Brenda Blethyn
Birth Place: Ramsgate, ENGLAND
Latest News on Brenda Blethyn:
MIKE LEIGH AT THE BBC Now Streaming on The Criterion Channel (Jan 6, 2023)
Austin Pendleton & Barbara Bleier to Make London Debut at The Pheasantry in January (Dec 18, 2022)
Interview: KT Tunstall on Touring, Making Unpopular Music and Bringing SAVING GRACE to the Stage (Nov 24, 2022)
MIKE LEIGH AT THE BBC Now Streaming on The Criterion Channel (Jan 6, 2023)
Austin Pendleton & Barbara Bleier to Make London Debut at The Pheasantry in January (Dec 18, 2022)
Interview: KT Tunstall on Touring, Making Unpopular Music and Bringing SAVING GRACE to the Stage (Nov 24, 2022)
BIO
Brenda Blethyn is a British actress with a career spanning over four decades. Born in Ramsgate, Kent in 1946, Blethyn began her career as a stage actress in the 1970s. She made her Broadway debut in 1992 in the play "Absent Friends" and later returned to Broadway in 2000 in the play "The Play What I Wrote."
Blethyn's breakthrough role came in 1996 when she starred in the Mike Leigh film "Secrets & Lies." Her performance earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
In addition to her work in film, Blethyn has had a successful career on television. She starred in the BBC series "Outside Edge" in the early 1990s and later appeared in the popular crime drama "Vera," which premiered in 2011 and is still ongoing. Blethyn has received two International Emmy Award nominations for her work on "Vera."
Blethyn has also continued to work in the theater throughout her career. In addition to her Broadway credits, she has appeared in numerous productions in London's West End, including "Steaming," "Death of a Salesman," and "Humble Boy."
In recent years, Blethyn has appeared in several films, including the 2018 drama "Mary and the Witch's Flower" and the 2019 comedy "Blow the Man Down." She has also continued to star in "Vera," with the show's 11th season set to premiere in 2021.
Offstage, Blethyn has been an advocate for several charities, including the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Alzheimer's Society.
Photos
Awards and Nominations
Olivier Awards - 1984 - Actress of the Year in a New Play
Brenda BlethynBenefactors
Videos
News
MIKE LEIGH AT THE BBC Now Streaming on The Criterion Channel
In the seventeen years between his first two theatrical features (1971’s BLEAK MOMENTS and 1988’s HIGH HOPES), Mike Leigh, the great humanist of British cinema, sharpened his distinctive voice and famously improvisatory process at the BBC, where he directed a string of striking, bittersweet slice-of-life dramas built on sharply etched characters.
In the seventeen years between his first two theatrical features (1971’s BLEAK MOMENTS and 1988’s HIGH HOPES), Mike Leigh, the great humanist of British cinema, sharpened his distinctive voice and famously improvisatory process at the BBC, where he directed a string of striking, bittersweet slice-of-life dramas built on sharply etched characters.
Austin Pendleton & Barbara Bleier to Make London Debut at The Pheasantry in January
Austin Pendleton & Barbara Bleier will make their London cabaret debut with 'Barbara and Austin Sing Steve & Oscar, and then some……' at The Pheasantry in Chelsea. The show will run for two nights only, on Friday and Saturday, January 13th & 14th, 2023.
Austin Pendleton & Barbara Bleier will make their London cabaret debut with 'Barbara and Austin Sing Steve & Oscar, and then some……' at The Pheasantry in Chelsea. The show will run for two nights only, on Friday and Saturday, January 13th & 14th, 2023.
Interview: KT Tunstall on Touring, Making Unpopular Music and Bringing SAVING GRACE to the Stage
BroadwayWorld catches up with KT Tunstall to chat about bringing Saving Grace to the stage at Riverside Studios.
BroadwayWorld catches up with KT Tunstall to chat about bringing Saving Grace to the stage at Riverside Studios.
Cast Announced For SAVING GRACE at the Riverside Studios
Casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the previously announced intimate first run of the new musical Saving Grace.
Casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the previously announced intimate first run of the new musical Saving Grace.
SAVING GRACE Comes to the Riverside Studios Next Month
The first run has been announced of the new musical Saving Grace which will have twelve performances only at the Riverside Studios from Tuesday 22 November – Sunday 4 December 2022.
The first run has been announced of the new musical Saving Grace which will have twelve performances only at the Riverside Studios from Tuesday 22 November – Sunday 4 December 2022.
HUMAN CONDITIONS: THE FILMS OF MIKE LEIGH Comes to Be Featured at Film at Lincoln Center
Film at Lincoln Center announces Human Conditions: The Films of Mike Leigh, a retrospective of the widely lauded director’s career, running from May 27-June 8. For over half a century, Mike Leigh has directed films suffused with emotion and the realities of working-class struggle. From his debut feature, Bleak Moments (1971); to his ’70s television work for the BBC; to the breakout mid-career successes of Life Is Sweet (1990), Naked (1993), and Secrets and Lies (1996); through the historical films that have marked his output more recently, like Mr. Turner (2014) and Peterloo (2018), a Mike Leigh film always has an unmistakable energy and feeling for the triumphs and tragedies of everyday life.
