Lee Cornes, 75
How can one possibly forget Lee Cornes’ hilarious one-liners in Mr. Bean: The Animated Series? Born in Worcester in 1951, the actor and writer rose to fame with his impressive work in Colin’s Sandwich (1988), Bottom (1991), and Jack and Jeremy’s Real Lives (1996).
Today, Cornes makes time in his busy schedule to regularly appear at The Comedy Store in London as a host. Before he became one of the original cast members of Tugs in 1989, Cornes had auditioned one year prior for the lead role in BBC’s Red Dwarf, going on to make a one-off appearance in the fifth episode of the series.
John Cleese, 86
Famed actor John Cleese recently sparked controversy when he came to the defense of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. When the Fantastic Beasts author came under fire for voicing her opinions on gender issues and trans people, Cleese was quick to tweet several responses in her defense, for which he was shunned and branded as transphobic.
The Monty Python actor began his career as a comedic writer and performer before landing a job at BBC Radio as a writer. Having written for several programs during the ’60s, his career peaked during the ’70s and ’80s with A Fish Called Wanda, The Meaning of Life, and the Monty Python series.
Kevin Whately, 75
Born in Hexham, Northumberland, Kevin Whately made a mark on the small screen after appearing as Robert ‘Robbie’ Lewis in crime-themed series like Inspector Lewis and Inspector Morse. After making his acting debut in 1978 with Out of the Past, he has been a part of showbiz for more than four decades.
After starring as Detective Robert Lewis in Inspector Morse from 1978 to 2000, Whately resurrected his iconic character in 2006 for Inspector Lewis. He went on to stay on the show as a cast member until 2015. The eighth season of the Inspector Morse spin-off, Endeavour, recently began filming in Oxford.
Paul Barber, 75
Hailing from Liverpool, Patrick Barber has inspired future British actors like Idris Elba through his memorable performance as Denzil in Only Fools and Horses. After first joining the show in 1983, he stayed on as a supporting act for two decades until the comedy series ended in 2003.
Having made his debut in 1974 as Sam ‘Lucky’ Ubootu in ITV Playhouse, Barber proved his acting talents in timeless classics like The Full Monty, Formula 51, and The Long Good Friday. He is currently busy shooting on the set of his new TV show Matchmakers.
Rebecca Eaton, 78
Rebecca Eaton recently stepped down as the executive producer of PBS’ Masterpiece, having been a part of the drama franchise for 35 years. Since she first joined Masterpiece Theater as a producer in 1985, the Boston native has brought British television to American audiences, with shows like Downtown Abbey and Sherlock.
She is currently working as the executive producer of PBS’ murder mystery series Unforgotten. Widely regarded as one of the best crime-mystery shows British television has produced in the last few years, the fourth season of Unforgiven airs this month on PBS and ITV.
Jenny Seagrove, 69
For her new stage project, actress Jennifer Ann Seagrove is currently playing the mother of an 82-year-old Hamlet. The production of Hamlet is being staged at The Theatre Royal in Windsor, wherein she stars alongside Sir Ian McKellen, who will be playing the lead. The show’s opening act begins every evening at 7:30 pm with tickets available for purchase online.
Seagrove polished her on-stage talents at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which is probably why her acting prowess is indeed something to behold. She is perhaps best known for her roles in films like A Woman of Substance (1984), Local Hero (1983), and Appointment with Death (1988).
Judith Barker, 83
Judith Barker struck gold as a TV actress when she was cast as Janet Barlow in Coronation Street in 1969. Her on-screen character as a town hall clerk was the show’s first female character who would become infamous for her reputation as a troublemaker and home wrecker, seducing Alan Howard and Len Fairclough before eventually marrying Ken Barlow.
After recently dramatizing the character of Agatha in three seasons of Emmerdale Farm, Barker is now keeping herself busy with the production of her upcoming comedy-drama film directed by Michael Hines. The motion picture, which is yet to receive a title, is written by none other than famed writer Mark Quinn.
Miriam Margolyes, 81
Along with a successful career that spans more than five decades, Miriam Margolyes is also one of the latest celebrities to hop on to the podcast bandwagon. The Harry Potter actress is the host of her popular podcast, Growing Old Disgracefully.
After graduating from Oxford High School in 1959, Margolyes returned several decades later for the Miriam Margolyes Drama Studio inauguration. Following her acting debut in 1965 with Theater 625, she went on to do voiceover and theatrical work in the ’70s. During the ’80s and ’90s, Margolyes’ star shined the brightest with notable credits in projects like The Age of Innocence and Romeo + Juliet.
