Catherine of Aragon depictions over the years (1953-2020) - Who is the Best?

[@Courtneybenson907]

While Charlotte Hope is an accurate portrayal of Catherine’s appearance, Maria Doyle Kennedy is the best.

[@KaliBryant]

Definitely and she is one of my favorites. Now Anne Boleyn is my favorite queen but Maria Doyle Kennedy made you feel for Catherine.

[@reneenayfabnaynay5679]

@@KaliBryant I completely agree! MDK gave me a new respect for CoA.

[@louisewrangel7943]

Så ? . M!? V b.

[@louisewrangel7943]

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[@stephaniequerel8402]

I agree . Maria Doyle Kennedy is my pick

[@QueenAmethyst55]

Maria Doyle Kennedy's portrayal for me has been the most moving, gut wrenching, tear inspiring piece of acting I have ever seen. Absolutely mind blowing. She was magnificent in the role.

[@eamonndeane587]

Without a doubt one of the Best performances in The Tudors.

[@ayakotami3318]

Maria Doyle Kennedy will always and forever be my favorite Catherine of Aragon. She portrayed her so beautifully that I couldn't tear my eyes off the screen. She deserved all those rewards she got. After that Natalia Rodriquez.

[@lynneturner553]

Y.es I agree except that Catherine in reality had beautiful auburn hair. She is so often portrayed as a brunette. Mary was also a redhead.Catherine was a wonderful,strong,determined woman love always admired her.Henry a self centred man he didn't deserve her.

[@ayakotami3318]

@@lynneturner553 Same here about the hair.

[@bialessa6317]

Maria Doyle Kennedy will always be Catherine to me

[@Lily1127channel]

Yeah I also love her performance ❤ She was perfect in every scene.

[@Chuck0856]

Nope Annette Crosbie #1.

[@Lily1127channel]

Each to their own, I guess. For me, Crosbie is so cringe sometimes... That cry when Henry tells her about his will to divorce... Absolutely cringey and not good acting. But I know the 1970 acting standards were different, but still. On the other hand, Maria Doyle Kennedy's reaction to the same is just perfection Yes Crosbie's looks were very close to reality, but so were Charlotte Hope's, and that fact alone won't make you a good Catherine, acting skills will.

[@cindyaraya7317]

@@Lily1127channel I agree. That was a little overdramatic. Maria Doyle Kennedy was awesome.

[@tanyakasim3988]

I concur! 😊

[@some_metalhead]

It’s funny that Katherine is almost always portrayed as being dark haired, dark eyed, and olive toned when that was how Anne was famously described. It’s as if people think Spanish = Hispanic, when Hispanics from the Americas tend to look quite different than Spaniards from Europe. Katherine was known for her auburn hair, fair skin, and blue eyes, and unlike Anne, was deemed quite a beauty in her youth. Anne was alluring and had beautiful dark eyes, but was not a great beauty by any means.

[@nessyness5447]

It's because most people have the image of the gypsy cantaor/a and bailaor/a with the sevilla regional clothes when they think of spain. But those are literally the gypsy people who settled in spain, they have a romani ethnicity and their own particular culture. Spanish people ( as in the ones who descend from the ones who have been longer in the peninsula ) are for the most part of celtic genes.

[@jorgedominguez1957]

True and I agree

[@some_metalhead]

@@angiec2051 And Spanish is? I’m Hispanic on my mother’s side, with some of her ancestors hailing from Spain and others native to the Andes. Latin Americans are a mesh of several races, as well as native Americans and Europeans, whereas Katherine in the 1500s had white, European ancestry. Spanish people are from Spain, Hispanic or Latin American refers to those from or who have ancestors in Latin America.

[@some_metalhead]

@@angiec2051 Yes, but my point still stands that Katherine would have looked “white” as a European with her fair skin, auburn hair, and blue eyes, but in our modern day, when we hear Spanish, people think of Latin America, and darker hair, skin, and eyes, hence why her portrayals haven’t been the most historically accurate. There was no need to be a dick, dude, I’m half “Hispanic”, with both Spanish and native Andean ancestry, I’m not trying to offend anyone or be incorrect.

[@some_metalhead]

@@angiec2051 If self righteous is the case, then pot, meet kettle. Again, you completely missed the point of my original post, instead wanting to harp on me for a misuse of “Hispanic” which is a term we are both correct on: it’s typically a term used for those who are Spanish speaking AND from Latin America, but I will concede to not being as specific as I should have. You chose to add eye rolling and shrugging emojis to make your point come across as petty and immature. If my pointing out that several casting directors chose to intentionally portray Katherine of Aragon as looking more Latin American than European, how does that make me self righteous when the casting directors themselves would be the ones assuming people’s ignorance? You are self righteous in your post for saying people like me are wrong, while you are right. I think we both have the same idea, you chose to insult me in your reply. I’m tired of this thread, Angie, have the final word if you’d like. Enjoy the video ✌🏼

[@irawilliams343]

The Spanish Princess had the most accurate physical portrayal of Catherine of Aragon. All these portrayals of her being a dark-haired, dark-eyed and olive-skinned woman is a streotype.

