Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Rosalind Joan Thompson (later commonly known as Ros Chatto) |
| Birth | circa 12 February 1923, Orsett, Essex, England |
| Death | 5 June 2012, Chelsea, London |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Theatrical/talent agent |
| Spouse | Thomas “Tom” Chatto St George Sproule (stage name: Tom Chatto), m. 1947; d. 1982 |
| Children | James Chatto; Daniel Chatto |
| Also known as | Ros Chatto |
| Notable family connections | Daughter-in-law Lady Sarah Chatto (née Armstrong-Jones); grandchildren Samuel and Arthur (via Daniel), and Mae Martin (via James) |
Early Life and Marriage
Her early life is briefly described in the public record, beginning with a February 1923 birth in Orsett, Essex. Her life changed drastically after the war. She married actor Thomas Chatto St George Sproule (known as Tom Chatto) in 1947, starting a family that would span British performing, writing, and royal circles.
Marriage to an actress at the start of Britain’s modern entertainment boom led to a life in rehearsal rooms, green rooms, and opening nights. James and Daniel, the next sons, inherited this creative pull. Tom worked on theatre and cinema until his 1982 death, but Rosalind went behind the scenes to build reputations and careers.
Building a Life in the Arts: Ros Chatto, Theatrical Agent
The decades revealed Rosalind’s professional identity: Ros Chatto, a distinguished London theatrical agent. While rarely making headlines, a conductor’s baton guides scores of careers through the performing arts’ crescendos and silences. In agents’ circles, Ros was respected and often called “Ros,” as if everyone knew who was meant.
Agents are both visible and hidden. Their impact affects casting, reputational revivals, and talent stability during challenging times. Ros’s famous and renowned reputation suggests a lifetime of long bets and meticulous judgement. Good agents notice roles and credits before they’re signed. Ros Chatto was reliable in possibility.
Her career spanned the mid-20th to late 20th century, following London’s theatrical revival from post-war austerity to the new wave of television drama and the West End’s endurance. Ros was well-known in a small, long-memorized world.
Family Across Stage, Page, and Palace
Rosalind’s family reads like a constellation: each point its own light, all of them linked.
- Tom Chatto, her husband, was a familiar face in British film and television mid-century, with roles that have since become part of the archive’s sturdy furniture.
- James Chatto, her elder son, blended performance instincts with a gift for language, becoming a writer and food commentator. His child, Mae Martin—comedian, actor, and writer—extends the family’s creative line into a new century and a global audience.
- Younger son Daniel Chatto studied and worked as an actor before becoming an artist. Daniel married Princess Margaret’s daughter, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones (now Lady Sarah Chatto), in 1994, integrating Rosalind’s descendants into the modern British royal family. Samuel and Arthur, Daniel and Lady Sarah’s sons, represent another generation moulded by art and civic tradition.
Family Snapshot
| Person | Relationship to Rosalind | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Chatto (1920–1982) | Husband | Actor; stage and screen credits across the mid-20th century |
| James Chatto | Son | Writer and food commentator; father of comedian-actor Mae Martin |
| Mae Martin (b. 1987) | Grandchild (via James) | Comedian, actor, and writer; co-creator/star of a critically acclaimed series |
| Daniel Chatto (b. 22 Apr 1957) | Son | Artist and former actor; married Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones in 1994 |
| Lady Sarah Chatto (b. 1964) | Daughter-in-law | Artist; daughter of Princess Margaret |
| Samuel Chatto (b. 1996) | Grandchild (via Daniel) | Known for interests in art and craft |
| Arthur Chatto (b. 1999) | Grandchild (via Daniel) | Known for fitness and service-oriented pursuits |
Milestones: A Brief Timeline
The dates that frame Rosalind’s story trace a life aligned with Britain’s cultural shifts—from post-war rebuilding to late-century reinvention.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 12 Feb 1923 | Birth in Orsett, Essex |
| 1947 | Marriage to Thomas “Tom” Chatto St George Sproule |
| 22 Apr 1957 | Birth of son Daniel |
| 1950s–1960s | Emergence of Ros Chatto as a theatrical agent in London |
| 8 Aug 1982 | Death of husband, Tom Chatto |
| 1994 | Son Daniel marries Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones |
| 5 Jun 2012 | Death of Rosalind Joan (Ros) Chatto in Chelsea, London |
Legacy and Cultural Footprint
The lives she championed and the family she shaped define Rosalind Joan Thompson’s legacy. In a world that values visibility, she excelled at the unseen hand—negotiating contracts, analysing screenplays with a cool eye, and advising with candour and tact. Her centripetal effect pulled promise towards opportunity.
There’s also private and public family legacy. Through James and Daniel, Ros’s family connects writing, comedy, acting, and art. Daniel’s marriage connects that bridge to a royal bloodline that quietly supports the arts. The family narrative becomes a braided river with numerous channels and one current.
That continuity is visible even now. You can sense Ros’s presence in the professional poise of her descendants; in their creative choices; in the way they inhabit public space without letting it swallow them. Careers are long games. She played that game well.
FAQ
Who was Rosalind Joan Thompson?
A British theatrical agent widely known as Ros Chatto, she was active for decades in London’s performing arts scene.
When and where was she born?
She was born circa 12 February 1923 in Orsett, Essex, England.
What was her profession?
She was a respected theatrical/talent agent known for guiding and representing performers.
Whom did she marry?
She married the actor Tom Chatto in 1947.
When did she die?
She died on 5 June 2012 in Chelsea, London.
Who are her children?
She had two sons: writer James Chatto and artist/former actor Daniel Chatto.
How is she connected to the British royal family?
Her son Daniel married Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones (Lady Sarah Chatto), daughter of Princess Margaret.
Who are her grandchildren?
Grandchildren include Mae Martin (via James) and Samuel and Arthur (via Daniel and Lady Sarah).
Did she use another name professionally?
Yes, she was commonly known as Ros Chatto in professional contexts.
Is there public information about her finances?
No reliable public record details her private finances or net worth.
