Judy Cornwell

Judy Cornwell (born Judy Valerie Cornwell on 22 February 1940) is an English actress whose career spans over six decades, beginning in the late 1950s and continuing to the present day. Raised in Hammersmith, London, she attended a convent school alongside future star Penelope Keith before moving with her family to Australia, an experience she later chronicled in her autobiography Adventures of a Jelly Baby. Returning to Britain as a teenager, Cornwell trained as a professional dancer and comedian, performing daring acts at the Irving Theatre Club and quickly transitioning to radio with The Navy Lark and stage productions such as Oh! What A Lovely War. Her versatility earned her a place with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and she soon became a familiar face on British television, appearing in classic series like Doctor Who (the serial “Paradise Towers”), Farrington of the F.O., and The Bill. However, it was her iconic portrayal of the lovable, working‑class housewife Daisy in the beloved sitcom Keeping Up Appearances (1990‑1995) that cemented her status as a household name, delighting audiences with her comedic timing and endearing charm.

Beyond acting, Cornwell has cultivated a prolific writing career, publishing several novels—including Cow and Cow Parsley (1985) and Fear and Favour (1996)—as well as the memoir Adventures of a Jelly Baby (2005), which offers vivid recollections of wartime Britain and her family's emigration to Australia. In later years she embraced the role of Miss Marple on stage, starring in productions such as A Murder is Announced between 2015 and 2016. She also made memorable guest appearances on shows like Midsomer Murders and Birds of a Feather (2014). Married to reporter John Kelsall Parry since 1960, the couple resides in Brighton and share one son. Cornwell’s enduring talent, combined with her literary contributions, highlights a multifaceted career that continues to inspire both audiences and fellow performers.