I asked Erik Larsen if he would pass on some questions to Sue Upton for an "Angel in the Spotlight" interview. Sue was very kind to answer my questions and pass them on so Erik could send the answers to me. A big thanks to Erik and of course to Sue. Here is the brief interview below. This is the second "Angels in the Spotlight" interview, so let's hope for more in the future!
When did you start on the Benny Hill Show and what was it like working as an Angel?
Sue: I started on Benny's show in 1976. I loved working on the shows, but it was not all laughs as people think, it was very hard and exhausting, long hours, waiting and hanging about, the usual when filming.
Were you always interested in working in Show Business? Did you have other areas you were interested in working?
Sue: I was always wanting to succeed in show business. I loved the limelight, and being the centre of attraction. I started modelling while at school, at the age of twelve. I carried on till into my thirties mainly advertising and catalogue work. I was also a hand and foot model. This work lead to T.V. commercials then T.V. and film work.
Which routines did you appear in? How long were you with the show?
Sue: I appeared in lots of dance routines, most of them did not have names. I was with the show for 16 years.
Were you ever recognised as an Angel in public?
Sue: Even after all these years I am still recognised when I go out, even without the flashy costumes and makeup. People always say I have not changed, they say my face is very memorable, I am flattered.
Are you married or do you have any children?
Sue: I have been married for 26 years to Roger, and have a handsome son Richard who is 21, and a very pretty daughter Louise who is 19. They both appeared on the shows as Hill's Little Angels.
What kind of work did you do after the Benny Hill Show?
Sue: After Benny's shows all the work I did was all about Benny and the past.
Did you have any close friendships with other Angels?
Sue: The only Angel I kept in touch with was, and still is my great friend Louise English, who is a super lady whom I named my daughter after.
Have you been able to keep in touch with the other Angels?
Sue: I lost touch with a few of the others as we lived a long way from each other.
Would you be interested in being a part of a Hill's Angels reunion?
Sue: I would at any time still like to meet up with anyone who worked on the show.
Are you surprised by the response of fans to Hill's Angels?
Sue: Actually, I am not really surprised at the response of fans, as I believe the Angels offered so much passion and enjoyment for so many years that I feel the response to us all is quite justified. The public have proved fantastic to us and been so supportive, in watching, all these years, I on behalf of all the girls salute you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts, still tune in to the shows, then they will still continue.
Thanks again to Sue for doing this interview and thanks again to Erik Larsen for making this interview possible.
For more information on Sue Upton, check out Erik Larsen's Sue approved site SueUpton.net