Dame Joanna Lumley is a true icon of the entertainment industry, celebrated for her extensive career spanning acting, modelling, writing, and activism. With BAFTA wins and a damehood, her influence extends far beyond the screen. Currently, she is captivating audiences in the BBC’s new comedy Amandaland, a spin-off of Motherland, which she has described as “magic” to be a part of. The series has been widely praised for its strong female leads, adding another triumph to Lumley’s impressive career.
Born on 1 May 1946 in Kashmir, India, Joanna Lumley was raised in a British family with deep roots in the region. She received her education in the UK, attending Mickledene in Kent before spending six years at Holmhurst St Mary’s Convent School in Hastings. Her journey into the world of fashion began at Lucie Clayton Finishing School, a renowned institution that shaped Britain’s modelling industry in the 1950s and 1960s. She quickly made her mark, working as a photographic model and as a house model for designer Jean Muir.
Reflecting on the era, Lumley once remarked that women were tougher back then, recalling how they handled unwanted advances with confidence. Her success in modelling eventually opened doors to acting, setting the stage for her remarkable career in entertainment.
At 21, Lumley became a single mother to her son Jamie, now 57. She has spoken about how her parents supported her during this time, acknowledging the struggles many women faced when pressured to give up their children. She has expressed gratitude for being able to raise her son without such difficulties.
Despite not attending drama school, Lumley’s natural talent propelled her into acting. Her earliest roles included an uncredited part in the 1969 film Some Girls Do and a small role in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. In 1973, she appeared in Coronation Street, but it was in 1976 that she landed her breakthrough role as Purdy in The New Avengers, solidifying her as a household name.
Two decades later, Lumley’s career reached new heights with her portrayal of Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous (1992-2012), a role that earned her BAFTA recognition. She reprised the character for the 2016 film adaptation, embracing Patsy’s rebellious nature despite being, as she jokingly put it, the “polar opposite” in real life.
Lumley’s career has been remarkably diverse, including roles in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street, Shirley Valentine, and Trail of the Pink Panther. She has also received critical acclaim for performances in television dramas like A Rather English Marriage and Sapphire and Steel. Most recently, she appeared in Netflix’s thriller Fool Me Once, continuing to showcase her versatility.
Joanna Lumley’s first marriage to Jeremy Lloyd, a screenwriter, was brief, lasting only three months in 1970. She later married Stephen Barlow, a conductor, in 1986. The couple, who will celebrate their 40th anniversary next year, reside in London and have a second home in Scotland. Lumley has shared that mutual respect is key to a long-lasting marriage, emphasizing the importance of treating a partner as “the most important person in the world.”
Beyond acting, Lumley has excelled as a writer and presenter, hosting acclaimed travel documentaries that explore destinations like Japan, India, and the Caribbean. Her books include two memoirs and A Queen for All Seasons, a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on her Platinum Jubilee.
Her philanthropic efforts have been equally impactful. Lumley is a dedicated advocate for animal rights and humanitarian causes, lending her voice to organisations such as Survival International, the Gurkha Justice Campaign, and Compassion in World Farming. In 2022, her contributions to entertainment and charity were recognised with a damehood.
A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Lumley has supported Born Free since its inception in 1984. As the Founder Patron, she has attended numerous events and travelled globally to witness the charity’s work firsthand. She has praised Born Free’s dedication to “respect and gentleness with animals” and its firm stance against cruelty.
Co-founder Virginia McKenna has highlighted Lumley’s unwavering compassion, describing her as someone whose “soul is as beautiful as her face.” Lumley’s commitment to wildlife conservation ensures that her influence extends far beyond entertainment, making her a powerful voice for animals worldwide.
With a career spanning over decades, Joanna Lumley remains a cultural icon. Her indelible contributions to film, television, literature, and activism demonstrate that her influence extends beyond the screen. Lumley’s legacy endures, whether it’s through her acclaimed performances, her advocacy for animal welfare, or her dedication to human rights.
