British actresses born in 1961
Here are 23 famous actresses from United Kingdom were born in 1961:
Meera Syal
Meera Syal (June 27, 1961 Wolverhampton-) a.k.a. Feroza Syal, Feeroza Syal or Meera Syal MBE is a British comedian, actor, playwright, presenter, screenwriter, singer, journalist and film producer. Her children are called Shaan Bhaskar and Chameli Bhatia.
Meera Syal first gained widespread recognition for her work in the comedy sketch show "Goodness Gracious Me" which aired on BBC Radio 4 and its television spin-off on BBC Two in the late 1990s. She co-wrote and starred in the show, which explored the lives of British Asians and their experiences with cultural assimilation and identity.
Syal has also written several award-winning plays, including "Anita and Me" which was adapted into a film in 2002. She has acted in numerous films and television shows, including the BAFTA-winning drama "The Kumars at No. 42" where she played the eccentric grandmother, Ummi.
In addition to her acting and writing career, Syal has also been involved in philanthropy and activism. She has campaigned for women's rights and mental health awareness, and was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1997 for her services to drama.
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Saskia Reeves
Saskia Reeves (August 16, 1961 Paddington-) is a British actor.
She was born and raised in London and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) for her acting training. Reeves is well-known for her versatile and powerful performances in film, television, and theater. She began her career in the early 1980s and has since starred in numerous productions, including the film "I.D.", the BBC drama "The Dumping Ground", and the West End stage production of "The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?".
Reeves has won critical acclaim for her work, receiving several awards and nominations throughout her career. In 2020, she received a BAFTA TV Award nomination for her role in the BBC drama "The Left Behind". Reeves is also known for her activism and advocacy work, particularly in issues related to mental health and social justice.
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Shobu Kapoor
Shobu Kapoor (May 28, 1961-) is a British actor.
She was born in Nairobi, Kenya and raised in London. Kapoor is best known for her role as Gita Kapoor in the popular British soap opera "EastEnders". She trained at the Anna Scher Theatre School and began her acting career in the 1980s, appearing in various theatre productions before moving on to television and film. After "EastEnders", Kapoor appeared in other popular British TV shows such as "Grange Hill" and "Coronation Street". She has also had supporting roles in several films including "Bend It Like Beckham" and "The Infidel". Kapoor is a trained classical dancer and has also worked as a dance teacher.
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Suzanne Dando
Suzanne Dando (July 3, 1961 Balham-) a.k.a. Susanne Dando is a British presenter, actor and gymnast.
She rose to fame as a presenter for the popular British children's television show, Blue Peter in the 1980s. Dando also trained as a gymnast and represented Great Britain in the World Championships in 1979. After leaving Blue Peter, she pursued an acting career, appearing in various television shows and films. Dando is also known for her charity work, particularly with the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and the Children's Trust.
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Lesley Vickerage
Lesley Vickerage (July 1, 1961 London-) is a British actor.
She began her acting career in the mid-1980s and has since appeared in a number of British television shows and films. Some of her notable roles include the character of Detective Constable Emily Davison in the BBC crime drama "The Bill," and the role of Janet McIntyre in the popular ITV series "Midsomer Murders."
In addition to her television work, Vickerage has also acted in a number of stage productions, including several plays at the Royal National Theatre in London. She has also appeared in a number of films, including "The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Daredevils of the Desert" and "The Boxer."
Outside of her acting career, Vickerage is known for her charitable work, particularly in the field of animal welfare. She is an ambassador for the Dogs Trust, a UK-based charity that works to rescue and rehome dogs in need.
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Kim Clifford
Kim Clifford (January 27, 1961-) is a British actor. She has two children, Michelle Galpin and Jack Galpin.
Kim Clifford began her career in acting in the early 80s and quickly gained recognition for her talent. She has appeared in various British TV shows and movies, including Doctor Who, The Bill, and The Gentle Touch.
In addition to her work in television and film, Clifford has also been involved in theater productions. She has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and played various roles in West End productions.
Clifford has been married twice, and has two children from her first marriage. She is known for her philanthropic work, and is involved with various charity organizations that aim to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.
Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Clifford has always kept a low profile and preferred to stay out of the public eye. She continues to work on various projects and remains a highly respected figure in British acting circles.
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Sarah Holland
Sarah Holland (November 1, 1961 Folkestone-) a.k.a. Abby Rhode is a British novelist, singer, writer and actor.
She grew up in a coastal town in Kent and attended the Folkestone School for Girls before studying literature at the University of Cambridge. After graduating, Holland pursued her passion for the creative arts and started a career in writing, music and acting. She became well-known for her novels in the romance genre, such as "The Lover's Promise" and "A Summer to Remember", which have been translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.
Aside from writing, Holland is also an accomplished singer-songwriter and has released several albums throughout her career. She has performed in various venues in the UK and abroad, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. In addition, Holland has appeared in several TV series and films, including "Downton Abbey" and "Miss Marple".
Besides being a creative artist, Holland is also an active philanthropist and supports various charities, including those that focus on education and social welfare. She has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about her own struggles with anxiety and depression.
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Debbie Linden
Debbie Linden (February 22, 1961 Glasgow-October 5, 1997 Kingston upon Thames) was a British actor and model.
She was best known for her role in the 1980s British TV series "Robin of Sherwood". Prior to her acting career, Linden worked as a model and gained national attention for being the face of the British tabloid newspaper "The Sun" in the late 1970s. She also appeared in several music videos for artists such as Rod Stewart and Duran Duran. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Linden was a devoted animal rights activist and worked with various animal rights organizations throughout her life. She passed away at the age of 36 after battling cancer.
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Jane Leeves
Jane Leeves (April 18, 1961 Ilford-) also known as Amanda Jane Leeves, Jane Elizabeth Leeves, Jane Leaves or The Overtones is a British actor, dancer, comedian, voice actor and model. She has two children, Finn William Leeves Coben and Isabella Kathryn Coben.
Leeves is best known for her portrayal of Daphne Moon on the popular television show "Frasier" from 1993 to 2004. Before landing the role on "Frasier," she appeared on several British television shows including "The Benny Hill Show" and "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life." In addition to her acting career, Leeves is also a trained dancer and has performed in several Broadway and West End productions, including "Cabaret" and "The Sound of Music." She has also lent her voice to several animated characters, including Joy in the hit Pixar film "Inside Out." In recent years, Leeves has had recurring roles on shows such as "Desperate Housewives," "Hot in Cleveland," and "The Resident."
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Andrea Arnold
Andrea Arnold (April 5, 1961 Dartford-) also known as Dawn Lodge or Andrea P. Arnold is a British film director, actor and screenwriter. She has one child, Coral Arnold.
Arnold began her career as an actress before shifting her focus to directing in the late 1990s. Her short films, including "Wasp" and "Dog", won awards at numerous film festivals, and in 2003 she made her feature film debut with "Red Road". The film won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and launched Arnold as a major talent in world cinema.
She went on to direct critically acclaimed films such as "Fish Tank" and "American Honey", both of which received the Jury Prize at Cannes. Arnold's films often explore themes of poverty, class, and gender identity, and are known for their raw and visceral style.
In addition to her work in film, Arnold has directed episodes of TV shows such as "Transparent" and "Big Little Lies". She is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and has served as a jury member at various film festivals.
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Tracie Bennett
Tracie Bennett (June 17, 1961 Leigh-) a.k.a. Tracey Anne Bennett is a British actor.
She is best known for her work in the West End musical theatre, particularly in the role of Judy Garland in the production of "End of the Rainbow." Bennett has received numerous awards for her performances on stage, including Olivier Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and Best Supporting Actress. She has also appeared in television shows such as "Doctors," "Coronation Street," and "Scott & Bailey," as well as in films such as "Shirley Valentine" and "The Dressmaker." In addition to her acting career, Bennett is also a singer, with several albums and singles released to critical acclaim.
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Serena Scott Thomas
Serena Scott Thomas (September 21, 1961 Nether Compton-) also known as Serena Harriet Scott Thomas or Serena Scott-Thomas is a British actor. Her child is called Tallulah Tepper.
