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Joanna Lumley
Joanna Lamond Lumley – born 1st May, 1946 in Srinagar – is an actress/model turned human rights activist, whose prolific acting career and political work have firmly secured her place in the public eye as a national treasure.
At an early age, Lumley and her family moved from the princely state of Jamme and Kashmir to Malaya, before finally settling in Kent, England. In her twenties, Lumley cashed in on her good looks and slender frame as a model but soon discovered a hidden passion for acting. Her first on-screen performance, in 1969, was for a bread commercial which was later followed by a brief stint on The Bruce Forsyth Show and memorable cameo roles in Coronation Street and Are You Being Served?
In the 1970s Lumley’s big break came when she was cast as Purdey in The New Avengers – a role which inspired the ‘Purdey bob’ hair do. As the seventies came to a close Lumley continued her television success with another action-packed role as Sapphire in ITV’s answer to Doctor Who, Sapphire and Steel.
A lull in the eighties was followed by the emergence of Lumley’s most famous and comical role to date; playing Patsy Stone, alongside Jennifer Saunders, in the delightfully crass comedy Absolutely Fabulous. From 1992 to 2005 Lumley became synonymous with her vodka swilling, chain smoking alter ego. However, not wanting to be completely typecast in her Ab Fab role Lumley immersed herself in several other projects. Her performance in A Rather English Marriage won a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in 1999. She was also awarded an OBE in 1995.
After almost thirty years of success as an actress, Lumley shifted her focus from the small screen to Downing Street. In 2008 she became a major player in the Gurkha Justice Campaign. Lumley famously came head-to head with the government over the rights to let Gurkha veterans, who had served in the British Army before 1997, settle in Britain. After almost a year struggling to make a difference Lumley finally emerged victorious in aiding the Nepalese natives their right to reside in Britain. Lumley’s campaigning skills earned her both the public and the government’s respect and even prompted calls for her to become a Member of Parliament – which she later dismissed.
Lumley’s charitable work also extends to several charities including; CIWF and Viva!, Book Aid International, the Born Free Foundation, the Free Tibet campaign, Mind, ActionAid, SANE and the Burma Campaign UK.
What members say |
Filmography
Joanna Lumley - what members say
review by from Essex
Absolutely hilarious! 2 April 2004
review by A customer from Basingstoke
Enjoyable romp 8 October 2006
review by from Ireland
X-Files eat your heart out! 16 July 2004
Joanna Lumley - filmography
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Joanna Lumley - Jewel Of The Nile
on DVD
(2010)
Starring: Joanna Lumley
Certificate: 
Actress and campaigner, Joanna Lumley embarks on the trip of a lifetime; to follow the River Nile, the longest river in the world, from sea to source.
Heading upstream, in the direction of the earliest explorers, Joanna travels by boat, train, ferry, car, plane, mule and camel along Africa's 'life ..read more »
 
81%
from 64 members
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The Snowman - The Live Stage Show
(2010)
Starring: Joanna Lumley
Certificate:
A stage version of Raymond Briggs' well-loved book THE SNOWMAN continues to delight children everywhere as it returns to the theatre once again. This live stage show follows the story of a boy whose snowman comes to life at midnight, Christmas Eve, and the two embark on a series of magical ..read more »
57%
from 4 members
Currently unavailable
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Marple - Series 5
(4 discs)
on DVD
(2010)
Starring: Julia McKenzie, Lindsay Duncan, Joanna Lumley
Certificate: 
Celebrated actress Julia McKenzie (Cranford; Notes On A Scandal) stars as the world-famous crime writer, Miss Jane Marple in this stunning collection of 4 new murder mysteries. Miss Marple's sweet old lady exterior hides an excellent perception of human nature and a razor sharp intuition for ..read more »
75%
from 74 members
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Joanna Lumley - Catwoman
on DVD
(2009)
Starring: Joanna Lumley
Certificate:
National treasure Joanna Lumley, travels the world to meet fellow cat-lovers and feline-fans, and to explore the origins of our unique relationship with the creature. From the domestic tabby to the wild cheetah, Joanna's cultural journey takes in Egypt, Japan, North America, Mexico, the UK and more...read more »
73%
from 50 members
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Sensitive Skin - Series 2
on DVD
(2007)
Starring: Joanna Lumley, Denis Lawson
Director: none
Certificate: 
Sensitive Skin looks at life through the eyes of a successful couple living in metropolitan London. Along with their friends, Al and Davina Jackson struggle with sexual temptation and professional jealousy and try to cope with their fear of the future.