Amelia Shankley, 50
Born in London, England, actress Amelia Shankley made her on-screen debut in 1985 as Alice “Little Alice” Liddell in Dreamchild. One year later, she was cast in the film adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s popular novel A Little Princess.
Although Shankley only worked in a handful of productions during her 25-year stint in the movie industry, she landed a significant part in 1991, starring in two seasons of Lovejoy, portraying the character of Vicky Lovejoy. Following her 2009 and 2010 appearances in East of Everything and Butterfly Crush, Shankley has been largely away from the public spotlight.
Sally Dynevor, 59
After her first appearance on Coronation Street in 1986, Sally Dynevor has been a part of the wildly popular TV series for 35 years now. Having enjoyed an immensely successful career in entertainment, her daughter Phoebe has also followed in her mother’s footsteps and made a name for herself in series like Bridgerton, Younger, and Dickensian.
From challenges in her personal relationships to being a cancer survivor, it suffices to say, Dynevor has had her fair share of trauma in her life. She returns as Sally Webster in ITV’s Coronation Street, currently running its 62nd season on the network.
Eileen Derbyshire, 91
Eileen Derbyshire tragically lost her husband of 56 years, Thomas W Holt, after his battle with Alzheimer’s in February 2021. At the time of his death, Holt was accompanied by his son Oliver, who remained at his father’s bedside.
Derbyshire met her late husband in 1964 before the couple elected a cottage in Cheshire to settle down and raise and family. The beloved actress is known for her work in Coronation Street, All-Star Comedy Carnival, and This Is Your Life. She portrayed her iconic character of Emily Bishop in the ITV soap opera in 2019.
Eileen Atkins, 88
Since 1953, Eileen Atkins has worked tirelessly in entertainment, proving her mettle as an actress in TV, film, and theater. Along with performing, the Clapton, London native has also dabbled in filmmaking as the occasional screenwriter.
In October this year, Atkins is set to unveil her memoir, Will She Do?, in partnership with the female-centric book publisher Virago. In her memoir, the Gosford Park actress tells the story of a girl growing up in the ’30s in Tottenham and being raised by a mother who worked as a barmaid and seamstress while dreaming of performing on stage.
Maureen Lipman, 77
After more than 50 years as an active member of the union, Jewish actress Maureen Lipman’s recently quit the actor’s union, Equity, over a feud with its leader, Maureen Beattie, due to her stance on Israel. Earlier this year, Lipman mourned the loss of her husband, Guido Castro, who had been suffering from Parkinson’s for several years.
The Yorkshire native, who loaned her acting talents to Roman Polanski’s 2002 Holocaust-themed Oscar-winning motion picture, The Pianist, has been very vocal about her stance regarding the geopolitics of the world. Along with The Pianist, Lipman has also starred in Educating Ritam Oklahoma! and Agony.
Sally Ann Matthews, 52
After joining the cast of Coronation Street in 1986, Sally Ann Matthews left her iconic role as Jenny Connor when she was just 21 in the wake of criticism and backlash from the show’s critics. In 2015, she made a highly anticipated one-off appearance and has been on the cobbles ever since.
According to the Oldham, Lancashire native, having been catapulted to stardom and fame when she was only 15, Matthews found it hard to deal with her newfound success. She was recently in the company of Her Majesty Elizabeth II when the Queen decided to pay a visit to the set of Coronation Street on the soap’s 60th anniversary.
Penelope Keith, 83
Penelope Keith got her first big break as an actress when she played a wealthy, snobbish Margot Leadbetter in the renowned ’70s sitcom The Good Life. Although she originally joined the show as a supporting act with limited screen time and lines, the Sutton, Surrey native’s comedic genius was immediately apparent, leading to several appearances in 30 episodes of the show between 1975 and 1978.
Her impressive performance not only won the hearts of millions of viewers but also earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Comedy Performer. Earlier this month, she made an appearance at Chichester Cathedral to celebrate romantic poet John Keats at the Festival of Chichester.
Sue Nicholls, 79
Isn’t it heartwarming when co-stars on your favorite show end up being lovers in real life too? In the case of Sue Nicholls and Mark Eden, the two became soulmates after co-starring in Coronation Street. Sadly, Eden passed away from Alzheimer’s on New Year’s Day after 27 years of marriage.