[@bethanne1221]

Agree 1000%

[@borleyboo5613]

No, Annette Crosbie and Frances Cucka came very close to accuracy re Katherine’s appearance.

[@giuliac9735]

And that's the only accurate thing about it... Hehe

[@Atrilce]

Pero en carácter, no. La canadiense se acerca más.

[@rachalcross3371]

I loved how dignified and powerful Maria Doyle Kennedy's Catherine was, nothing will top her performance for me. (I do appreciate how more recent portrayals of her try to honor her younger years as well, but I feel we haven't had a depiction that gives her full story justice yet.)

[@ohmightywez]

Maria Doyle.Kennedy did an absolutely beautiful job. The scene where she walks with regal dignity across the tribunal floor, only to kneel at her husband's feet, place her head against his hand, and offer obedience in the most faithful humility. She was the daughter of the two most powerful monarchs in Europe at the time, Henry was the younger son of a bastard king with a tenuous claim to the throne he held. She was an amazingly strong person. I used to wonder what the western world would look like if Henry had not put aside Catherine, and executed Thomas More. The whole United States would be different. But there's no point in speculation. Perhaps my amazing husband who's family is from Chihuahua world never had existed, which would mean neither would our children. Most likely not me either, as Mary would have inherited the throne and then Mary Queen of Scots,.and there would have been no suppression of the Irish Catholic church, no famine, and no great Irish diaspora. Like I said, the western world would look entirely different.

[@krazzeeaj]

I love Maria Doyle Kennedy's Catherine. I can overlook her appearance being incorrect because she's just so good.

[@meginmd]

I'm glad to see a few red-headed Catherines. People seem to forget that she had English blood and was auburn haired!

[@Risperanto]

??? People, like you, seem to forget that Spaniards are withe and her being white had nothing to do with her “””””English blood””””””

[@hlwhhlwh2351]

The Plantagenets were French

[@maearcher4721]

That is actually not entirely true. I know, there is period description which says red-gold, but it actually ment reddish gold. Strawberry blond. Originals by Sittow prove it. Her hair was like liquid gold, not auburn.

[@davina3358]

@@Risperanto so what if the Spaniards are white? Aren't the English are white as well?

[@GoGreen1977]

​@@hlwhhlwh2351That French DNA became very watered down over the decades.

[@katherinecamargo8210]

Katherine of Aragon had blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair.

[@nicperrins4030]

Correct. A Spanish princess but a descendant of Edward III... with the Plantagenet strawberry blonde trait. The dusky image is incorrect.

[@Dparish24]

Annette Crosbie is the best in terms accuracy of Catherine's story as a whole. Irene Papas while doesn't look the part delivers a wonderfully sympathetic performance. Frances Cuka is also a fantastic with limited screentime and resembles the portraits the closest.

[@rayarena879]

Catherine was such an intelligent and brave woman. She fought against enormous odds--against a ruthless, powerful megalomaniac [and dare I say psychopath] without flinching, ever. My favorte actress is Annette Crosbie. From the portraits I've seen of Catherine, I believe she resembles the Spanish princess the most.

[@student05-bdes52]

She's the best Queen, and Annette crosbie is one of my favorites too

[@juliedurden1320]

She did an incredible job portraying Queen Victoria in the BBC series about Edward VII. All 13 episodes are available here on KZbin.

[@mellyreedMR]

Precisely. She was most accurate both from Holbein's paintings and her temperament as described by those who knew her in letters.

[@8698gil]

In "The Spanish Princess", Henry is depicted as a young man in his late teens, but he was actually a little boy of 10 when he first met Katherine.

[@GoGreen1977]

The moment I saw how Prince Henry was portrayed in "The Spanish Princess," I knew it was going to be a ridiculous series. I was right.

[@KyngofJewel]

The series Isabel got it right however, they made Henry VII too old.

[@picklesthewise]

Annette Crosbie probably was the best physical portrayal, but Maria Doyle Kennedy was the best actor.

[@shellc6743]

Exactly

[@morgana262]

I love seeing a young fashionable strong catherine compared to the dowdy grumpy version often portrayed in Anne Centric stories xx

[@bieuxyongson]

Maria Doyle Kennedy has been my favorite of the many portrayals of Catherine. I was surprised to find that Catherine of Aragon has a huge contemporary following in the UK and around the world.

