Molly Weir (17 March 1910 - 28 November, 2004) was an accomplished Scottish stage actress, best known to legions of children as the long-running (1977-1984) character Hazel the McWitch the Scottish Ghost in the BBC TV series, Rentaghost. She was the sister of naturalist and broadcaster Tom Weir.
In her early career, Weir had been a well-known radio actress, featuring in many comedy shows, such as ITMA. She made her film debut in 1949, and had a regular role as the housekeeper in the early sitcom, Life With The Lyons. During the 1970s she became famous as a writer, with several volumes of best-selling memoirs, notably, Shoes Were For Sunday. She also appeared in a series of television advertisements for bathroom cleaning agents.
The song "Molly's Lips" by The Vaselines (famously covered by Nirvana) was inspired by Weir, presumably because her Rentaghost character Hazel McWitch typically appeared in whiteface with emphatic red lips.
Named Scotswoman of the Year in 2000
Cremated, and ashes buried at Loch Lomond, her favourite vacation spot
Got her break when whe was spotted doing impersonations of Gracie Fields and Marlene Dietrich
Her brother, Tom Weir, is a naturalist and noted television personality in Scotland.
