What's After the Movie
Alison Steadman
Alison Steadman is a renowned English actress whose career spans over five decades, marked by versatile stage, film, and television work. Born on 26 August 1946 in Liverpool, she honed her craft at the East 15 Acting School where she met future collaborator Mike Leigh, a partnership that would define much of her early television success. Steadman made her professional debut in regional repertory theatre in 1968, quickly gaining critical attention for her creation of Beverly in Leigh’s seminal Abigail’s Party and earning the 1977 Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress. Her Broadway‑caliber stage presence was later recognised with a 1993 Olivier Award for her role as Mari in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotional nuance while maintaining a sharp comic timing.
Beyond the stage, Steadman’s filmography includes standout performances in Leigh’s Life Is Sweet (1990), for which she received the National Society of Film Critics Award, as well as memorable roles in Clockwise, Shirley Valentine, and the recent comedy Better Man (2024). On television she became a household name through beloved series such as Gavin & Stacey, Fat Friends, and the classic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice where she played the indomitable Mrs. Bennet. Her pioneering spirit is evident from sharing Britain’s first televised lesbian kiss in 1974, highlighting her willingness to challenge social norms. A committed bird‑watcher and wildlife ambassador, Steadman continues to blend artistic passion with personal advocacy, remaining an influential figure in British cultural life.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Alison Steadman, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Alison Steadman rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Alison Steadman
Born: Liverpool, England
Citizenship: British
Birthday: August 26, 1946
Occupations: Actress
Years Active: 1968-present
Children: 2
Spouses: Mike Leigh
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Alison Steadman
Life Is Sweet
The King's Man
Shirley Valentine
23 Walks
Better Man
French Exchange
Fry and Laurie Reunited
The One and Only Mike Leigh
Peterman
Butterfly
Care
Happy Now
D.I.Y. Hard
Burn Burn Burn
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Yours Faithfully, Edna Welthorpe (Mrs)
Gavin & Stacey: A Special Christmas
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
Bob the Builder: A Christmas to Remember - The Movie
The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
The 50 Greatest Television Dramas
The Dinner Party
All About ‘Abigail’s Party’
Ivor the Invisible
Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairytale
The Muscle Market
Mike Leigh: Making Plays
P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang
Tartuffe, or The Imposter
A Private Function
Coming Through
Loony in the Woods
The Singing Detective
7 Deadly Sins: Stage Acting
We Love Gavin and Stacey
Fanny Hill
Number One
Stormy Monday
Wilt
Life
Champions
The Short & Curlies
Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse
Clockwise
Monster Maker
Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse
Abigail’s Party
Gotta Get Out
Pride and Prejudice
The Wimbledon Poisoner
Our Flesh and Blood
Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special 2008
Girl
Hard Labour
Do You Remember the First Time?
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale
Stitch Head
Gavin & Stacey: The Making of the Finale
The Ugly Duckling
Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell
Blame It on the Bellboy
Cold Lazarus
The Missing Postman
Nuts in May
Stitch Head
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Alison Steadman, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2024
Better Man
Betty
Gavin & Stacey: The Finale
Pam Shipman
Gavin & Stacey: The Making of the Finale
Self
2020
We Love Gavin and Stacey
Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse
Dora
Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse
Dora
2007
The 50 Greatest Television Dramas
Self
The Dinner Party
Juliet
All About ‘Abigail’s Party’
Self
2001
Happy Now
Bronwyn Race
Bob the Builder: A Christmas to Remember - The Movie
Mayoress Bunty Ferguson (voice)
Ivor the Invisible
Auntie Barbara (voice)
1000
Butterfly
Barbara
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
Pauline Mole
Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairytale
Mrs. Meisling
The Singing Detective
Mrs. Marlow
Fanny Hill
Mrs. Brown
Life
Gail Reynolds
Pride and Prejudice
Mrs. Bennet
The Wimbledon Poisoner
Elinor Farr
Cold Lazarus
Mrs. Haynes
The Missing Postman
Christine Peacock
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