Lesley Manville, English actress

Introducing Lesley Ann Manville: A Master of Stage and Screen

Lesley Ann Manville, born on March 12, 1956, is an acclaimed English actress whose career spans decades across film, television, and theatre. Known for her remarkable versatility and deeply nuanced performances, Manville has carved out a distinguished path in the entertainment industry, earning her critical praise and numerous prestigious awards.

A Distinguished Acting Career

Collaborations with Mike Leigh: A Signature Partnership

A significant cornerstone of Lesley Ann Manville's illustrious career has been her enduring and highly fruitful collaboration with renowned director Mike Leigh. This artistic partnership has produced some of her most memorable and critically lauded performances, showcasing her ability to inhabit complex, real-life characters with profound authenticity. Their work together includes a remarkable string of films: Grown-Ups (1980), High Hopes (1988), the Golden Globe-nominated Secrets & Lies (1996), the historical drama Topsy-Turvy (1999), All or Nothing (2002), the BAFTA-winning Vera Drake (2004), and the poignant Another Year (2010). Her performance in Another Year earned her her first British Academy Film Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination, a testament to her compelling portrayal. This deep professional relationship continued with Mr. Turner (2014), further solidifying her status as a muse for Leigh's distinctive, improvisational filmmaking style that delves into the human condition.

Beyond Leigh: Diverse Film Roles

While her work with Mike Leigh is iconic, Manville's filmography is rich with diverse roles that demonstrate her expansive range. She appeared in the historical drama Dance with a Stranger (1985) and lent her voice to A Christmas Carol (2009). More recently, she stepped into the world of fantasy with the Disney blockbuster Maleficent (2014) and its sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), where she portrayed Flittle, one of the three pixies. Her later work also includes the acclaimed drama Let Him Go (2020), further broadening her cinematic footprint. A pivotal moment in her career arrived with Paul Thomas Anderson’s critically acclaimed Phantom Thread (2017), where her masterful performance as Cyril Woodcock earned her a second British Academy Film Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and, notably, a highly coveted nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Television Acclaim: From Soap to Satire

Manville’s presence on the small screen has been equally impactful. She gained early recognition on the long-running soap opera Emmerdale (1974–1976). Decades later, she continued to impress in period dramas like Cranford (2007) and biopics such as Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond (2014). Her talent shone brightly in the crime drama River (2015), but it was her role as Cathy in the British sitcom Mum (2016–2019) that truly captivated audiences and critics alike. Her performance in Mum, a nuanced and often heartbreaking portrayal of a widow navigating life, garnered her three British Academy Television Award nominations, highlighting her comedic timing and dramatic depth.

Triumphs on the Stage

Beyond film and television, Lesley Ann Manville is a formidable force in theatre, with a career marked by significant achievements and critical accolades. A three-time Laurence Olivier Award nominee, she ultimately clinched the prestigious award for Best Actress for her compelling performance in the 2013–2014 revival of Henrik Ibsen's classic play Ghosts. This triumph underscored her profound connection to the stage and her ability to bring complex characters to life with immense power.

Awards and Critical Recognition

Lesley Ann Manville's consistent excellence has been recognized with numerous nominations and awards throughout her career. Her two British Academy Film Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress (for Another Year and Phantom Thread), culminating in an Academy Award nomination for the latter, place her among the most respected actresses of her generation. Her three British Academy Television Award nominations for Mum and her Olivier Award win for Ghosts further cement her status as a critically acclaimed performer across all mediums.

Future Horizons: The Crown and Beyond

Looking ahead, Lesley Ann Manville is set to take on one of her most high-profile roles yet, portraying Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, in the highly anticipated final two seasons of Netflix's globally popular historical drama, The Crown. This role promises to introduce her to an even broader international audience, showcasing her talent in one of television's most prestigious and talked-about series, further cementing her legacy as an actress of significant calibre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lesley Ann Manville

Who is Lesley Ann Manville?
Lesley Ann Manville is an accomplished English actress known for her extensive work in film, television, and theatre, often lauded for her powerful and nuanced performances.
When was Lesley Ann Manville born?
Lesley Ann Manville was born on March 12, 1956.
What is Lesley Ann Manville famous for? / What are her most notable roles?
She is particularly famous for her frequent collaborations with director Mike Leigh in films like Another Year and Vera Drake. She also gained significant recognition for her Oscar-nominated role in Phantom Thread, her BAFTA-nominated performance in the TV series Mum, and her upcoming portrayal of Princess Margaret in The Crown.
Has she won any major awards?
Yes, Lesley Ann Manville won a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role in the play Ghosts. She has also received nominations for an Academy Award and multiple British Academy Film and Television Awards.
What is her connection to director Mike Leigh?
Lesley Ann Manville has a long-standing and highly acclaimed professional partnership with director Mike Leigh, having appeared in numerous of his films, which are often characterized by their naturalistic style and deep character studies.
Will she be in The Crown?
Yes, Lesley Ann Manville is slated to portray Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, in the final two seasons of the popular Netflix series, The Crown.