[@kaedetachibana3884]

There is actually a festival celebrated in England in Queen Catherine’s honour to this day

[@athenaevarinya2340]

I prefer Maria Doyle Kennedy. While physically she does not fit the description of Catherine of Aragon that history has left us as well as some of the other actresses who played her, I like how her she spoke her lines with a Spanish accent. Some of the earlier actresses spoke with English accents, which makes no sense to me. My mother is Korean and while she speaks perfect English there is an accent or a cadence to her voice that you can pick up that tells you that she grew up speaking a language that was not English. While my mother was certainly older then the age that Catherine of Aragon was when she moved to an English-speaking country, I think the same thing would have happened to Catherine and her English would have been tinted with the cadence of her native Spanish as Maria Doyle Kennedy's portrayal gives us. Also I think Kennedy's portrayal gives us a nice balance of the Spanish temper of Catherine, but also how it was leashed by her devotion to her faith.

[@Onceuponatime7]

The story of Queen Catherine is very touching and sad. Maria Doyle Kennedy as the Queen was perfect.❤

[@BlackRaven0211]

My favorites: Marie Doyle Kennedy, Irene Papas, Natalia Rodríguez and Melida Molina. In my opinion, they all did their job well and honored the Queen they portrayed

[@sazfretz1945]

Annette Crosbie, for sure. I also spotted Glynis Johns in the first clips.

[@anakreyszig303]

Annette Crosbie looks like Catherine, as does Frances Colka. Their accents strike me as a bit exaggerated, given how much of her life Catherine spent in England (though I have no idea, really, what Catherine would have sounded like -- I have never read that she had a pronounced accent, only that she was multilingual). Maria Doyle Kennedy did not look like Catherine, but she played the haughtiness and ultimate despair beautifully (and the steel in her eyes worked well). I also think something in her accent clicked for me, because it did not sound like too much. Natalia in the Isabel series is absolutely amazing. Seeing Catherine's strength during the difficult years of her youth -- a side rarely portrayed. Charlotte Hope looks and sounds like Catherine, but it's just hard to like The Spanish Princess. Sigh.

[@rociomiranda5684]

Catalina de Aragón was actually fair, auburn haired and blue eyed, like her mother, Queen Isabel of Castille. The Habsgurg kings that came afterwards in Spain were also blond or red headed, since they were of Austrian stock.

[@natalycabral1329]

I love Charlotte playing Catherine, but Maria Doyle will always be my Catherine of Aragon

[@kaedetachibana3884]

Queen Catherine of Aragon is my historic icon and I am a devoted follower of her and her daughter Queen Mary

[@selinakyle2368]

😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@scottibrown3274]

Maria Doyle Kennedy is who always comes to mind when I picture Catherine of Aragon, but Natalia Rodriguez and Melinda Molina are amazing as well. Charlotte Hope was good, but the accent kind of bothered me.

[@student05-bdes52]

I think it's more than the accent. The writing of the character wasnt good at all (they made her very different from the real Catherine). I think Charlotte could have been a great Catherine if they'd given her a proper script.

[@seasoned_bitch_6932]

@@student05-bdes52 indeed. Charlotte was the most accurate physically, but they portrayed her as power hungry and emotionless. Everything she did in the Spanish princess was out of ambition.

[@mapletree3434]

Catherine was mostly portrayed against Anne (who was also player of the game and a tragic loser) as an old, boring hag. When Henry married her, Spain was at the pinnacle of its power and (though Spanish Princess took some liberties), Catherine was a more modern, cultured and assertive, dare I say feminist then all Henry's wives. But then again, the rest saw what can happen with that man....

[@KL-ki8db]

In terms of feminism, Catalina, Anne, and Catherine Parr would have great allies as they all believed in feminism especially regarding towards women having a right to education, it is tragic, however, that they couldn't have been allies due to Henry.

[@Flolayne]

Since I only have seen a few of these depictions, I will admit that Maria Doyle Kennedy is my favourite. Even from these snippets of each portrayal, I think MDK is the best. Thanks for creating this video and sharing it. Definitely makes me want to check out the films I have not seen, yet

[@NDNauthorgirlie]

She might not look like Katherine but she can nail the emotional part so well

[@luisfedericosala1354]

María Doyle Kennedy♥️😂🌷🌺 I love the human being that Catalina de Aragon was. She and her daughter Mary suffered a lot. RIP Katherine Queen of England 💖😘♥️🌷🌺 Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@kathieprater2431]

Maria Doyle Kennedy was flawless, perfection as Catherine!

[@alandominicfong6907]

I have seen almost all of these in their entirety, as Catherine of Aragon is one of my most favorite historical figures. Annette Crosbie's Catherine of Aragon will always be my favorite depiction of this great woman. She has the right physical traits (height and stature, hair color and skin tone), but also what I feel is the proper presence, including her unwavering resolve, regal bearing, and a royal control over her emotions (with her only breakdown of course being when Henry first mentions an annulment). I also really enjoy Irene Papas (who always pulls a great performance), Maria Doyle Kennedy (who is an force of nature in acting), and Natalia Rodriguez (who fits very well in the context of the series about Isabel).

