Born in Glasgow in 1932, Law attended the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, initially to become a stage designer but ended up studying acting instead “by happy accident”.
She married fellow actor Eric Thompson – best known for The Magic Roundabout – in 1957.
The couple were together until he died of a heart attack aged 53, in 1982.
Throughout a career spanning eight decades, Law would go on to appear in numerous TV shows including Dickson of Dock Green and Rumpole of the Bailey before Midsomer Murders, Foyle’s War, Doc Martin and New Tricks.
She was also known for her work on the big screen in films such as Anna Karenina, Saving Grace and Miss Potter.
On stage, Law appeared alongside Alec Guinness in John Mortimer’s A Voyage Round My Father in London’s West End in 1971, and in Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus at the Oxford Playhouse in 1973, which then transferred to the capital.
She also played Jacqueline in the original London cast of La Cage Aux Folles at the London Palladium in 1986.
The actress starred alongside John Hurt in a short film entitled Love at First Sight which was shortlisted for an Oscar in 2012.
Law received an OBE in 2014 for services to drama and for charitable services.
Her daughters have both gone on to enjoy success on screen.
Emma was born in 1959 and has won two Oscars – one for acting in Howard’s End and another for writing the screenplay for Sense and Sensibility – and is also known for featuring in Love Actually and the Harry Potter film series.
Sophie was born in 1964 and has appeared in films including Gosford Park and Four Weddings and a Funeral, and been nominated for seven Olivier Awards on stage.
Speaking about her daughters to the Telegraph in 2017, external, Law said: “They are both my colleagues in a way. They didn’t follow in our footsteps, they rushed past us, trampling on us.”
The family acting dynasty has continued with Dame Emma’s daughter Gaia, who posted on Instagram about her grandmother: “Rest well my queen.”
Speaking of her love of the arts to the Telegraph, Law joked: “I’ve got to have my funeral in the afternoon, curtain up 2.30pm, so people can get to the theatre afterwards.”
