Anna Karen talks On the Buses, Olive and Cast Members - A Tribute to Anna Karen

A tribute to actress Anna Karen who we sadly lost yesterday (22nd Feb 2022). Anna was best known for playing Olive in the long running On the Buses TV series and the three spin-off feature films.
She was a kind, warm hearted person, so down to earth, beloved by fans of On the Buses and EastEnders.
Anna was a contributor to our recent documentary, On the Buses at the Movies. The interview was recorded in 2002 by Morris Bright and it's thanks to him that we're able to include Anna in our doc, and to be able to pay this tribute to a wonderful actress, and a wonderful person.
On the Buses at the Movies is a feature length documentary that celebrates the 50th anniversary of this classic British comedy film series. We go behind the scenes with contributions from cast and crew, including Reg Varney, Anna Karen, Stephen Lewis, Andria Lawrence and writers Ronald Chesney and Ronald Wolfe, who look back on the making of the films and reflect on the their enduring appeal.
Here's a few links for more info:
OUT NOW on our VOD Channel: vimeo.com/onde...
Hope you enjoy it.
Web Page: rabbitandsnail...
Official Trailer: • On the Buses at the Mo...

[@fatwalletboy2]

The lady knew exactly how to play Olive in manner and dress......RIP Anna.

[@mikemurdoch9882]

RIP Young Olive

[@fenlandhobbit2307]

I loved On The Buses as a kid , very sad news ☹️

[@jacquelineclare2373]

Oh I didn't know, sad, very sad news

[@glynnevans1851]

@@jacquelineclare2373 Hi Jacqueline, like your self I didn't know till a few days after and I'm really sad about this especially the circumstances. Anna was Momentous in On The Buses and the comedy became part of our life n reminds me of the time n Fab to be young and luvly memories of my parents too. Kind regards Glynn n greetings from Stourbridge West Midlands

[@dee-smart]

Yeah I just looked at Wikipedia. She sadly died in her own home from a house fire that supposedly was not suspicious. Wow, but she managed to live to 85. The photo they have of her on Wikipedia doesn't even look like her. She was a good actress in ON THE BUSES that I remember seeing in the 1970s as a kid. RIP Karen.

[@teviottilehurst]

I was a kid in the early 70s. This programme was a real part of my childhood. 50 years ago. Where has the time time gone? Still watch episodes on KZbin.

[@alanbower9296]

SAME HERE, WELL SAID was a kid my self loved watching on the buses still do it was so funny I wonder if they could bring it back now a new series wonder would it work now a days 🤔👍

[@andywells397]

I loved her and the rest of the cast..another legend gone...

[@paulmetcalf6899]

Me too, those were the day's. original comedy not seen today.

[@FernandoPartridge]

Me too, my sister got the board game On the Buses for Christmas, we loved playing it with our other siblings, it sometimes caused arguments, but great fun.

[@robertgarrett4046]

@@alanbower9296 well they could give it a try Alan, On The Buses a great prog.

[@Muirton66]

RIP Reg, Anna, Doris, Stephen, Michael, Bob and Cicely, I have great memories from a fantastic series that take me back to a time when things were simpler and life was good.........thank you for your contribution.

[@StephanieLaerkeAndersen]

Anna, you were brilliant as long-suffering Olive. Never too frumpy, somewhat beautiful and always delightful. You were a real 60s and 70s icon. I hope you find your peace💔 X

[@paulcarruthers8646]

Thanks for making us all laugh girl 👏👏👏 rip

[@DrMoorehen]

Love and kisses Olive....

[@thecalling6139]

And that ladies and gentlemen is what used to be called an actress . RIP Anna 🙏

[@chilledoutpaul]

Thanks for all the laughs over the years, Now your all together up in heaven I bet your working on a new series up there! rip Anna and every one up there. On the Busses was part of my childhood AND I also stayed at the Pontins in Prestatyn the month before Holiday On the Busses was out in the Cinema (The Pictures) as it use to be called.

[@summerlouisesquires5848]

Olive: YOU SELFISH BIG

[@Esmeralda-gt6uf]

The dead "work" in heaven????

[@JulieWallis1963]

*you’re* *buses* As for _working_ after her death (poor cow) she’s dead! Are you simple?