[@Dryadkal]

Nothing beats Maria Kennedy of the tudors. First series I saw of that time period and obsessed since. Also, this bugged me for so long. whats that gable hood Catherine wears in wolfhall. They had such good costumes for minor characters and Catherine wears a flabby thin thing on her head that wiggles with every movement. Anne also wore ill fitted clothing while ,minor back character's dresses were fitted fine. Carlos rey emperador actress was also very good. But I love every minute of Carlos

[@Lily1127channel]

Yeah, Wolf Hall costumes were extremely praised by dress historians for the historical accuracy, but I also noticed that, accurate as they are, some costumes are just ill-fitting and flabby.

[@Dryadkal]

It's undeserved praise in my opinion. The hairbands in wolfhall which were supposed to be french hoods were, interesting. I will just leave it at that. Wolfhall still had me hooked, something in the performances kept me watching, in that regard it was good. Yet, Always amazes me how English productions dont take costuming from freelance historic costumers online. Prior attire for example, she is on youtube has amazing accurate dresses and she's one of many. I always think when I would direct a tudors set, I'd just ask one such talented lady.

[@Lily1127channel]

@@Dryadkal Hm, I think this historical accuracy thing is relative in this case. Sure Wolf Hall costume design has its own differences from how the real Tudor gown looked like, but I think the reason why dress historians liked it so much was that it was still miles closer to reality than The Tudors costumes or The Spanish Princess or other modern Tudor drama costumes. So I guess they just appreciate that they haven't seen Tudor costumes in movie/tvshow so close to reality for a long long time (or ever?). I guess Carlos is not very known worldwide 😞

[@Dryadkal]

@@Lily1127channel no I think so as well. I wanted to mention that Carlos also got me hooked for their costumes, they are among the most accurate I have ever seen but then I am gushing about Carlos again. But now The tudors launched again on my TV and I scanned the back characters and their dresses have elements of good historic costumes. Mixed in with awful ones :) It's really weird to spot a well done gable hood on a background figure and gowns with bare arms on the next lady.. I guess they recycled every medieval ish gown they could find.

[@loveballetmuch]

One of my favorite scenes of MDK as Catherine in The Tudors was when she welconed the Spanish envoy. Oh my god, the moment she was announced, I was like "Should I bow?" 🤣 She just stood there but commanded respect. ❤

[@ashleyturner2774]

I love Marie Doyle Kennedy and Charlotte Hopes portrayal of Catherine

[@middleearthians5661]

I love Maria Doyle Kennedy and Charlotte Hope

[@Belinda8881]

Wonderful compilation of Catherine of Aragon depictions.I haven´t seen some of them but I find these clips a fantastic and well deserved tribute to Queen Catherine..

[@caroledickerson5616]

Maria Doyle Kennedy and Annette crosby were the best.

[@unknown-t4u2v]

I like all the actresses,but Maria Doyle Kennedy stole my heart in this portrayal💞🌟

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Richard Burton best Henry. I can't stop looking at him. Mary Doyle Kennedy is my vote for Catherine.

[@justanothergoogler6436]

Richard Burton had a giant head!

[@borleyboo5613]

He’s the worst Henry in my opinion after the one in ‘The Tudors. Bloody awful.

[@juliamurray2946]

Keith Michell was the best Henry.

[@MelissetteV1]

I applaud them all but my favorite is hands-down Marie Doyle Kennedy.

[@obsessivefangirl5055]

Personally I think Charlotte Hope from the Spanish Princess & Maria Doyle Kennedy from the Tudors were the best ones even if not the most accurate. That being said, we still don't have a perfect depiction of Catherine with the right appearance of strawberry blond hair and blue eyes AND the historical accuracy to go with it.

[@bethanne1221]

Agree with all of this. Katherine of Aragon need way more films and tv series about her and Mary I needs to be explored more. The last think I need is another Anne Boleyn show/movie, I like Anne, but she has been done to death, so has Elizabeth I. Charlotte Hope and Maria Doyle Kennedy are my faves so far.

[@vecturhoff7502]

​@@bethanne1221A movie about Edward or Mary would be great, at least with becoming Elizabeth we could see more of Edward reign

[@bethanne1221]

@@vecturhoff7502 agreed!!! 💯

[@blackandark]

My favorite is Catherine in "Isabel" but I think the first actress you show in this video was also a very good one (1953)

[@Lily1127channel]

The funny thing is that the first actress, Rosalie Crutchley, also played Catherine Parr in the TV show included in the third spot here, The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

[@Nana-vi4rd]

Heaven......they were all good, it is impossible to pick one from so many wonderful actress.