Over the course of her career, Nicholls has worked in TV productions like The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Round the Castle, and Crossroads and Up the Elephant. Today, she is best known for her feisty role as Audrey Roberts in the long-running British sitcom Coronation Street, currently airing on ITV.
Tracy Shaw, 49
When Tracy Shaw made her exit from Coronation Street in 2003, it was one of the most hyped storylines of the year. Around 17.5 million fans and viewers were blown away by the edge-of-your-seat, thrilling episode as her character Maxine Peacock was murdered by Richard Hillman, who had intended to kill Emily Bishop instead.
Since her breakout show, Shaw has had a recurring character in Casualty as Jane Farrell while also appearing on the big screen with Mile High (2004) and Monster (2018). In a recent appearance on Loose Women, Shaw shed light on her hiatus from acting, stressing the importance of spending more time with her family and kids.
Susan Tully, 55
Following a successful career as an actress, Susan Tully has been active behind the scenes as a director for more than two decades. After working on four episodes of C.B. Strike last year, she recently directed the first season of the mini-series Too Close.
However, for older audiences, the Highgate, North London-born starlet is most famous for playing Michelle Fowler, a single mother, in EastEnders. After making her first appearance on the BBC soap opera in 1985, she had starred in more than 850 episodes before making her exit in 1995.
Amanda Redman, 65
British actress Amanda Redman has been a regular cast member on ITV’s medical series Good Karma Hospital. After portraying the character of Dr. Lydia Fonseca in the first two seasons, she recently worked in the third season as an actress and an associate producer.
Redman has worked extensively in theater, commercials, and on television during her distinguished career. She made her on-screen debut in 1979 as an extra cast member of Turning Year Tales. To the older generation, Redman is probably best known for playing Sandra Pullman in BBC’s New Tricks.
Juliet Stevenson, 66
Avid movie watchers born before the ’90s probably remember actress Juliet Stevenson as Nina in the 1990 comedy Truly Madly Deeply. Playing the role of a woman coming to grips with the death of her love interest, she knocked it out of the park with an unforgettable display of acting versatility and emotional depth.
The British performer is revered not only for her work on the big screen but also for her numerous theatrical performances in London. After showcasing her acting talents in Out of Her Mind last year, Stevenson recently joined the cast of The Long Call as Dorothy for the show’s inaugural season.
Beverley Callard, 66
Beverley Callard recently revealed that she is contemplating undergoing cosmetic surgery to look younger in an industry that promotes youth and beauty. She started her career in entertainment at the tender age of seven, working as a page boy before becoming a typist after her graduation.
However, her love for acting pulled Callard back to the small screen, where she went on to give her breakout performance with her long-running role as Liz McDonald in Coronation Street. Having first joined the ITV show in 1984, Callard recently returned to play Jim’s ex-wife in Coronation Street’s 2020 season.
Catherine Schell, 78
Former Bond girl Catherine Schell made a big impression on producers and viewers with an unforgettable role as Nancy in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Additionally, the Budapest native’s work in the Pink Panther franchise is one of the highlights of her career.
Before she started acting, Schell would escape a Russian-occupied Budapest to live as a refugee in Austria. She then moved to the United States, where she attended high school, before relocating to Germany to work as an actress. Schell recently worked in the BBC One mini-series Dracula as Duchess Valeria.
Phil Rose, 71
Growing up, Phil Rose honed his skills as a performer at the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama. He then became a regular at the Manchester Youth Theatre, where he worked in award-winning musical theater productions while also undergoing training.
His role as Toby Belch in Twelfth Night brought him to prominence as a stage performer. However, on the small screen, he was able to make a big splash during the ’80s as Friar Tuck in Robin of Sherwood. Although he gained fame and stardom for his TV roles, Rose continued to perform in theater throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
Jean Boht, 91
To this day, Jean Boht is still remembered for her undying performance as Nellie Boswell in Carla Lane’s hilarious comedy series Bread. She played the matriarch of her family in 74 episodes of the much-admired soap opera between 1986 and 1991.
Since then, Boht has been in the public eye, working on several seasons of programs like Brighton Belles, Holby City, The Bill, Casualty, and Doctors. For the last five decades, Boht has been happily married to composer Carl Davis. According to her husband, their marriage has the perfect dynamic—while his songs pay the bills and bring in the bread, Boht puts money into buying homes.