[@talex1625]

@@JulieWallis1963 what a really, really nasty comment! Says a lot about you as a person.

[@michellejouvelet7678]

@@talex1625 Totally agree with you. I also thought it was a vicious comment to make especially after the horrific tragic circumstances Anna Karen died under. What a terrible way for her to go. Poor darling. If people haven't got anything nice to say then don't bother saying anything at all. I used to watch On The Buses when I was a young teenager and absolutely loved that show. I will always have very fond memories of Anna Karen in her role as Olive. She played the part really well as she also did in The Ragtrade. RIP beautiful Anna Karen. Cheers Michelle

[@animalsplayground2023]

I was just watching On The Buses when my sister told me Anna had died. I am totally gutted and in disbelief. What a terrible loss. That's all of them gone now. She will be sadly missed. God bless, Anna xx

[@mortuaryartist]

There is a wonderful meme with butler hanging out of the bus window saying ‘come on olive, it’s the last bus to heaven’

[@animalsplayground2023]

@@mortuaryartist Where can I see that?

[@dawnfinch8232]

They may be all gone but never forgotten

[@rajnirvan3336]

Brilliantly played character. RIP Anna

[@whysa4]

Sorry to hear the bad news , she gave me lots of laughs as a school kid

[@auntsally3058]

Rip olive … what an actress ❤️ she came and gave it her all , even enjoying a role that created a less beautiful persona and yet made it into a household name ❤️ this is in itself only a true actress can create , truly sorry to hear the news of your passing , WILL ALWAYS BE LEGENDARY OLIVE ❤️

[@peecee1384]

Well said 👍

[@danielnichols5632]

I had no idea she passed!! Sad.

[@zoomzoom885]

@@danielnichols5632 sadly she died in her house fire caused by a lit cigarette. She died 22/2/2022, bless her

[@roughchippy]

That was a lovely clip of a fine old original British comedy actress, from when the world wasn't politically correct maybe, but light hearted humour was accepted by all, such a shame the way she passed away, great memories of her and her co stars, RIP Olive.....

[@spanishpeaches2930]

...she was South African.

[@Deano4322]

She comes across as a thoroughly wonderful friendly person R.I.P. Anna Karen .

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

The role of Olive demonstrates what a great actress that Anna Karen (a former model) was. She was willing to “ugly up”, and she played Olive as a sympathetic character.

[@mariesahota1478]

I've been watching the series back to back for the LAST 3 months. RIP OLIVE

[@vordman]

What a lovely lady. RIP Anna Karen.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Sad news - God bless and thanks for all the laughs.....

[@Bladerunner4511]

So Sad another icon from my childhood taken from us loved on the buses sadly missed god bless her

[@gavc6442]

Rip Anna, thank you for all the laughs

[@daddybob6096]

Here in New Zealand, i heard on Talkback radio a mention of Anna's passing, a few days ago. Only us oldies will remember who she was and never forget the British humour her and many others brought into our lives. There was a mention the whole team from 'On the buses', have all gone now. RIP Anna Karen. Those were the days. Bob, 81. New Zealand.

[@memyself1566]

You are correct - she was the last of the team of On The Buses. She started life in South Africa and came to England in 1953 at only 17 years of age.

[@thetoiletinspector6878]

Another New Zealander here. I started watching On the busses, Are you being served etc in my 20's. (I'm 42 now) loved those old British shows. Preferred them to most stuff people my age were watching. Sad to read about Anna Karen and also Bob Grant.

[@jimcurry9901]

I read the news today, oh boy!!....... RIP #AnnaKaren (#Olive) .. we all love you xxxx

[@innovativeinnovation6629]

Rest in peace Karen you were really loved by all of your fans xxxx

[@molajat6133]

Anna Karen played the part brilliantly 👏. Just shows the depth of her acting abilities. We shall miss her

[@cheryldee7629]

I met anna once she was friend with the mum of somebody i knew.. Very down to earth Did not like talking about her Fame or atcing career. Really nice lady such a shame to go like this. RIP

[@711honved]

Who can ever forget her riding along in Arfur's sidecar! What a treasure she was. God bless Olive! RIP Anna.