[@sliverscreencritic]

My favorites are: Annette Crosbie, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Natalia Rodriguez My guilty pleasures are: Charlottle Hope and Ana Torrent My "good but not my faves/second-tier" are: Irene Papas, Rosalie Crutchley, and Joanne Whalley My least faves are: Frances Cuka, Melida Molina, and Assumpta Serna Note: I don't hate any of these portrayals even the one I like the least (Serna) I still think is ok.

[@stoker1931jane]

Woaw those "earlier ones" really played Queen Catherine as almost hysterical 😔. Though they did better with Catherine's actual strawberry blond hair colour. Why they went back to dark brown/black?!🤔 But I really liked portrayals of Catherine of Aragon by Spanish actresses like: Assumpta Serna and Ana Torrent in (2003) 'Henry VIII' and (2008) 'The Other Boleyn Girl'. And the job done by Maria Doyle Kennedy is really good, in 'The Tudors' ('07-'10). Though the 14 years age difference between her & Jonathan Rhys Meyers was "a bit" more 😉than the actual 6 years age gap, between Catherine & Henry✌🏻. And well 'The Spanish Princess' 🤦🏼‍♀️('19-'20)....the less said the better 🤐👍🏻

[@Lily1127channel]

Yeah, I must admit I have never understood the hype about the 1970 Catherine performance by Crosbie. Not only that it won a BAFTA back then (I know the the level of tv shows wasn't so high back then, so maybe the performance was good in 1970), but still today, on every historical forum about Catherine of Aragon, I always see that everyone praises the 1970 and 1972 Catherines and says Crosbie was THE benchmark Catherine of Aragon and soo great. Honestly, I don't understand 🤷‍♀️ I saw the series and I find her acting okay sometimes, but other times it's just so cringe.... Especially the hysterics. I agree with you about Serna and Torrent, they both raise the level of the production they are in with their performances. And Maria Doyle Kennedy is just perfection ❤ I found her madeup Spanish accent a bit weird at first but then I got used to it. And her acting is so great and a good tribute to the real Catherine. I don't even care that her appearance was not 100% like Catherine (although it would have been quite easy to just dye her hair to a lighter color, I don't know why they didn't...). The comparison between her and Charlotte Hope is the perfect example that just because you look very much like a certain historical figure, it doesn't mean you are the best casting choice to play him/her.

[@danawinsor1380]

I have been a fan of Rosalie Crutchley since she played the part of Catherine Parr in the BBC miniseries, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" (1970) and enjoyed her portrayal of Queen Catherine in "The Sword and the Rose." BTW, the dance where the man sweeps the woman up in the air and back down was called a "Volta" or "La Volta." The performance in this scene is authentic and quite well done IMO. However, the Volta did not come about until many years later, during the reign of Elizabeth I.

[@elisabetta611]

Annette Crosbie will FOREVER be THE Katharine of Aragon to me.

[@morrigansraven]

Annette Crosbie and Charlotte Hope were physically the better of all the casting choices, as both actresses look as historical accounts describe Katherine's appearance: Golden/auburn hair, blue eyes, fair skin. I have no idea why the majority of her portrayals on screen have her as dark haired, dark eyed and olive skinned, (the description is best suited to Anne Boleyn's appearance - as per firsthand accounts of the time) save to think that it's a case of lazy stereotyping with the automatic belief that Spanish = dark complexion, dark eyes, dark hair. She was also said to have been a well loved Queen - almost like the Princess Diana of her day; which is why so many never accepted Anne Boleyn. She was also highly competent , politically adept and intelligent and served as Regent while Henry was fighting in France. In fact; he trusted and relied on her judgement in many instances. However, most screen and fictional accounts portray her as an overreligious, ageing, temperamental, somewhat spiteful and sly character - as most dramatisations of the life of Henry VIII wish to play up the virtues of Anne Boleyn - as she makes for a more tragic character in line with audience expectations - while downplaying, ignoring, or downright changing Katherine's many attributes. I have actually yet to see her portrayed on screen or in fiction in a manner that is historically faithful.

[@majatadic549]

Irene Papas comes to my mind when I think of Katherine of Aragon. I know she's not accurate portrait of Katherine as far as appierence concerned but she's so charismathic.....

[@sheilakethley5351]

My intro to the Tudors was the Masterpiece Six Wives of Henry the Eighth, with Keith Michell. It’s time I’ve seen him since childhood!

[@Deter7427]

This vídeo is amazing, Thanks for the recopilation!! My personal favourites are María Doyle Kennedy and Paola Bontempi, both show the dignity she had, how good queen & kind woman she was and also her religious & motherly side! About appeareance, I think the most accurate one for adult CoA is Frances Cuka, she's very pettite, chubby , with round face, the same brunette hair color CoA has in her potraits & blue eyes! Also, though she didn't got many screentime since it was a movie of Henry's entire life, I really liked Frances' performance, probably one of the most accurate CoAs on my opinion. As young CoA, I really like both Isabel's CoA and Annette Crosbie, though Crosbie as adult CoA is way too innacurate. My least fave potrayal is probably TSP, her personality is totally changed, same seems to happen with that first potrayal you showed here (I didn't know it), CoA seems to be potrayed as villain of Mary Tudor when they were friends!!

