit against MGM, where she claimed inadequate protection and clothing during the shoot. Despite a successful legal battle, her acting career never fully recovered, and she retired from the spotlight. In later years, she sought medical treatment in Europe and ultimately withdrew from public life. Edwina Booth's story remains a compelling and cautionary tale of the challenges faced by actors in the early days of Hollywood.
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