Rita Gemma Craven (née Gabriel; born 1 June 1950) is an Irish actress. Her father, Gabriel, was a bus conductor and her mother, Lillian, was a dancer and comedienne on the music halls, Gemma made her debut at the age of 3 singing 'Out of my Heart' at the Marymont Hall in Dublin and won 1st prize. The family eventually moved to Westcliff on Sea when she was 9 and her father worked on Ford's production line. Gemma's first professional part was in 'The Flower Drum Song'at the Little Theatre then became ASM at the Palace Theatre, Westcliffwhich was her first full time job while her first professional stage role was in 'Cinderella' in 1960.

Filmography

• My Life in Film — Mrs Jones
• 2001The Hole — Mrs. Dunn
• Midsomer Murders — Judy Hicks
• 1997The Last Bus Home — Reena's Mother
• Father Ted — Polly Clarke
• 1994Words Upon the Window Pane — Mrs. Mallet
• 1993The Man Who Cried — June
• 1993The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• 1992Double X: The Name of the Game — Jenny Eskridge
• Heartbeat — Judy Dean
• Robin of Sherwood — Lilith
• The Bill
• 1982East Lynne — Barbara Hare
• 1979She Loves Me — Amalia Balash, Vocals
• 1979Why Not Stay For Breakfast? — Louise Hamilton
• 3-2-1
• 1978Kingdom Of Gifts — The Unhappy Princess
• Pennies from Heaven — Joan Parker
• Romance — Emily
• 1976The Slipper and the Rose — Cinderella
• Hell For Leather

Appearances as themselves (2)

• 2007The 50 Greatest Television Dramas — Self
• Noel's Telly Years — Self