[@reythejediladyviajakku6078]

I haven’t seen all of the depictions of Catherine but the ones I’ve seen are I think pretty consistent with her mix of stubbornness and bold temperament but also her devotion to Henry and her intent to be queen and stay queen as well as her faith. The Spanish princess portrays that period of widowhood that’s rarely seen portrayed and her true belief that she was meant to be queen of England.

[@astrofabio68]

in terms of aspect the Spanish Princess is very acurate, in terms os personality Maria Doyle Kennedy, the firsts Catherines are absolute histerycals, and the other seems Henry´s mother more than his wife or an arabic woman

[@Lily1127channel]

I also love Maria Doyle Kennedy's portrayal of Catherine. I found her madeup Spanish accent a bit weird at first but then I got used to it. And her acting is so great and a good tribute to the real Catherine. I don't even care that her appearance was not 100% like Catherine (although it would have been quite easy to just dye her hair to a lighter color, I don't know why they didn't...). The comparison between her and Charlotte Hope is the perfect example that just because you look very much like a certain historical figure, it doesn't mean you are the best casting choice to play him/her. Honestly, I don't understand why there is still hype in history fan circles about the 1970 and 1972 Catherines. I also don't see why Crosbie won a BAFTA (although I know the the quality level of tv shows wasn't so high back then, so maybe the performance was good in 1970). But still today, on every historical forum about Catherine of Aragon, I always see that everyone praises the 1970 and 1972 Catherines and says Crosbie was THE benchmark Catherine of Aragon and soo great. I don't understand. I saw the series and I find her acting okay sometimes, but other times it's just so cringe.... Especially the hysterics.

[@bellaoliveira4724]

@@Lily1127channel well, I agree with you on most things but I believe the reason why Crosbie won the BAFTA and people still praise her for her portrayal is that in 1970s most period dramas were rather theatrical and henceforth, her portrayal was marvellous. It's the same with Elizabeth of York in The Shadow of the Tower which, if I'm not mistaken, came out in 1970 (or 1972). Very theatrical and hard to swallow but superior to those which came afterwards.

[@Lily1127channel]

@@bellaoliveira4724 Yeah, you may be right. I can believe that in 1970 Crosbie was simply the best choice in BAFTA. However, her performance still seems very very theatrical to me. There are certain movies and productions and performances that age well throughout the years and decades, and there are those that don't age well. For me, Crosbie's performance as Catherine and the series in a whole did not age that well. I think another BBC historical series of the 1970s, "I, Claudius" aged very well on the other hand, and it still seems a very good series with very good acting, even today. I just don't know why the 1970 Crosbie portrayal became the benchmark of Catherine of Aragon, when this performance did not age well imo, and both before and after her there were better and less cringey and less theatrical Catherines. I found 1969's Irene Papas much better, also of the modern depictions Maria Doyle Kennedy stands out by miles. But this is just my opinion, I know it is the unpopular opinion in this case because everyone seems to love Crosbie's Catherine.

[@spookycat8556]

@@bellaoliveira4724 I agree about the theatrics. I remember Angela Pleasance as Kathryn Howard screaming at the top of her lungs after her wedding night with Henry.

[@angelacremonte9413]

Natalia Rodriguez, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Melinda Molina are my favorite. I like how strong they portrayed Catherine.

[@ThePharaoho]

Even tho she is not depicted as Katherine was described in appearance, my favorite portrayal of Katherine's magnanimous character would have to be the actress from the Other Boelyn Girl. She is dignified, a fighter: Intelligent, compassionate, and of stern will.

[@Chuck0856]

Why did they portray her so often with black hair? she was fair haired.

[@Lily1127channel]

Prejudice about the Spanish. I guess they simply thought that a Spanish woman had to have dark hair, without even doing the research what hair Catherine had in reality.

[@Hudpix16]

To emphasize the fact that she was Spanish and therefore different. I get that most Spanish people have dark hair and features, but not all of them are like that.

[@nicolenewton1569]

Sometimes too, fair hair darkens a little as person matures. Also if you do see the portrait of Katherine in a gable hood: no hair is showing at all. Ditto the gable hood portrait of Jane Seymour. People to this day leave pomegranates at Queen Katherine’s grave. Pomegranates were her heraldic device.

[@theraven6843]

But had blue eyes. As in The Tudors, (Ann Boleyn had dark eyes and in The Tudors blue), we can make a lot of problems concerning all those facts : Henri VIII was NOT handsome and J.R. Meyers doesn’t look like him at all. Shall I go on ? …. 😮

[@kakashigirl2139]

The 2007-2010 and -2020 versions are the best.