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

I just heard the sad news. God bless you Anna for all the laughs and joy you gave us. RIP angel. xxx

[@hmatthieson811]

I remember olive from on the buses when I was a child was shocked to find out what had happened you will go to heaven because made me laugh xxxxx

[@zaaraha5092]

Although I didn't know her, I'm totally saddened for her death. I woke up this morning feeling sad Rest in Peace 🙏 🕊

[@paulmartin4971]

RIP Anna was deeply saddened to hear the news, thanks for all the laughs, will continue to be a on the buses fan till the day I die.

[@paul.h.8014]

Now all the main cast from a tv icon have reached the terminus off life..RIP Anna, hope they all kept you a seat on the top deck....

[@jackwright8921]

One of the best actresses of the 60/70s a beautiful lady utterly brilliant in everything she did from the rag trade to on the buses R.I.P Anne you were brilliant

[@Stansman63]

RIP Anna..thanks for all the laughs and good memories.

[@fran-kittyayers5329]

Dear Anna, thankyou for brightening our days, may you rest in peace reunited with Babs your long time friend, ♥️💕🌹💐

[@paullynton-green6570]

God bless Anna xxxxx.

[@darransykes3406]

RIP to a great comic actress and is sadly missed.... On The Buses was so much a part of my childhood growing up in the 70s, I still watch the comedy to this very day...

[@thesocialmediascientistmbe]

What an unbelievably tragic end to the last surviving member of one of the funniest and most sucessful ever British Comedies. A sad day.

[@lucywalker7898]

Rest in peace lovely lady x

[@leeatkin9583]

And with her sad passing, the whole cast has gone. Wonderful memories and fun was 'On The Buses'.

[@satos1]

It gives me chills that they have all past. Rest in Peace All!

[@leeatkin9583]

@@satos1 Amen to that. A great era of people and TV.

[@briangoudie3531]

Little Arthur is still alive

[@satos1]

@@briangoudie3531 Nice one. For a minute there I thought that you were talking about Michael Robbins who passed away in 1992. I was meaning the tv series and not the movies where Olive and Arthur were still childless.

[@zoomzoom885]

Rest in peace Anna, reg, Bob, Doris,Michael,and Stephen Lewis. On the busses is a pure classic sit com

[@j.roberts8760]

R.I.P Karen , you were & are still loved by millions of the old residents of the UK. We still watch On the Buses today. Absolutely brilliant. If we could go back to when this country was great & still produced programmes like this everyone would be alot happier. God Bless

[@johnrhodes2367]

I actually still have all the films. And from time to time, I watch them and still laugh out loud from them. RIP Olive 😢😔

[@stephenhowell834]

How fantastic to finally see/hear Anna. Born in 1964 Olive was never a romantic interest but did feel sad her (husband !) was not caring. Such a convincing family unit. And yes especially MUM. Thank you for post. Best wishes always.

[@briandoyle6188]

Just so sad what's happened to Anna Karen (olive) I nearly started crying because she was bedridden and in a fire....very sad ...but Anna did you make millions laugh olive was such a GRT character and that put down of Arthur about his operation, GRT 😊👍.... she'll be up there with the others....and I really do mean R.I.P....anna OLIVE....

[@Darts4544r4]

We got our new puppy last week and I named her olive after on the buses as I am a huge fan, never thought we’d lose Anna so soon after that

[@louiserowland9940]

Oh how sweet .Naming the dog Olive .❤❤❤

[@Paul-11]

Lovely woman met her and Fenella Fielding in 2013 at a photo signing, all they did was laugh and I have my pic taken between them both. RIP Anna. ❤️

[@raymondyardy7410]

ANNA BROUGHT JOY TO PEOPLE THROUGH COMEDY .RIP .

[@Lytton333]

'On the Buses' was almost frighteningly real when it came to the depiction of the day-to-day behaviour of a typical working class London family, and therein lay the secret of its phenomenal success. Everyone recognized the mutually antagonistic dynamics. The sniffy critics got it wrong when they said it was pantomime kitsch, it wasn't kitsch, it was hard edged realism! The ensemble playing was so natural. Blakey was just the icing on the cake.

