Joanna Lumley Biography: Dame Joanna Lamond Lumley born 1 May 1946 is an Indian-born British actress, presenter, author, television producer, activist, and former model. She gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Patsy Stone in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012), a role that earned her two BAFTA TV Awards. In 2011, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in the Broadway revival of La Bête. Lumley has also received numerous honors, including the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards in 2013 and the BAFTA Fellowship in 2017. Her television work spans decades and includes series such as The New Avengers (1976–1977), Sapphire & Steel (1979–1982), Sensitive Skin (2005–2007), Jam & Jerusalem (2006–2008).
Joanna Lumley Biography
Joanna Lumley was born on May 1, 1946, in Kashmir, India, to British parents Thya Beatrice Rose (née Weir) and Major James Rutherford Lumley, who served in the Gurkha Rifles. Much of her early childhood was spent in the Far East due to her father’s military postings. Before pursuing her dream of becoming an actress, Lumley gained recognition as a model during London’s vibrant 1960s fashion scene.
Joanna Lumley Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Joanna Lamond Lumley
1 May 1946 Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, British Raj
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|---|---|
| Nationality | British |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1967–present |
| Television |
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| Spouses |
Jeremy Lloyd (m. 1970; div. 1971)
Stephen Barlow (m. 1986)
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| Partner | Michael Claydon (1960s) |
| Children | 1 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Joanna Lumley
Dame Joanna Lamond Lumley is an Indian-born British actress, presenter, author, television producer, activist and former model.
Joanna Lumley Achievements
She was photographed by some of the era’s most prominent photographers, including her friend, the late Patrick Lichfield. As the muse and house model for designer Jean Muir, she was at the forefront of the fashion world before becoming one of the most in-demand freelance models of the decade, ranking among the top ten booked models of the 1960s. Her big break came in 1976 when she was cast as Purdey in The New Avengers—a role that had over 800 auditionees.
Joanna Lumley Wiki
- Born: 1 May 1946 (age 79 years), Srinagar
- Spouse: Stephen Barlow (m. 1986), Jeremy Lloyd (m. 1970–1971)
- Children: Jamie Lumley
- Grandchildren: Emily Kate Lumley, Alice Daisy Lumley
- Height: 1.73 m
- Parents: James Rutherford Lumley, Beatrice Rose Weir
Early Life
Joanna Lumley was born in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (then part of British India), on 1 May 1946. Her mother, Thyra Beatrice Rose (née Weir), was English, while her father, Major James Rutherford Lumley, had both Scottish and English roots and was born in Lahore, now in Pakistan. He served with distinction in the British Indian Army, particularly with the 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles during World War II, and was notably saved in battle by Tul Bahadur Pun. Lumley is also descended from Maj.-Gen. Sir James Rutherford Lumley and is a direct descendant of Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots.
Her early years were spent in the tropics, and she has fond but vivid memories of that time. The family returned to England on leave via the HMT Empire Windrush, though her parents eventually went back to Asia while she remained in the UK. She boarded at Mickledene School in Rolvenden, Kent, from the age of eight, which she later reflected on as being “paralysingly young.
Joanna Lumley: Overview
- Category: Richest Celebrities › Actors
- Net Worth: $25 Million
- Date of Birth: May 1, 1946 (Age 79)
- Place of Birth: Srinagar, India
- Gender: Female
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Nationality: British
- Professions: Actor, Model, Voice Actor, Comedian, Television Producer, Author, Spokesperson
Rise to Fame
Lumley’s first major television role was in The New Avengers (1976), portraying the stylish and athletic Purdey—a character that cemented her celebrity status and sparked a hairstyle trend. Her next big role came with Sapphire & Steel (1979), a cult sci-fi favorite. However, her most enduring role was Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012), a role she reprised in the 2016 feature film. Her portrayal of the fashion-forward, alcohol-loving PR executive won critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
Voice Work and Stage Success
Lumley has contributed her distinct voice to various animated projects including Corpse Bride, James and the Giant Peach, and The Foxbusters. She even recorded the iconic “You’ve got post” greeting for AOL UK. On stage, she earned a Tony Award nomination for her role in the Broadway revival of La Bête (2011), adding to her long list of theatrical accomplishments.
TV Travel Documentaries
Beyond acting, Lumley has become a beloved presenter of travelogues. She has hosted numerous ITV documentaries including Joanna Lumley’s Nile, Greek Odyssey, Trans-Siberian Adventure, and series covering Japan, the Silk Road, and a journey in search of Noah’s Ark.
Activism and Philanthropy
Joanna Lumley is deeply committed to humanitarian causes. She played a key role in the Gurkha Justice Campaign, advocating for the rights of Nepalese veterans. also supports Survival International, the Born Free Foundation, Population Matters, Tree Aid, and other environmental and animal welfare organizations. She narrated the Survival International film Mine: Story of a Sacred Mountain and contributed to the book We Are One: A Celebration of Tribal Peoples.
Personal Life
In 1967, Lumley had a son, James, with photographer Michael Claydon. She was briefly married to actor Jeremy Lloyd in 1970. Since 1986, she has been married to opera conductor Stephen Barlow. They reside in London and also maintain a country home in the Scottish Borders.
Honors and Recognition
Joanna Lumley is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and has received multiple honorary degrees from universities including Kent, St. Andrews, Oxford Brookes, and Queen’s University Belfast. In 1995, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and in 2022, she was made a Dame (DBE) for her contributions to drama, entertainment, and charity.
What Is Joanna Lumley’s Net Worth 2025?
Joanna Lumley, the celebrated British actress and producer, has an estimated net worth of $25 million. She is best known for her iconic role as Patsy Stone in the BBC comedy Absolutely Fabulous, which earned her two BAFTA TV Awards. Beyond her extensive acting career, Lumley is also a noted activist and advocate for numerous humanitarian and animal rights causes.
FAQs
What is Joanna Lumley famous for?
Joanna Lumley is best known for her role as Patsy Stone in the BBC comedy series Absolutely Fabulous. She is also recognized for her earlier work as a model in the 1960s, her roles in The New Avengers and Sapphire & Steel, and for her activism and travel documentaries.
How old is Joanna Lumley now?
As of 2025, Joanna Lumley is 79 years old. She was born on May 1, 1946, in Srinagar, India.
How tall is Joanna Lumley?
Joanna Lumley is 5 feet 8 inches tall, which is approximately 1.73 meters.
Did Joanna Lumley ever win a BAFTA?
Yes, Joanna Lumley has won two BAFTA TV Awards for her performance in Absolutely Fabulous and received the BAFTA Fellowship in 2017 for her lifetime contribution to television.
Who is Joanna Lumley married to?
Joanna Lumley has been married to opera conductor Stephen Barlow since 1986. They live in London and also own a home in Scotland.
What causes does Joanna Lumley support?
Joanna Lumley is a prominent activist supporting causes such as the Gurkha Justice Campaign, Survival International, and various animal welfare organizations including the Born Free Foundation and Compassion in World Farming.