
Ruth Sheen (born 1952) is an English actress.
Born in London, Sheen began her career by training at the East 15 Acting School, and has appeared regularly on British television and in British films since 1988. On television, she had recurring roles as Nanny Simmons in Berkeley Square (1998), and as Nurse Ethel Carr in the series Bramwell (1995–1998). She has also appeared as four different characters in six episodes of The Bill between 1989 and 2004.
She has also appeared in five Mike Leigh films: in the female lead role of Shirley in High Hopes (1988); as Laughing Woman in Secrets & Lies (1996); as Maureen in All or Nothing (2002), as Lily in Vera Drake (2004) and as Gerri in Another Year (2010). Her role in High Hopes won her the Best Actress award at the 1989 European Film Awards.
In 2007, she played the role of Lyn, opposite Ben Whishaw's Steven, in the world premiere of Philip Ridley's stage play, Leaves of Glass at the Soho Theatre, London.
She also plays the mother of Jim Sturgess's character, Jamie, in Philip Ridley's feature film, Heartless.

The Thursday Murder Club
2025 · as Aunt Maud

Imagine Me & You
2006 · as Mrs Webster

A Street Cat Named Bob
2016 · as Elsie

Run Fatboy Run
2007 · as Claudine

All or Nothing
2002 · as Maureen

Touch
2024 · as Mrs. Ellis

Vera Drake
2004 · as Lily

Secrets & Lies
1996 · as Laughing Woman

Mr. Turner
2014 · as Sarah Danby

Welcome to the Punch
2013 · as Iris Warns

Vanity Fair
2004 · as Miss Pinkerton

Another Year
2010 · as Gerri

Plain Jane
2002 · as May

Different for Girls
1996 · as Nosy neighbour

Cheeky
2003 · as Tamara

Cyrano
2021 · as Mother Marthe

Don Quixote
2000 · as 1st Wench / Young Lady

Virtual Sexuality
1999 · as Jackie Lovett