Best known for playing Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012), Purdey in The New Avengers (1976–1977), and the voice of various characters in The Wombles (1973–1975).
Films
- Finding Your FeetSandra2017
- The Wolf of Wall StreetAunt Emma2013
- Corpse BrideMaudeline Everglot (voice)2005
- EvelynBridie2002
- James and the Giant PeachMiss Spider (voice)1996
- Shirley ValentineMarjorie1989
- The Trail of the Pink PantherMarie Jouvet1982
- The Satanic Rites of DraculaJessica Van Helsing1973
- On Her Majesty’s Secret ServiceThe English Girl1969
TV shows
- Absolutely FabulousPatsy Stone1992–2012
- Finding AliceGinny2021
- The CrownQueen Elizabeth the Queen Mother2020
- Doctor WhoThe Voice of the Doctor’s Mother2010–2014
- The New AvengersPurdey1976–1977
- The WomblesVarious voices1973–1975
- Coronation StreetElaine Perkins1968
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About Joanna Lumley
Dame Joanna Lumley is an English actress, activist and former model, who rose to fame in the 1970s for her role as Purdey in The New Avengers. She achieved enduring recognition for her comedic portrayal of the perpetually drunk and hedonistic Patsy Stone in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. Her career spans over five decades across film, television and theatre, making her one of Britain’s most…
FAQs
What is Joanna Lumley’s most famous role?
She is best known for playing the glamorous, hard-drinking fashion editor Patsy Stone in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012), a role that brought her international fame.
Did Joanna Lumley appear in a James Bond film?
Yes, she made an uncredited cameo appearance as ‘The English Girl’ in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), starring George Lazenby.
What major award has Joanna Lumley won?
She has won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Performance for Absolutely Fabulous, and received a BAFTA Fellowship in 2017 for her outstanding contribution to television.
Is Joanna Lumley a political activist?
Yes, she is a prominent activist for human rights and animal welfare. She famously campaigned for the Gurkha veterans’ right to settle in the UK, which led to a change in government policy in 2009.
Did Joanna Lumley appear in The Crown?
Yes, she guest-starred as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in the fourth season of Netflix’s The Crown (2020).
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026