Joanna Lumley, English actress, voice-over artist, author, and activist

Dame Joanna Lamond Lumley, born on 1 May 1946, stands as one of Britain's most cherished and versatile public figures, whose multifaceted career has graced screens big and small, stages, and even the pages of books. An English actress, presenter, former model, author, television producer, and tireless activist, Lumley's distinctive voice, elegant demeanour, and sharp wit have made her an enduring presence in the public consciousness for over five decades.

A Storied Career in Entertainment

While her career spans decades and disciplines, Lumley is perhaps most globally recognised for her indelible portrayal of Patsy Stone in the iconic BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. From 1992 to 2012, she brought to life the chain-smoking, champagne-swilling, often outrageous fashion editor, a role that not only became a cultural touchstone but also earned her two prestigious BAFTA TV Awards for Best Light Entertainment Performance. Her comedic timing and sophisticated delivery made Patsy a truly unforgettable character.

Television Highlights

Beyond the champagne-fueled chaos of Ab Fab, Lumley's television work is extensive and varied. Early in her career, she captivated audiences as Purdey in the 1970s espionage series The New Avengers (1976–1977), showcasing her prowess in action roles. She then ventured into the mysterious with the cult science fiction series Sapphire & Steel (1979–1982), where she played the enigmatic Sapphire. A brief but notable appearance in 1973 saw her in the beloved British soap opera Coronation Street as Elaine Perkins, demonstrating her versatility across television formats. More recently, she has continued to impress with roles in acclaimed series such as Sensitive Skin (2005–2007), Jam & Jerusalem (2006–2008), and currently in Finding Alice (2021—present), proving her continued relevance and appeal to contemporary audiences.

Film Roles

Her cinematic presence is equally impressive, encompassing a range of genres from spy thrillers to animated features. Lumley made an early appearance in the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), an early highlight in her burgeoning career. She later appeared in comedies like Trail of the Pink Panther (1982) and the much-loved Shirley Valentine (1989). Her distinctive voice has been lent to memorable animated characters, including Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach (1996) and the sinister Lady Maudeline in Ella Enchanted (2004), as well as the dark fantasy of Corpse Bride (2005). Lumley also appeared in Martin Scorsese's acclaimed drama The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and reprised her iconic role in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016), bringing Patsy Stone to the big screen.

A fascinating footnote in her early career includes her appearances in two episodes of the classic British sitcom Are You Being Served? Intriguingly, these roles followed her marriage and subsequent divorce from the show's co-creator, Jeremy Lloyd, just three years prior, adding a touch of serendipity to their professional reunion.

Accolades and Recognition

Lumley's enduring talent has been widely celebrated with numerous prestigious awards and honours throughout her career. In 2011, her compelling performance in the Broadway revival of La Bête earned her a nomination for the coveted Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play, marking a significant recognition of her theatrical prowess on an international stage. The National Television Awards honoured her with a Special Recognition Award in 2013, a testament to her widespread popularity and impact on British television. In 2017, she received the highest honour the British Academy Television Awards can bestow, the BAFTA Fellowship award, acknowledging her outstanding and sustained contribution to the art forms of film, television, and games.

Beyond the Screen: A Life of Advocacy and Service

Beyond her captivating on-screen persona, Dame Joanna is a passionate and vocal advocate for various humanitarian and animal welfare causes, demonstrating a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. She is a dedicated human rights activist for Survival International, an organisation working to protect the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide. Perhaps most notably, she spearheaded the Gurkha Justice Campaign, a hugely significant movement that successfully campaigned for the right of Gurkha veterans, who had served in the British Army, to settle in the UK. This campaign captured the nation's heart and showcased Lumley's formidable lobbying skills and unwavering dedication.

Her compassion also extends to the animal kingdom, as she actively supports prominent animal welfare groups. She is a patron of Compassion in World Farming, an organisation advocating for the humane treatment of farm animals, and lends her voice to Vegetarians' International Voice for Animals, promoting vegetarianism and animal rights.

In recognition of her profound contributions across drama, entertainment, and charity, Joanna Lumley was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours. This esteemed title, often simply referred to as 'Dame,' is a testament to her exceptional service and beloved status in British public life, solidifying her legacy as a national treasure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Dame Joanna Lumley most famous for?

Dame Joanna Lumley is most widely recognised for her iconic role as Patsy Stone in the immensely popular BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, which earned her two BAFTA TV Awards.

What does the title "Dame" signify?

The title "Dame" in Dame Joanna Lamond Lumley signifies that she has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), a prestigious honour bestowed by the British monarch in recognition of significant contributions to public life.

Is Joanna Lumley involved in humanitarian work?

Yes, Dame Joanna Lumley is a prominent human rights activist. She is known for her work with Survival International and, notably, led the successful Gurkha Justice Campaign, advocating for the rights of Gurkha veterans.

Has she performed in American productions or on Broadway?

Yes, Dame Joanna Lumley was nominated for a Tony Award (for Best Featured Actress in a Play) in 2011 for her performance in the Broadway revival of La Bête. She also appeared in the Hollywood film The Wolf of Wall Street.

When was Dame Joanna Lumley born?

Dame Joanna Lumley was born on 1 May 1946.