Helen Shapiro, 76
When a 14-year-old Helen Shapiro produced a UK Top-3 hit Don’t Treat Me Like a Child, it was immediately apparent she would go on to become a musical great. Later that same year, she would record two more hit singles in the form of Walkin’ Back to Happiness, and You Don’t Know.
Fast forward two years, and the child prodigy was touring alongside other musical icons like The Beatles in her 1964 British nationwide tour. The London-born musician and actress has been married to John Judd since August 1988 and has loaned her musical soundtracks to films like Legend, Seven Psychopaths, and Butterfly Kiss.
Fiona Mollison, 69
TV and theater actress Fiona Mollison is married to director David Gilmore. The two live happily at their Wimbledon, London residence and are parents to their three sons, Edward, George, and Charles.
Having made her debut in 1977’s Spaghetti Two-Step, Mollison has worked in popular projects such as The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Strangers, and As Time Goes By. When it comes to her youthful looks, the On the Up actress swears by healthy activities like yoga and regular workouts. Mollison keeps her mind engaged by creative activities like designing interiors when she is not working on set.
Jane Merrow,81
According to Jane Merrow, the Lorna Doone star had dreamed of becoming an actress since she was five years old. Despite working in showbiz for six decades now, she is still very much in love with her craft and the creative process behind every production.
After graduating, Merrow received acting classes at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before working as a sales rep. After her acting debut in 1961. She gave memorable performances in The Lion in Winter, The Prisoner, Six Million Dollar Man, and Night of the Big Heat. She recently starred as Edith Withers in The Haunting of Margam Castle.
Hugh Laurie, 63
It’s remarkable how Hugh Laurie has seemingly not aged at all since he first rose to fame during the ’80s and ’90s as an actor and comedian. Younger audiences might be more familiar with the Oxfordshire native as the lead actor in Fox’s long-running medical series House.
After joining the cast of House in 2004, Laurie dramatized the character of Dr. Gregory House in more than 170 episodes of the show until its end in 2012. He is currently busy with the filming of new projects like Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? The Canterville Ghost and is working as a voice actor in The Amazing Maurice.
Judi Bowker, 69
Before she went on to wow audiences with her on-screen prowess, a young Judi Bowker was actually training as a ballerina. The actress is famous for her delicate features, piercing pale blue eyes, and beautiful blonde hair.
Bowker kickstarted her career in the early ’70s with roles in Brother Sun, Sister Moon, The Adventures of Black Beauty, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Notable credits on her acting resume include Clash of the Titans, Count Dracula, and her 2016 appearances in Feast of Varanasi and Tales of Albion, playing the characters of Agatha and Rhiannon’s mother.
Helen Worth, 72
Following the latest news that Helen Worth will be leaving the cast of Coronation Street, fans of the ITV show are devastated and heartbroken. The West Yorkshire native has been a part of the popular soap opera since she first joined its cast 47 years ago, in 1974.
Worth has reprised her iconic role of Gail Platt in almost 3.7K episodes but recently announced that she would be taking some time off for a much-needed break. While fans can still appreciate the Doctor Who actress’s on-screen talents in Coronation Street’s latest season, she has not closed the door for a possible return in upcoming seasons.
Maurice Gran, 73
Famed comedic writer Maurice Gran first established himself as a noteworthy sitcom writer after working on Holding the Fort. The popular series about a stay-at-home dad and a working mother ran for three years between 1980 and 1982.
Although his future projects like Roots failed to make a big impression on audiences, Gran reunited with his comedic writing partner Laurence Marks to create their ground-breaking BBC series Birds of a Feather which ran from 1989 to 1998. According to their official website, Grand and Marks are currently working on two new musicals and have hinted at more future seasons of Birds of a Feather.
David Bradley, 81
Harry Potter fans will easily recognize David Bradley as the actor behind the character of Argus Filch, a loathsome janitor/caretaker at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The York native jumped from one blockbuster franchise to the next when he subsequently appeared as Walder Frey in Game of Thrones.
Having made his acting debut in 1971 with Nearest and Dearest and A Family at War, Bradley went on a hiatus after several decades in showbiz, retreating to a secluded home and working as a carpenter. He has since returned to the big screen and is currently working as a voice actor in Pinocchio and Emily the Little Match Girl.
Alun Lewis, 74
British actor Alun Lewis is best known for his role as postmaster Vic Windsor in Emmerdale. 1989 proved to be a breakout year for the actor when he was cast in not one but two shows that would catapult him as a revered figure in British television.
