Born on 12 March 1956 in Brighton, Lesley Manville is an acclaimed theatre, film and television actor. On 27 July 2023, she will trace her family history on an episode of BBC One's Who Do You Think You Are? Here's five things you might not know about the star:
1. Voice of an angel
Lesley trained to be a soprano singer from eight years old and received the title of under-18 Champion of Sussex twice.
2. Treading the boards
In the 1980s, Lesley Manville became known for her roles in acclaimed plays at the Royal Court Theatre, including the premieres of Caryl Churchill's plays Top Girls and Serious Money.
3. Screen star
Lesley Manville is known for her collaborations with director Mike Leigh. She has appeared in eight of his films, which often feature social realist themes and improvised acting — Grown-Ups, High Hopes, Secrets & Lies, Topsy-Turvy, Another Year and Mr. Turner.
4. Tinsel Town
In 2018, Lesley Manville was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her performance in the fashion industry drama Phantom Thread.
5. TV triumph
Her television roles include the lead in the BBC sitcom Mum, for which she was nominated for the Best Female Comedy Performance BAFTA, and the older version of Princess Margaret in seasons five and six of the The Crown. She can currently be seen in BBC One's Second World War drama World on Fire.