78%
from 160 members
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Jam And Jerusalem - Series 1
(2 discs)
on DVD
(2007)
Starring: Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Sue Johnston
Director: Mandie Fletcher
Certificate:
With a superb ensemble cast, this is a hilarious and heart-warming comedy from Jennifer Saunders, the writer and star of Absolutely Fabulous. The Women's Guild: its ideals are to promote truth, justice, tolerance and fellowship - or is it just an excuse for a good old gossip? Clatterford is a small ..read more »
78%
from 665 members
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Tim Burton's Corpse Bride - HD
(2005)
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Emily Watson
Director: Mike Johnson
Certificate:
Watch now: Included in all packages with LOVEFiLM Instant
In the same vein as EDWARD SCISSORHANDS and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, Tim Burton continues to combine wholesome comedy and creepy horror with this tale of a mild-mannered Victorian gentleman, Victor (Johnny Depp), who accidentally marries a mysterious corpse bride (Helena Bonham-Carter) instead ..read more »
68%
from 543 members
Not currently released
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Tim Burton's Corpse Bride - Blu-ray
(2005)
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Emily Watson
Director: Mike Johnson
Certificate: 
Watch now: Included in all packages with LOVEFiLM Instant
In the same vein as EDWARD SCISSORHANDS and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, Tim Burton continues to combine wholesome comedy and creepy horror with this tale of a mild-mannered Victorian gentleman, Victor (Johnny Depp), who accidentally marries a mysterious corpse bride (Helena Bonham-Carter) instead ..read more »
69%
from 2,571 members
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Sensitive Skin
on DVD
(2005)
Starring: Denis Lawson, Joanna Lumley
Director: Hugo Blick
Certificate:
SESITIVE SKIN is a dark comedy focusing on Davina and Al - an age-fearing professional couple living in London and the wacky friends and relatives that orbit them.
70%
from 360 members
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Ella Enchanted
on DVD
(2004)
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes
Director: Tommy O'Haver
Certificate:
Watch now: £2.49
Ella is under a spell to be constantly obedient, a fact she must hide from her new step-family in order to protect the prince of the land, her friend for whom she's falling.
63%
from 14,715 members
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Up In Town
on DVD
(2002)
Starring: Joanna Lumley
Director: Hugo Blick
Certificate:
Joanna Lumley stars as fading socialite Madison Blakelock in the six moving monologues of this BBC series. Madison is still coming to terms with her 'new' life, 18 years after her husband went to work 'up in town' and did not return.
62%
from 153 members
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Cat's Meow
(2002)
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Edward Herrmann, Eddie Izzard
Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Certificate:
In November 1924, multimillionaire William Randolph Hearst (Edward Herrmann) hosts a weekend of festivities aboard his 220-foot steamer in honor of filmmaker Thomas Ince's (Cary Elwes) birthday. It seems that everyone on board wants something from Hearst. Ince and his partner, George Thomas (Victor ..read more »
52%
from 2,735 members
Not currently released
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Maybe Baby
on DVD
(2000)
Starring: Hugh Laurie, Dawn French, Joely Richardson
Director: Ben Elton
Certificate:
Watch now: £2.49
Novelist-playwright-comedian-screenwriter-television writer Ben Elton (THE YOUNG ONES, BLACKADDER) tries his busy hand at directing with MAYBE BABY, a short, sweet romantic comedy about a couple very much in love but having difficulty conceiving a child. Hugh Laurie (Sam) and Joely Richardson (Lucy)..read more »
57%
from 3,186 members
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Parting Shots
(1999)
Starring: Chris Rea, Felicity Kendal, Bob Hoskins
Director: Michael Winner
Certificate: 
Harry only has a short time to live - but the prognosis is even worse for his enemies. An all-star cast shines in this hilarious black comedy about getting even - and getting away with it.
