Anna Karen, Olive, On the Buses - Starting out and getting cast in On the Buses

Here's a little more from an interview with the wonderful Anna Karen recorded over 20 years ago. Anna played Olive in the classic TV comedy series and all three of the feature films.
The interview is part of our recent feature length documentary On the Buses at the Movies that celebrates the 50th anniversaries of the classic British comedy film series, On the Buses, Mutiny on the Buses and Holiday On the Buses. The documentary goes behind the scenes, looks at the making of the films and reflects on the their enduring appeal.
The documentary includes contributions from former cast members Reg Varney, Anna Karen Stephen Lewis and Andria Lawrence, production supervisor Roy Skeggs, writers and producers Ronalds Chesney and Wolfe, production runners Brian Reynolds and Phil Campbell, On the Buses Fan Club organiser Steve Luxton, film historian Morris Bright MBE and Dean Sullivan, managing director of Sullivan Buses.
On the Buses at the Movies is currently available on our VOD Channel.
Here's a link: vimeo.com/ondemand/onthebuses...

[@Wheelstar72]

I met Anna when I was a child she came to my special needs school she was so nice to me.

[@movieandtheatrelover5587]

I met Anna as well. She was one of my teachers when i was in stage school and taught in the drama class. She was a lovely woman and helpful to.

[@thisiszaphod]

Lovely lady - I could listen to Anna talk all day.

[@Torana-gz5ls]

Loved On the buses growing up. Have the box set and watch it regularly to this day. So sad to hear of Anna Karen's death earlier this year. Was a very popular show here in Australia.

[@joanne26]

When I learnt of the death of Anna I was shocked Died in her house from a fire that engulfed it. I suspect the fumes got her. I heard that she had some mobility and health problems As a kid I remember watching On The Buses. I don’t think I missed an episode. It’s still being shown on ITV and I laugh as much now as then RIP Anna 🤩😁🤩🤩😢♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@paulmartin4971]

Fantastic lady great interview so many great memories RIP Anna.

[@sarahperry2510]

great actress miss her R.I.P

[@coconuciferanuts339]

Olive wow.You(still are) great.Such a funny sketch on the buses with Reg Varney,his mate & Snudge. But you definitely stood out as fantastic.Thanks,Olive.

[@terencemeikle534]

On The Buses was, and is, British TV comedy of the highest distinction. Olive has a special place in my heart ❤️

[@nuttylivett2713]

God bless her xxxx it’s very strange in one off the episodes the cistern her mum was going on about olive smoking and falling asleep in bed how strange xx god bless all on the the buses 😢xxxxxxxx

[@Arfabiscuit]

I remember my family always talking about on the buses and i watched it in the late 70s . It didn't disappoint

[@rhettcorbett3346]

After putting up with Arthur. What a legend. RIP Anna Karen.😪😪😪

[@iwasglad122]

I've always been impressed that this wonderful lady never sought to distance herself from OTB. She was justly proud of her work. Often we see actors becoming a little too 'lofty' when they are reminded of their early appearances when they were not yet really established. Remind Martin Shaw about 'The Professionals' or even Frances De La Tour about 'Rising Damp', and just watch their faces!!!

[@jeffreyrobinson2155]

Olive was my favorite character and stan was a hero. I drove Bus's here in Australia and i can tell you there was not much difference I knew a few Stans and Inspectors over here.

[@bathbadgerking]

RIP Anna Karen

[@jeffcook3747]

RIP Ms. Karen

[@Runaway26]

Rip. Seems to be a lovely woman.

[@JaredGriffiths2000]

R.I.P. To her.

[@davepangolin4996]

You can just about pick up a South African accent ,,, interesting

[@jazzflute2465]

Legend