[@HiveMistress]

I really like the portrayals in The Tudors & Carlos Rey Emperdor.

[@Lily1127channel]

Yes, I think Melida Molina is underrated, she was so great as Catherine. Also finally a correct appearance, with fair hair and blue eyes.

[@Dryadkal]

One of the best Catherines. The music in this series is also just *chef's kiss*

[@luciannasoucy5015]

@@Lily1127channel I've only seen the Tudors (showtime series) Could you Please give me the titles of the other Tudors films? I'd Love to see them!! I saw wolf hall & have the Spanish Princess.

[@Lily1127channel]

@Lucianna Soucy Well I can basically give those that are in the video 😀 I don't know much more Tudor dramas than those Anne of the Thousand Days Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970) Henry VIII and His Six Wives (1972) Henry VIII (2003) The Other Boleyn Girl

[@luciannasoucy5015]

@@Lily1127channel Thank you so much!! I'll be looking for them now...🤗

[@ladymary22]

No matter her hair color, these portrayals of Catherine are strong and admirable

[@victoriasymonds1044]

Maria Doyle Kennedy. Enough said.

[@casablancabogar]

Actually Henry VIII's first wife was more of a redhead, but since Spanish women tend to be thought of as all dark-skinned, black-haired and dark-eyed, that's how it stayed in the movies. The same happens with King Philip II of Spain who was blond with light eyes but naturally they follow the stereotypes that even the Spaniards themselves like to present if they are going to be Hollywood actors, numerous Spanish actresses and actors have not been able to make their careers because they are blond, light-eyed even with the Spanish accent have not been able to play Hispanics.

[@ElinorMahoney]

Even though she technically doesn’t look like her, Maria Doyle Kennedy is the best IMO.

[@jezpradaSP]

The Scottish and Irish actresses did a good job with the accent, specially with the rrrr sounds , other ones not so good (except obv the Spanish)

[@lethabrooks9112]

Catherine's story is a very sad one. Just like her sister Joanna the mad. Both were heartbroken and manipulated.

[@gailf1617]

Annette Crosbie, who looked and spoke like I believe Catherine of Aragon did; and Maria Doyle Kennedy, who showed Catherine's maternal tenderness with Mary so well...

[@paulmicheldenverco1]

Some of those directors were doing anything to put a corpse next to HT7 [the 16th Century answer to TB12].

[@grahamlucas5067]

Frances Cuka. She reminds me of Michael Sittow's portrait c.1502 of, possibly, the young Catherine. Shame that Frances Cuka didn't have more screen time, as she was a great Catherine.

[@el_aleman]

Catherine is always portrayed as a dark haired, brown eyed Spaniard when contemporary portraiture showed her as a strawberry-blonde - ginger with blue eyes…stereotypes are hard to break I suppose

[@user-qj9en1kp1m]

Maria Doyle Kennedy and Charlotte Hope are my favourites.

[@lydia8526]

Annette Crosbie and Frances Cuka are great. They both have the accurate looks and great acting skills. Maria Doyle Kennedy is a close third.

[@Sirensscales]

No one talks about how she had a sad life too! :(

[@blueve]

the actress in the series Isabel is the one that looks like the portraits the most. the best characterization was MDK

[@shellc6743]

Catherine had light coloured hair ..... Annette Crosby is the best. Catherine's accent wasn't so strong .. she had been in England for several decades.

[@Freedom2111]

I liked Joanne Whalley's performance the best. She's a talented and underrated actress.

[@eamonndeane587]

She's also brilliant as Sister Maggie in the Third Season of Daredevil. I hope she returns for Daredevil: Born Again.

[@andiilham6227]

she also played Catherine's daughter, Mary I in The Virgin Queen (2005)

[@lizachang6738]

For a Spaniard I would vote for Natalia Rodriguez and Melinda Molina, for performance MDK and for appearance Charlotte Hope.

[@evaaraceligutierrez2013]

Absolutely, the best perform and presence is Marya Doyle Kennedy , for age, graceful , classy, strong character and dignity queen . The only issue is Catalina was blonde . Lately productions insist present these personalities young forever , Oh my ... 🤦🏻‍♀️ , that obssesion for ethernal youth . They are wrong .

