Janet Johnson, Lady Birkin (29 November 1914 – 18 December 1983) was an Australian born actress who briefly achieved fame on stage and in films in Australia and Britain before marrying British gothic writer Charles Birkin in 1940.
Later living in Melbourne and with some Australian stage experience behind her, she appeared in the leading role in Harry Southwell's relatively unknown film The Burgomeister in 1935.
Following encouragement from US director Miles Mander, Johnson travelled to England in March 1936, intent upon expanding her career.
She appeared in supporting roles in several films over the next few years, including Michael Balcon’s vehicle for Paul Robeson, The Proud Valley.
[2] She spent six months in Hollywood at the invitation of Twentieth Century Fox in early 1937, but no films roles were forthcoming.