Film at Lincoln Center announces Human Conditions: The Films of Mike Leigh, a retrospective of the widely lauded director’s career, running from May 27-June 8. For over half a century, Mike Leigh has directed films suffused with emotion and the realities of working-class struggle. From his debut feature, Bleak Moments (1971); to his ’70s television work for the BBC; to the breakout mid-career successes of Life Is Sweet (1990), Naked (1993), and Secrets and Lies (1996); through the historical films that have marked his output more recently, like Mr. Turner (2014) and Peterloo (2018), a Mike Leigh film always has an unmistakable energy and feeling for the triumphs and tragedies of everyday life.
Photos/Video: Inside Rehearsal For THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE
New photographs and a trailer have been released from the rehearsal room of the UK touring production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright. The new production opens on 23 March at MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton and tours until 16 July.
New photographs and a trailer have been released from the rehearsal room of the UK touring production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright. The new production opens on 23 March at MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton and tours until 16 July.
Rehearsals Start For THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE UK Tour
Rehearsals have started this week for the new UK touring production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright.
Rehearsals have started this week for the new UK touring production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright.
Full Casting Announced For UK Tour of THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE
Full casting has been announced for the brand-new touring production of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise And Fall of Little Voice, produced by Katy Lipson and Glass Half Full Productions, directed by Bronagh Lagan (Cruise, West End; Little Women The Musical, Park Theatre/ Hope Mill) and starring international YouTube sensation Christina Bianco in the title role.
Full casting has been announced for the brand-new touring production of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise And Fall of Little Voice, produced by Katy Lipson and Glass Half Full Productions, directed by Bronagh Lagan (Cruise, West End; Little Women The Musical, Park Theatre/ Hope Mill) and starring international YouTube sensation Christina Bianco in the title role.
Final Casting Announced For THE SEVEN POMEGRANATE SEEDS at Rose Theatre
Shannon Hayes will join the previously announced Niamh Cusack in the world premiere of Colin Teevan's The Seven Pomegranate Seeds directed by Melly Still. This will be the second Rose Original production in Christopher Haydon's inaugural season as Rose Theatre's Artistic Director.
Shannon Hayes will join the previously announced Niamh Cusack in the world premiere of Colin Teevan's The Seven Pomegranate Seeds directed by Melly Still. This will be the second Rose Original production in Christopher Haydon's inaugural season as Rose Theatre's Artistic Director.
Saffron Coomber & Niamh Cusack Will Lead LEOPARDS and THE SEVEN POMEGRANATE SEEDS as Part of Rose Theatre's New Season
In Leopards, by rising playwright Alys Metcalf, Niala will be played by Saffron Coomber. Niamh Cusack will be reuniting with director Melly Still in the world premiere of Colin Teevan’s The Seven Pomegranate Seeds.
In Leopards, by rising playwright Alys Metcalf, Niala will be played by Saffron Coomber. Niamh Cusack will be reuniting with director Melly Still in the world premiere of Colin Teevan’s The Seven Pomegranate Seeds.
Shobna Gulati, Ian Kelsey and Christina Bianco Will Lead New Touring Production of THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE
Learn more about the cast, production, tour dates, and how to purchase tickets here!
Learn more about the cast, production, tour dates, and how to purchase tickets here!
Streaming Service BritBox Will Launch The Complete BBC Television Shakespeare Collection
BritBox, the subscription streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV with the largest collection of British television content in North America, will launch the full BBC Television Shakespeare Collection on May 26.
BritBox, the subscription streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV with the largest collection of British television content in North America, will launch the full BBC Television Shakespeare Collection on May 26.
BWW Feature: The Best of Mike Leigh
The theatre landscape has changed dramatically since the 1977 premier of Abigail's Party but Leigh remains as real, raw and relevant as ever before. At 77 the writer / director shows no signs of slowing down. After venturing into period pieces with Topsy-Turvey and Mr Turner, Leigh's most recent picture Peterloo is his most ambitious yet. We've put together a list of Leigh's top ten works.
The theatre landscape has changed dramatically since the 1977 premier of Abigail's Party but Leigh remains as real, raw and relevant as ever before. At 77 the writer / director shows no signs of slowing down. After venturing into period pieces with Topsy-Turvey and Mr Turner, Leigh's most recent picture Peterloo is his most ambitious yet. We've put together a list of Leigh's top ten works.
