Best known for playing Mrs. Gibson in The Onedin Line, she also appeared in the Doctor Who television series.

Born in Bradfield, Essex, England in 1929, Prior was educated in the schools of Stratford-on-Avon and then received training as an actress at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

[1] In 1952, Prior married her fellow actor Rex Robinson, whom she met on a tour of South Africa.

[2] After receiving her artistic training, Prior performed with the Guildford Repertory Company.

[3][4] By January of 1950, she was performing "character and 'straight' roles" with the Theatre Royal Saxon Players in Leicester.