[@maearcher4721]

Unpopular opinion: I didn't like Spanish princess portrayal and I thought it was inaccurate in both personality and appearance-wise. There is just one description which says Catherine had red-gold hair, but look at Sittow's potraits(at originals) and you'll realise her hair was strawberry blond(hence reddish golden). Darker shade of golden strawberry blond, like liquid gold! Not dark auburn. Two colours are not even remotely close and it is as inaccurate as having Catherine with raven hair. Catherine was nice, polite, good-hearted person who loved her daughter from moment she was born. She was no backstabing b. Also, she was not at Flodden and wouldn't ever risk her baby so recklessly and didn't become suddenly pious after being exact oposite of good christian for 2 seasons. She also never wore italian fashion. People just got wrong idea, because of supposed italian hat she wore. But if you look at certain italian headwear it is almost identical to spanish headwear called cofia and somebody could easily mistaken the two. Maria Doyle Kennedy and Natalia Rodrigez far better embodied spirit of Catherine. The spirit, dignity, the grace, determination, good character.

[@ShiningFriendship87]

Maria Doyle Kennedy will forever be my Catherine of Aragon ❤️ Queen of Hearts 💕

[@jmiller05]

I think Anette Crosbie is the most realistic looking of all the Katherines based on first hand accounts. In the White Princess, she is flame haired which is not quite right. In the Tudors the look is completely wrong but Marie Doyle Kennedy delivered a beautiful performance.

[@hekateon.ioannis.lasorsa]

I was going to say either Maria Doyle Kennedy or Annette Crosbie, but these Spanish speaking actresses killed it as well!

[@Lily1127channel]

Yes, their performances are lesser known because they are not in English speaking productions, but both Spanish actresses portrayed Catherine very well.

[@claudiakromer8037]

I don´t know all of these actresses.Maria Doyle Kennedy undoubtfully is my favorite.

[@jeannerogers7085]

Than for this marvelous comparison!

[@emmawintring1397]

Charlotte Hope did really good well done

[@gregl2249]

Whoever cast the king for The Tudors did a horrendous job-- had they never seen a portrait of king Henry?

[@jeannerogers7085]

Yes, too bad on that score - I always refer to this series ax "The Skinny Tudors," but all the roles were superbly done.

[@sojadead]

Maria Doyle Kennedy. ❤ I remember watching The Tudors and was smitten by Catherine of Aragon because of her portrayal. Charlotte Hope was a gem, too, especially because she had the look down. Love, love, love Catherine of Aragon.

[@paulmicheldenverco1]

Catherine of Aragon had red hair and resembled an english woman then a spanish one and had much english blood.

[@lollipop96537]

Maria Doyle Kennedy

[@kittyowlblu]

Maria Doyle Kennedy is my Catherine of Aragon, she was great !

[@teamkhaleesi3956]

Charlotte Hope was the best one so far. They even produced a second season!

[@gravelyconcernedhamster5546]

The Tudor’s show got it mostly right but the hair is wrong they would of had a veil and they’re hair wouldn’t of been visible except in the front of the middle part

[@lindacartwright5100]

Marie Doyle Kennedy....with fairer makeup and blonde wig she would have been perfection.

[@rosagomez8411]

Natalia Rodríguez... En cualquier caso es un bonito homenaje a Catalina, hija que más se parecía a su madre, Isabel I de Castilla, la gran Reina, única... Saludos desde Madrid. Y gracias por recordar a nuestra Catalina ,una gran mujer.

[@ladymeghenderson9337]

Definitely Annette Crosbie and Frances Cuka

[@rebecca-fk3xs]

annette crosbie is my fav!

[@Martin-Tello]

Ana Torrent en sus pocos momentos en la película de la Otra Bolena se hizo notar y brillar como pocas lo lograron

[@redvelvetshoes]

Well at least Annette Crosbie is blonde, as Catherine actually was

[@caroletraynor8763]

She was actually a red head with blue eyes,

[@fralencemelograno]

She will always be Queen Victoria to me though

[@thesimpsarecomingthesimpsa9113]

Catherine actually had Auburn hair and blue eyes

[@Phebes61]

Annette Crosby’s is so good..

[@thomasezzy]

While she doesn't have the hair of either, it's really cool Johanne Whalley played both Catherine of Aragon and Mary I (my second favorite Mary behind Becoming Elizabeth's), not to mention a relative of theirs by marriage Margaret of York

[@Lily1127channel]

She is very good in historical roles. I remember also seeing her in The Borgias.

[@meftunhoquebhuiyan9038]

Missing Films Are Anna Boleyn 1920 With Catherine Of Aragon 2 Times In 4 Seconds.

[@marinazagrai1623]

Maria Doyle Kennedy is the best Catherine while Irene Pappas is probably the worst. Let's not forget Henry and that is Richard Burton!!!

[@kaylaback8234]

Ana Torrent and Maria Doyle Kennedy are my favorites. Notable mention of Joanne.

[@reshmipv5806]

I think charlotte hope is the ideal Catherine of Aragon

[@elvanallelyibarraalonso9417]

Coincido contigo pero lamentablemente el guion no tenía rigor histórico

[@tam6753]

@@elvanallelyibarraalonso9417 true, the characterization was absolutely wrong lol