Serena Scott Thomas was born in Nether Compton, England, and studied acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She began her acting career on the stage before transitioning to film and television. Thomas's notable film roles include portraying Dr. Molly Warmflash in "The World is Not Enough" (1999), and portraying Lacey McLaughlin in "The Elite" (2001), among others. She has also appeared in several TV series including "Nash Bridges," "CSI: Miami" and "NCIS." In addition to her acting career, Thomas is also actively involved in charitable work, including serving as a UNICEF ambassador. Thomas currently resides in California with her daughter.
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Samantha Bond
Samantha Bond (November 27, 1961 Kensington-) a.k.a. Samantha Jane Bond is a British actor. She has two children, Tom Hanson and Molly Hanson.
Samantha Bond trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and went on to have a successful career in both stage and screen. She is best known for her role as Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond films between 1995 and 2002. Bond's other notable screen appearances include playing the character of Auntie Angela in "Outnumbered" and Lady Rosamund Painswick in "Downton Abbey". She has also performed extensively on stage, appearing in productions such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?". In addition to her acting work, Bond is also a patron of the Lymington Community Centre in Hampshire, UK.
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Joanna Scanlan
Joanna Scanlan (October 1, 1961 West Kirby-) also known as Joanna Scanlon, Jo Scanlan or Joanna Marion Scanlan is a British actor, screenwriter and teacher.
She began her career as a drama teacher before moving into acting, and has appeared in a range of TV shows and films. Her breakout role came in the acclaimed BBC series "The Thick of It", where she played the character of Terri Coverley. Scanlan has also had roles in popular TV shows such as "No Offence" and "Getting On", as well as films such as "Notes on a Scandal" and "The Invisible Woman". In addition to acting, she has also worked as a screenwriter, penning episodes of "No Offence" and the upcoming film "The Duke". Scanlan is known for her versatility as an actor, able to portray both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill.
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Katrin Cartlidge
Katrin Cartlidge (May 15, 1961 Westminster-September 7, 2002 London) also known as Katrin Juliet Cartlidge was a British actor.
She was born to a British father and Yugoslavian mother, and grew up in London. Cartlidge graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began her career in theater before moving onto film and television.
Cartlidge gained critical acclaim for her roles in independent films such as "Naked," "Breaking the Waves," and "Career Girls." She was also a frequent collaborator of acclaimed director Lars von Trier.
In addition to her work in film, Cartlidge also had a successful career in television, appearing in notable shows such as "Brookside," "The Bill," and "Shine on Harvey Moon."
Cartlidge died suddenly at the age of 41 due to complications from pneumonia. She was remembered by her colleagues as a talented and dedicated performer who brought depth and authenticity to every role she played.
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Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle (April 1, 1961 Blackburn-) also known as Boyle, Susan, Susan Magdalane Boyle, SuBo or The Hairy Angel is a British singer, artist, actor, musician and music artist.
Susan Boyle first gained international attention in 2009 when she appeared on the third season of the reality show "Britain's Got Talent". Her audition performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical Les Misérables went viral and became one of the most-watched YouTube videos of all time.
Before her appearance on "Britain's Got Talent", Boyle had spent over 20 years singing in local choirs and performing in small venues in Scotland. After her success on the show, she released her debut album, "I Dreamed a Dream", which became the UK's best-selling debut album of all time.
Boyle has since released several more albums and has sold over 25 million records worldwide. She has also appeared on various television shows and in films, including a cameo in the 2019 movie "Downton Abbey".
In addition to her music career, Boyle is known for her philanthropy work, particularly for supporting charities that focus on people with learning disabilities. She was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2013 and has become an advocate for people with autism.
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Caroline Bliss
Caroline Bliss (July 12, 1961 Hammersmith-) also known as Caroline Seacombe or Carol Gatehouse is a British actor.
She is best known for her role as Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond film "The Living Daylights" (1987) and "License to Kill" (1989). Bliss began her acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. She has also appeared in popular TV shows such as "Robin of Sherwood", "Doctor Who", and "Agatha Christie's Poirot". In addition to acting, Bliss is a prolific voice-over artist, having lent her voice to various radio and television advertisements, as well as audiobooks. She has also directed a number of stage productions and written several plays. In recent years, Bliss has been involved in charitable work, supporting causes such as animal welfare and mental health.
