Biography

Blonde, husky voiced Vivienne Johnson is best remembered for her stint as Mr Grace's Nurse in the smash hit comedy series Are You Being Served? (1972). Her three years of work in the popular series made her a well-known face with British TV viewers in the late 1970s and early 80s. Although superb in the role, some may argue she was there for decoration rather than acting. It was a shame her character was not fully developed and remained nameless throughout.

Vivienne was also a minor "Carry On..." star, appearing in Carry on England (1976) and the Carry on Laughing (1975) television series. It would appear that her main work was done in the 1970s and she may now have retired from the screen.
- IMDb mini biography by: Bobby G

Husky gravelly voice

Took a long break from acting in order to bring up her son Julian, who was born in 1982. Julian's father was her second husband, renowned British barrister Brian James Higgs QC (1930-2016).

Trained as a secondary school teacher before entering the theatrical profession as an acting Assistant Stage Manager with Chesterfield repertory theatre. She later worked in rep in Sheffield, Oldham, Leicester and Manchester, before making her debut on London's West End. TV and film appearances followed soon after.

[on Are You Being Served? (1972)] Everyone was so lovely, particularly Harold Bennett, who had a real nurse off-screen. He was so frail that when I walked holding him up by the arm, I felt that a breath of wind would blow him away.

[on her role in Are You Being Served? (1972)] It was all about short skirts and suspenders! That was part of the fun. But I wish I could have done more. David [Croft] and Jeremy [Lloyd] would have written more for me but there was a limit to how much Harold [Bennett] could do, and as my part was linked with Young Mr Grace, it wasn't possible.