31%
from 19 members
Currently unavailable
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Mad Cows
on DVD
(1999)
Starring: Joanna Lumley, Anna Friel, Greg Wise
Director: Sarah Sugarman
Certificate:
In MAD COWS, Anna Friel stars as Maddy, a feisty single mother from Australia with few friends in the world, apart from the fabulous Gillian (Joanna Lumley). While searching for her baby's father, the irresponsible Alex (Greg Wise), Maddy is nabbed for unwittingly stealing a bag of frozen peas from ..read more »
41%
from 260 members
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James And The Giant Peach
(1996)
Starring: Susan Sarandon, David Thewlis, Joanna Lumley
Director: Henry Selick
Certificate: 
James, a lonely orphan, is sent to live with his wicked and greedy Aunts Spiker and Sponge. Unwanted and forced to perform their menial chores, the boy dreams about going to New York City--a place, his father once told him, where dreams come true. Then James meets a mysterious old man who gives him ..read more »
63%
from 5,052 members
Not currently released
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The Forgotten Toys
(1995)
Starring: Bob Hoskins, Joanna Lumley, Clement Freud
Director: Graham Ralph
Certificate:
Hibbert Ralph presents the heartwarming adventures of the Forgotten Toys, a refined rag doll named Annie and a grumpy teddy bear named Teddy who have been cast aside in favor of newer toys by their fickle owner. In "Forgotten Again," Teddy and Annie find themselves stuffed into a holdall bag, which ..read more »
59%
from 212 members
Not currently released
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A Ghost In Monte Carlo
on DVD
(1990)
Starring: Samantha Eggar, Oliver Reed, Sarah Miles
Director: John Hough
Certificate:
A British nobleman, a beautiful young woman, and a Rajah are only part of the cast of characters in Barbara Cartland's tale of romance, murder, and mystery. Featured actors include Lysette Anthony, Lewis Collins, Oliver Reed, Joanna Lumley, and Christopher Plummer.
51%
from 102 members
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The New Avengers
(8 discs)
on DVD
(1976)
Starring: Patrick Macnee, Joanna Lumley
Director: Desmond Davis, Ray Austin, Robert Fuest
Certificate:
Returning to TV screens in 1976 after being absent for some seven years, John Steed (Patrick Macnee) and a Mrs. Peel replacement known as Purdy (Joanna Lumley) resurface to do battle with the criminal underclass in this quintessentially British spinoff.
72%
from 434 members
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The Satanic Rites of Dracula
(1974)
Starring: Peter Cushing, Michael Coles, William Franklyn
Director: Alan Gibson
Certificate: 
Watch now: Included in all packages with LOVEFiLM Instant
Professor Van Helsing (Cushing) learns that Dracula (Lee) is holding his granddaughter and several government officials prisoner. He must learn their whereabouts and destroy all vampires!
63%
from 219 members
Currently unavailable
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Pony Tales - Vol. 1
on DVD
Starring: Joanna Lumley
Certificate:
Includes the magical stories 'Little Bertie' and 'Birthday Surprise'. Plus, experience a visit to a real stable!
45%
from 46 members
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Joanna Lumley In The Land Of The Norther...
on DVD
Starring: Joanna Lumley
Director: none
Certificate:
An amazing journey in Norway's Far North as Joanna Lumley pursues a lifelong dream to track down the elusive, stunningly beautiful Northern Lights.
Joanna grew up in tropical Malaysia, and as a little girl never saw snow or felt cold. Inspired by fairytales and picture books, she always longed to ..read more »
75%
from 271 members
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Joanna Lumley facts
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...Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are magnificent as two mad women on the make, on the bottle, and on the pill. With a supporting cast of equally talented actors, this ear...