[@janebaker966]

It might be horrific for the "woke" of today to admit you're right. Right about the antagonistic complexities of life in working class families in the 1970s. As you say it shows what a huge cultural divide there was then between "working" and "middle" class. Pre Thatcher? Did Mrs Thatcher or the express train of social change she started up change everything. Only from my own observation of life and society around me everyone is "middle class" now in that "ordinary people" like my neighbours (even me) go to the theatre,listen to classic FM,enjoy ballet performances,and not as an affectation,just part of life and they go to rock concerts and festivals too (but I don't). My local high street,only ten years ago as solid working class as they come now has a sourdough bakery with vegan cafe and a whole foods deli!

[@darrenmaclean6892]

RIP Anna, Thankyou for those wonderful memories in many many episodes of On The Buses. Probably the best British comedy ever produced. It was that Great and Good 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@davidanderson3425]

Tragic news today about Anna. RIP.

[@rogergreen9861]

So wonderfully refreshing to hear the actor behind the role. We sometimes would get articles in the press about Anna's life since On The Buses, but never could they capture her personality and nor would they attempt the backstories. Lovely too that she is so complimentary of her co-stars. That makes watching reruns more enjoyable, knowing they were getting on together in something they loved doing.

[@jnuttso1]

she was wonderful ❤ I was only watching her in on the buses yesterday what a terrible way to pass away

[@the_trooper_72]

Was sooo horrible to hear how this talented lady passed.. She will always be remembered as Olive! ❤️🙏🥰

[@darrencarr9176]

So sad god love you Anna many thanks for the laughs

[@bondvillain]

Anna as Olive was fantastic! She was what I would call a real British Treasure. She was just so much fun, especially when she was on the motorbike. I used to laugh like crazy! She really has left her mark as a true comic genius.

[@alistairmcdougall9625]

Olive was a fantastic character in a great comedy Anna you definitely held your own in a show that had so many good co-stars you certainly didn't fade into the background 🤩

[@christinecox6049]

I was a child when it was on tv, I remember laughing at the hilarious scenes with her and Arthur in that motorcycle and sidecar, years later my boyfriend got one and all i could think of was those two and the sidecar breaking away on its own down the road 😂

[@mahulad7298]

There couldn't of been any other actor alive that could of played the parts of these guys, absolutely fantastic.

[@terencebarrett2897]

Anna Karen rest in peace" we enjoyed the entertainment you gave us thank you" God Bless you Anna Karen, RIP"

[@markrhoden68]

As a kid with a father who drove buses in the Midlands you and the whole off the 'on the buses' team made us laugh no matter how many times we watched you. End of an era RIP 🙏😔

[@paperchain1239]

Always in our fantastic memories of you. No-one could have done it better. Loves you Anna.

[@cbcdesign001]

How terrible, just heard about the fire. RIP Anna Karen.

[@r4h4al]

Fire?

[@crystalball6358]

I worked on the buses for 7 years and there were so many real-life characters like the characters in the show! Our Inspector was definitely Blakey!

[@derekhorne8076]

Such terribly sad news. RIP Anna and thanks for the laughs and memories

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

RIP Anna. You were fantastic as Olive and one of the reasons On the Buses was up there with MASH as my all time Black comedy. So funny and so sad.

[@NotMarkKnopfler]

Bless her heart. Rest in peace xxx

[@derekharrison1582]

I remember her in Carry on Camping,scrapping with Barbara Windsor in the classroom,and at the campsite with the rest of her class mates.Its amazing just how different she looked without the Olive wig and make up😸(Carry on Camping:1969 & On the Buses:1969-1973) RIP OLIVE or as Arthur always called her in ON THE BUSES,’You stupid great lump’! Lovely woman😊

[@richardwroot7488]

Such sad news and such an awful way to go. May she rest in peace. Reunited with her friends

[@jasonwhitehurst4508]

such sad news.R.I P. Olive.

[@martinjameslewis5702]

she played a great part so sad

[@Coxy_Wrecked]

Britsh comedy from the 60's and 70's was a big part of my childhood and Olive from On the Buses was wonderfully played by Anna Karen and I adore the fact I can hear Olive in her 'posh' natural tones.. R.I.P

[@BB-wc9jx]

What wonderful memories of growing up with on the buses, great cast and one of the funniest british sitcoms of all time...Olive and Arthur could easily have had there own spin off series 😂 R.I.P Anna Karen ❤

[@sharoncarter4086]

Can't believe you've gone, how very sad. I'll miss you so much !! Thank you for all the laughs you gave us xxxx💜💜💜💜

[@lisaaman5822]

So heartbroken to hear what happened to Anna Karen, she was an Amazing Actress and I loved her playing Olive On The Buses, what a Legend, Rest In Peace Anna! 🙏😢

[@sexydudeuk2172]

Anna was one of my teachers when I was in stage school. Nice lady she was and helpful. May she RIP

[@EMS999ful]

Rest in peace Anna, terribly sad news, a great actress...thanks for all the laughs.