Acorn TV Launches in the UK on April 29
For the first time, North America's leading streaming service for television from Britain and beyond, AMC Networks' Acorn TV will be available in the UK starting Wednesday, April 29. With more than one million paid subscribers in the U.S., Acorn TV is the ultimate destination for high-quality, world class dramas, mysteries and comedies from around the world without advertising. Acorn TV UK will be available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Starting April 29, consumers can visit acorn.tv to subscribe and watch Acorn TV online with an extended 30-day free trial for a limited time. The service will also be available on your favorite devices, Roku, Fire TV, Android and Apple mobile and Apple TV and coming soon to Amazon Channels and Apple TV Channels. Acorn TV will add exclusive new programmes every subsequent Monday, and all programmes will include English subtitles. After the free trial, Acorn TV will be £4.99 GPB per month or £49.99 per year.
For the first time, North America's leading streaming service for television from Britain and beyond, AMC Networks' Acorn TV will be available in the UK starting Wednesday, April 29. With more than one million paid subscribers in the U.S., Acorn TV is the ultimate destination for high-quality, world class dramas, mysteries and comedies from around the world without advertising. Acorn TV UK will be available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Starting April 29, consumers can visit acorn.tv to subscribe and watch Acorn TV online with an extended 30-day free trial for a limited time. The service will also be available on your favorite devices, Roku, Fire TV, Android and Apple mobile and Apple TV and coming soon to Amazon Channels and Apple TV Channels. Acorn TV will add exclusive new programmes every subsequent Monday, and all programmes will include English subtitles. After the free trial, Acorn TV will be £4.99 GPB per month or £49.99 per year.
ITV's KATE AND KOLO Adds Brenda Blethyn
Variety reports that Brenda Blethyn will star in 'Kate and Kolo,' ITV's newest sitcom. The news was announced at the Edinburgh TV Fringe Festival.
Variety reports that Brenda Blethyn will star in 'Kate and Kolo,' ITV's newest sitcom. The news was announced at the Edinburgh TV Fringe Festival.
'NIGHT MOTHER Comes to Chapel Off Chapel
'night, Mother by Marsha Norman on stage at Chapel off Chapel - The Loft Theatre from 6 to 7 August 2019. 'night, Mother is the turbulent tale of a mother-daughter relationship rejuvenated by the daughter's admission she will kill herself that evening.
'night, Mother by Marsha Norman on stage at Chapel off Chapel - The Loft Theatre from 6 to 7 August 2019. 'night, Mother is the turbulent tale of a mother-daughter relationship rejuvenated by the daughter's admission she will kill herself that evening.
NBC Renews LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT for Historic 21st Season
Racing into the record book to set the mark as the longest-running primetime live-action series in television history, NBC has renewed “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for a 21st season.
Racing into the record book to set the mark as the longest-running primetime live-action series in television history, NBC has renewed “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for a 21st season.
Britbox, From BBC Studios And ITV Announces Next Original Series DARK HEART
BritBox, the streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV with the largest collection of British TV in the U.S., announced today during its TCA presentation an expanded commitment to delivering the best of British TV's past, present and future. Leading off the announcements was the reveal of the service's next new original series - Dark Heart, a TV adaptation of popular literary series featuring Detective Will Wagstaffe, played by Tom Riley (Da Vinci's Demons) and also starring Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders) and brought to you by the creators of Vera & Shetland. In addition, BritBox will add content from some of the biggest actors and creators from across the Atlantic including the exclusive premiere of the heartbreaking five time BAFTA Award winning drama mini-series Three Girls from director Philippa Lowthrope (The Crown) and writer Nicole Taylor (The C Word), Bancroft featuring Sarah Parish (Broadchurch) and and Shakespeare & Hathaway which was the biggest drama launch for a BBC daytime series in the last five years.
BritBox, the streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV with the largest collection of British TV in the U.S., announced today during its TCA presentation an expanded commitment to delivering the best of British TV's past, present and future. Leading off the announcements was the reveal of the service's next new original series - Dark Heart, a TV adaptation of popular literary series featuring Detective Will Wagstaffe, played by Tom Riley (Da Vinci's Demons) and also starring Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders) and brought to you by the creators of Vera & Shetland. In addition, BritBox will add content from some of the biggest actors and creators from across the Atlantic including the exclusive premiere of the heartbreaking five time BAFTA Award winning drama mini-series Three Girls from director Philippa Lowthrope (The Crown) and writer Nicole Taylor (The C Word), Bancroft featuring Sarah Parish (Broadchurch) and and Shakespeare & Hathaway which was the biggest drama launch for a BBC daytime series in the last five years.
KCET Will Premiere Season 8 of Popular British Series VERA this June
KCET, the nation's largest independent public television station, announced today that season eight of VERA will premiere on KCET in June. Multi-award-winning Brenda Blethyn returns as the unorthodox but brilliant DCI
KCET, the nation's largest independent public television station, announced today that season eight of VERA will premiere on KCET in June. Multi-award-winning Brenda Blethyn returns as the unorthodox but brilliant DCI
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Brenda Blethyn been in?
Brenda Blethyn has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
How many West End shows has Brenda Blethyn been in?
Brenda Blethyn has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Brenda Blethyn been nominated for?
and Actress of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Benefactors.
Videos