After twenty years of hard work on stage and both television and film, there are not many other actresses who deserved the success, recognition and stardom which Brenda Blethyn has now achieved. Born in 1946 in Ramsgate, Kent, England, she started her career at British Rail in the 1960s. Saving money during her time there, she took a risk and enrolled herself at the at The Guildford School of Acting in Guildford, Surrey, England and then left her British Rail years behind. Her risk had paid off, by the mid-1970s she was working on stage, eventually joining the National Theatre Company in 1975. It was the 1980s, however that saw Brenda move onto the small screen when she appeared in a BBC2 Playhouse presentation called _"BBC2 Playhouse" . A second Academy Award nomination followed but once again she was the bridesmaid rather than the bride at the Oscars. Since 1996, she has found a new home in film and she has worked consistently in the medium.
Took part in the 2002 London Marathon.
She was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2003 Queens New Years Honours List for her services to drama.
Was born with an extra finger.
She was awarded the 1981 London Critics Circle Theatre Award (Drama Theatre Awards) for Best Supporting Actress of 1980 for her performance in Steaming.
Is the youngest of nine children. Her father was an engineer.
Wears a size 3 shoe.
Graduated from technical college and worked as a stenographer and bookkeeper until her late twenties.
Nominated for the 1984 Laurence Olivier Award for her work in "Benefactors" (Actress of the Year in a New Play).
Presented the award for Best Group to Lau at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. (4th February 2008).
Married Michael Mayhew after a 35-year engagement in a small, private ceremony held in a Peckham registry office.
Watched footage of Cheryl in order to perfect a Geordie accent for her role as Vera Stanhope in "Vera" .
(November 2004) Appearing opposite Edie Falco in Marsha Norman s play, "Night Mother" in New York City, NY.
(May 2009) Honor Oak, London, England
(September 2004) Filming Pride & Prejudice .
Daughter of William (1894-1985) and Louisa (ne Supple) Bottle (1904-1992). Engaged for 20 years, they did not marry until 1944.
Maternal granddaughter of Edward (1876-1923) and Louisa (ne Baker) Supple (1881-1944).
