Davina Whitehouse, 90; Actor Built Career in England, New Zealand

Davina Whitehouse, 90, one of New Zealand’s most respected actors, who built her career on stage and in film in London, died Wednesday in Auckland after a series of strokes.

Born in England, she became a star of London’s West End theater and performed with such actors as Sir John Gielgud. In 1931, she was featured in the movie “Night Nurse” starring American actors Clark Gable and, in the title role, Barbara Stanwyck.

After moving to New Zealand in 1952, Whitehouse continued acting.

She appeared on various New Zealand television shows into the 1980s.

Among her films made there were “Sleeping Dogs,” starring Sam Neill, and “Braindead,” directed by Peter Jackson, director of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.