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Paula Hamilton
Paula Hamilton (January 23, 1961 Stoke-on-Trent-) is a British fashion model and actor.
She rose to fame in the 1980s as a top model and became known for her androgynous look, often seen posing in suits and men's clothing. Hamilton appeared on the covers of prestigious fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
In addition to her modeling career, Hamilton has also acted in both film and television. She has appeared in episodes of popular British TV shows such as "The Bill" and "Holby City," as well as in the films "The Elephant Man" and "Exorcist: The Beginning."
Hamilton has also been involved in various controversies throughout her career. In 1995, she was arrested and charged with extortion for allegedly demanding money from her former lover, Prince Ernst August of Hanover. In recent years, she has also spoken publicly about her struggles with mental health issues and addiction.
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Edita Brychta
Edita Brychta (September 6, 1961 Prague-) otherwise known as Edita Brychtová or Edychta Brychta is a British actor and voice actor.
She is best known for her voice acting roles, including the voice of Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter video game series, and characters in the animated television shows, Star Wars Rebels and The Clone Wars. Brychta also performed in the West End, appearing in the musicals, Chicago and Ziegfeld. She was raised in the United Kingdom and attended drama school in London before beginning her career in acting. In addition to her work in entertainment, Brychta has also been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the British Heart Foundation.
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Karina Huff
Karina Huff (January 1, 1961 London-) is a British actor, showgirl and tv personality.
She began her career in show business as a showgirl in various stage productions before transitioning to acting. Huff has appeared in numerous British television shows and films including "Doctor Who," "The Bill," and "The Krays." In addition to her acting career, she is also known for her work as a television presenter, hosting shows such as "The Big Breakfast" and "This Morning." Huff is also a trained dancer and choreographer, and has worked on various productions such as "Chicago" and "Anything Goes." She continues to work in the entertainment industry and is a well-respected figure in the British performing arts scene.
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Janet McTeer
Janet McTeer (August 5, 1961 Newcastle upon Tyne-) also known as Janet McTeer, OBE is a British actor.
She first gained critical acclaim for her role in the 1990 play "A Doll's House," for which she won a Laurence Olivier Award. McTeer has since appeared in numerous films and television shows, receiving two Academy Award nominations for her performances in "Tumbleweeds" and "Albert Nobbs." She is also known for her work on stage, winning a Tony Award for her role in "Mary Stuart" and receiving additional Tony nominations for "God of Carnage" and "Les Liaisons Dangereuses." In addition, McTeer has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama.
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Imogen Stubbs
Imogen Stubbs (February 20, 1961 Rothbury-) also known as Lady Nunn is a British actor and playwright. Her children are called Jesse Nunn and Ellie Nunn.
Imogen Stubbs started her acting career in the 1980s, and is best known for her roles in various films, TV shows, and stage productions. Some of her notable film credits include "Sense and Sensibility" (1995), "True Colors" (1991), and "Jack and Sarah" (1995).
In addition to her successful acting career, Stubbs is also an accomplished playwright. She has written several plays, including "We Happy Few" which premiered at the Gielgud Theatre in 2004. She has also adapted several plays, including "Little Eyolf" which was staged at the Jermyn Street Theatre in 2016.
Stubbs has been married twice, firstly to the late actor and director, Nick Hamm, and later to Sir Trevor Nunn, a highly acclaimed theatre director. She has two children with Nunn, named Jesse and Ellie, both of whom have followed in their parents' footsteps and pursued careers in acting.
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Amy Tolsky
Amy Tolsky (December 19, 1961 Chicago-) is a British actor.
She is best known for her role as Dr. Mel Karnofsky in the BBC medical drama series "Casualty". Tolsky began her acting career in the 1980s, appearing in various TV shows and films, including "The Bill" and "Inspector Morse". She later went on to star in several West End productions, such as "Chicago" and "Les Misérables". Tolsky's performance in "Casualty" earned her critical acclaim and she continued to appear in the series for ten years. She has also made appearances in other popular UK shows such as "EastEnders" and "Doctors". In addition to her acting career, Tolsky is also a trained singer and has released several albums.
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