[@annesullivan177]

part of the soundtrack of my life as a kid, RIP Anna, what a lovely contributions you made to the world, Go well xxx

[@butterwortha1]

Loved this lady in "On The Busses", especially the swimming pool scene. RIP sweat hart.

[@janettaylor3988]

i am absolutely devastated that Anna Karen has just died at the aged of 85 of a fire rest in peace Anna God bless you and sweet dreams in heaven amen ➕ you was a good actress in on the buses and the rag trade she was a brilliant actress

[@LeeJohn70]

Very very sad news. Anna was a legend. R.I.P Anna, sadly gone, but never forgotten

[@mikeblade3095]

Such a sad ending. Thanks for the laughs, never to be forgotten. When TV was entertaining. Make em laugh up there!

[@Essexmark4]

Grew up watching Anna and the gang, wonderful cast, wonderful show, from a wonderful country that does not exist anymore, God bless you Olive, thank you for all the great memories. Badly missed.

[@captainretro9739]

Very sad news , happy childhood memories watching this lovely lady making so many people laugh. God bless and let’s hope the bus to the cemetery gates is on time xx

[@TheKkkl123]

On the buses was a can’t miss during growing up, loved the characters and olive was up there, thanks for the memories, RIP Anna 🙏 😔

[@stevestheboy1]

very very sad rip anna

[@Bustygirl-dz1wi]

Such a awful way to die I hope Anna didn't suffer she gave me so many hours of laughter watching on the buses RIP ANNA x

[@wakeup2theNWO]

How did she die?

[@TallSilentGuy]

@@wakeup2theNWO House fire.

[@andymatthews7617]

Tragic 😥😥😥😥

[@danielnichols5632]

@@TallSilentGuy Nooo!! 😮

[@tonyknight9912]

What a nice interview and tribute and how sad for her to end her life in such a way.

[@moirareid237]

Thank you for your great character you was amazing, sorry you passed in the way you did. God bless.xx

[@williamsterben]

Oh no. Such sad news. RIP.

[@paulwright9749]

She was wonderful as Olive. Great character, great actress 😂

[@owbeknackin9306]

RIP in piece my Lover, you'll all be forever remembered by leaving us a wealth of the best comedy around, God Bless.

[@mohatchett8001]

God bless to you Karen R.I.P May your bus take you to your heaven. x

[@craig1538]

That was a wonderful tribute. What a lovely lady. Bless her heart.

[@FrankJCarver]

So sad to hear of her tragic death. Olive and Arthur were great characters. They should have had their own show, like George and Mildred did. R.I.P, Anna.

[@WarmasAsunnedcat]

Bless her she was fantastic. Hope where ever you are now your happy 😊

[@michaelkelly7301]

On the buses one of my favourite classics and Anna and rest of cast will always be remembered fondly 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@TheFokker03]

How amazing an actress Anna was.as an On The Buses fan,i'll miss her,as she was the last of the Butler/Rudge family to pass away.RIP Anna Karen.

[@tonychuter4830]

And thank you very much kid thanks for the laughs thanks for the memories end of a era..

[@andrewduckett584]

A huge part of my childhood condolences to her family and friends thanks for the memories you gave many do many the belly laughs the tears of laughter God bless you Anna .. Olive

[@toddbrady183]

What a sad bit of news, Anna was awesome as olive but such a wonderful LADY. RIP 🌹💔🙏

[@bign3ck]

She was so funny, I used to laugh so hard as a kid. RIP We will always remember and miss you.

[@mingajinglilian8766]

Rip Anna you will always be remembered for olive a legendary character

[@weaton25]

Good for her we hear so many people slagging off these old TV shows for not being PC today I am so pleased to hear that she actually enjoyed making the programs as we enjoyed watching them.