Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley
source
Name	Joanna Lumley
Birth date	May 1, 1946
Birth place	Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Occupation	Actress, BBC presenter, former model

Joanna Lumley is a renowned British actress, BBC presenter, and former model, best known for her iconic roles in Absolutely Fabulous, The New Avengers, and Sensational Sherri. Born in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Lumley's early life was marked by frequent moves due to her father's career in the British Army, with postings in Malaya, Hong Kong, and Kent. Her experiences during this time would later influence her work, including her portrayal of Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, a character known for her London-based lifestyle and associations with Buckingham Palace and Royal Family. Lumley's career has been shaped by her collaborations with notable figures, including Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, and Richard Curtis, with whom she has worked on various projects, such as French and Saunders and The Vicar of Dibley.

● Early Life

Joanna Lumley was born to Thyra Beatrice Rose and James Rutherford Lumley, a major in the British Army, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, where her father was stationed at the time. Her family's frequent relocations during her childhood took her to Malaya, Hong Kong, and Kent, exposing her to diverse cultures and environments, including the Himalayas and Kashmir Valley. Lumley's early education took place at Mickledene School in Kent and later at Lucie Clayton College in London, where she developed an interest in drama and theatre, inspired by the works of William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde. Her family's connections to the British Empire and its history, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the Treaty of Lahore, would later influence her perspectives on colonialism and imperialism.

● Career

Lumley's career in the entertainment industry began as a model, with appearances in various fashion magazines, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and working with notable fashion designers like Mary Quant and Pierre Cardin. She transitioned to acting, landing roles in British television series such as The Protectors, The New Avengers, and Coronation Street, alongside actors like Patrick Macnee and Honor Blackman. Her breakthrough role came with the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, where she played the character Patsy Stone, opposite Jennifer Saunders as Edina Monsoon, with guest appearances by Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, and Naomi Campbell. Lumley's work has also included collaborations with ITV, Channel 4, and Sky TV, on shows like The Crown, Downton Abbey, and Midsomer Murders, featuring actors like Claire Foy, Jim Broadbent, and John Nettles.

● Activism

In addition to her acting career, Lumley is known for her human rights and environmental activism, particularly in her support for the Gurkha Justice Campaign, which aimed to secure British citizenship for Nepalese Gurkha soldiers who had served in the British Army. Her efforts, alongside those of Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Nick Clegg, led to a change in UK immigration law, allowing Gurkha veterans to settle in the United Kingdom. Lumley has also been involved with various charities, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the World Wildlife Fund, advocating for causes such as animal welfare, climate change, and conservation, often working with figures like David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, and Prince Charles.

● Personal Life

Lumley has been married to Stephen Barlow since 1986, and the couple resides in London. Her interests include gardening, cooking, and traveling, with a particular fondness for Nepal and the Himalayan region, where she has trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp and supported local conservation efforts. Lumley is also a patron of several charities, including the Born Free Foundation and the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust, and has been recognized for her contributions to British culture and philanthropy with honors such as an Order of the British Empire and a BAFTA Fellowship, alongside other notable recipients like Ian McKellen, Maggie Smith, and Stephen Fry.

● Filmography

Lumley's extensive filmography includes roles in British films like Trail of the Pink Panther, Shirley Valentine, and Maybe Baby, as well as appearances in Hollywood productions such as Ella Enchanted and Corpse Bride, featuring actors like Peter Sellers, Pauline Collins, and Johnny Depp. Her work in television has been equally prolific, with notable roles in British sitcoms like The New Avengers, Absolutely Fabulous, and Sensational Sherri, as well as dramas like Midsomer Murders and Marple, based on the works of Agatha Christie and featuring actors like Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie. Throughout her career, Lumley has worked with a wide range of directors, including Terry Gilliam, Tim Burton, and Richard Curtis, and has appeared alongside a diverse array of actors, such as Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, and Helen Mirren.