Along with landing the part in Emmerdale, Lewis also snagged a recurring role as Darryl Stubbs in BBC1’s Birds of a Feather. He went on to stay as a cast member on the two shows until 1998 and 1996, respectively. His last on-screen appearance came in 2017 with a supporting role in The Watcher in the Woods.
Trevor McDonald, 83
Despite being in his eighties, Trevor McDonald’s love for telling stories that began when the celebrity was ten, remains. The ITN presenter announced his retirement in 2005, only to make his way back on screen a few months later. In 2008, the star would yet again make public that he was giving up work as an anchor, which hasn’t happened to date.
The News At Ten star admits that while he has tried to stay away from journalism, he has realized and accepted the fact that he might be working throughout his lifetime. McDonald recently separated from his wife of 34 years, with whom the broadcaster has a son with.
Christopher John Tarrant, 76
Christopher John Tarrant recently suffered from a stroke while on a plane. The occurrence was a wake-up call for the star at understanding just how fragile yet precious life is, prompting him to dedicate the rest of his days alive to loving and serving others.
After hosting 600 episodes of *Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, Tarrant, is now exploring a newfound passion, traveling the world while filming documentaries. The presenter, who is also semi-retired, says that he would gladly get back to hosting on radio, given the chance, even if he wasn’t being paid for it.
Brian Harold May, 75
It takes most of us decades, if not a lifetime, to achieve our lifelong dreams. Brian May’s story is different, having been catapulted to global stardom alongside his Queen bandmates just five years after they started doing music professionally.
The guitarist and his co-stars were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Unfortunately, May suffered a stroke in 2020. Nonetheless, the star is doing much better now and is thankful for a second chance at life. The man is a fighter, that doesn’t back down easily, based on what we have seen over the years, so we are confident that he will get through this too.
Ugly Dave Cry, 89
Contrary to his name, Ugly Dave Gray’s life is nothing short of beautiful. The star, a father of two, is happy that one of his children followed in his footsteps, choosing the path of comedy, which the former Beat The Clock host takes pride in, as part of his rich legacy.
After hosting multiple game shows on-screen, the celebrity transitioned to broadcasting on the radio. Looking back, Dave recalls the opportunity as one of the greatest he has had in his lifetime. The entertainer is thankful for a chance to have connected with people at such a personal level with just his voice, without any theatrics.
Dame Lesley Lawson (Twiggy), 73
Most women in the modeling industry barely know what to do with themselves post their careers in that particular field. Dame Lesley Lawson, popularly known as Twiggy, is different. More than sixty years since the star’s debut and her contribution and impact on the fashion and beauty industries continue to make waves.
Twiggy’s adaptability that had her reinvent herself over the years and be the face of M&S , well into her seventies, is admirable. Add that to a successful film career plus a clothing line to the celebrity’s name, and you can tell without a doubt that the Body Guards performer is unstoppable.
Glenn Close, 76
Social media was recently abuzz with congratulatory messages for Glenn Close, who was trending for hours-on-end after the beauty announced that she would be starring in the Apple+ show, “Tehran.” Undoubtedly, even after being entertained by the performer for close to half a century, the world just can’t get enough of her.
Close has not only been named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people globally, but the star also prides herself in being part of films that have grossed over $1.3 billion, just in North America. There is no denying that this is a star whose light keeps shining bright with every day that passes.
David Bradley, 81
Despite being in his seventies, David Bradley still shows up to acting gigs as if he was still trying to woo casting directors; sharply dressed, on time, and with a ready-to-work attitude. According to the Harry Potter performer, the older you get, the more significance and effort you you put into family, work, and religion to build an extraordinary legacy.
Jack Hedley, 90
Jack Hedley was a big name in British entertainment during the ’70s, renowned for his powerful performances in front of the camera. He was born Jack Hawkins but later changed his surname to avoid confusion with another performer.
Gwyneth Powell, 75
Gwyneth Powell became a recognizable figure in British entertainment after portraying headmistress Bridget McCluskey in Grange Hill. After joining the BCC show in 1981, she stayed on for 11 seasons up until 1991. After her graduation, Powell briefly worked as a teacher at Goldsmiths, University of London, before returning to acting.
As one of the most popular names in British cinema and television, Powell has worked in fan-favorite productions like Father Brown, The Guardians, and several other breakout shows of the ’70s and ’80s. In recent years, she has played a mother in Man Down while also dramatizing multiple characters in Doctors from 2013 to 2019.
