50 Facts About Lesley Manville

Early Life and Background

Lesley Manville's journey into the world of acting began with a rich family background and early musical training.

1. Lesley Ann Manville was born on March 12, 1956, in Brighton, East Sussex.
2. Her parents were Norma (Jean), a former ballet dancer, and Ron Manville, a taxi driver.
3. Manville is the youngest of three daughters, growing up in Hove, a town near Brighton.
4. From the age of eight, she trained as a soprano singer, winning the under-18 champion of Sussex twice.

The Start of Her Acting Career

Manville's early career saw her transition from musical training to acting, leading to her first roles on stage and television.

5. At 15, she joined the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts to pursue acting.
6. Her professional stage debut was in the 1972 West End musical "I and Albert," directed by John Schlesinger.
7. Manville's first television role was in the ITV soap opera "Emmerdale Farm" (1974-76), appearing in 80 episodes.

Theatre and Television Breakthroughs

Her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and early television roles set the stage for a prolific career.

8. Starting in 1978, she appeared in new plays at the RSC's Warehouse and Royal Court Theatre.
9. In 1979, she met director Mike Leigh, leading to a long-term collaboration.
10. Manville starred in several Mike Leigh films, including "Grown-Ups" (1980) and "High Hopes" (1988).

Awards and Recognitions

Manville's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout her career.

11. For "Another Year" (2010), she won the London Film Critics Circle Award for British Actress of the Year.
12. She received two British Academy Film Awards nominations for Best Supporting Actress for "Another Year" and "Phantom Thread" (2017).
13. Her role in "Phantom Thread" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Iconic Roles and Performances

Manville's versatility shines through in her diverse roles across film, television, and theatre.

14. She played Cyril Woodcock in "Phantom Thread," opposite Daniel Day-Lewis.
15. In "The Crown," she portrayed Princess Margaret, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
16. Early television roles included appearances in series like "King Cinder."

Theatre Contributions

Manville's extensive theatre work includes notable productions and awards.

17. Since 2005, she has starred in National Theatre productions like "His Dark Materials" (2005) and "The Alchemist" (2006).
18. At The Old Vic, she performed in "All About My Mother" (2007) and "Six Degrees of Separation" (2010).
19. In 2009, she played Margaret Thatcher in the Channel 4 drama "The Queen."

Awards and Nominations in Theatre

Her theatre performances have earned her critical acclaim and prestigious awards.

20. Manville won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for "Ghosts" in 2014.
21. She was also nominated for Laurence Olivier Awards for "Grief" (2012) and "Long Day's Journey Into Night" (2017).

Personal Insights and Advocacy

Beyond her acting, Manville is known for her advocacy for women's rights and her relatable characters.

22. Her background in classical singing often influences her acting performances.
23. Arlene Phillips invited her to join the dance troupe Hot Gossip, but she chose acting instead.
24. At 15, she moved to London to train as a singer but soon switched to acting.

Diverse Roles and Characters

Manville's ability to inhabit a wide range of characters has made her a beloved figure in the industry.

25. Her professional acting career began with small roles before joining "Emmerdale Farm" in 1975.
26. She has appeared in over 30 theatrical productions throughout her career.
27. Manville won the Critic's Circle Best Actress Award for various performances.

Recent Projects and Roles

Manville continues to captivate audiences with her recent work in film and television.

28. In "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris," she plays Ada Harris, a cleaner who dreams of owning a Dior gown.
29. Working on "Phantom Thread" and "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris" deepened her appreciation for couture fashion.
30. She advocates for older women in TV and film, believing much work remains to be done.

Relatable Characters and Personal Connections

Manville's characters often resonate with audiences due to their authenticity and relatability.

31. She identifies with the concept of being an "Invisible Woman," a term used by Mrs. Harris.
32. Ada Harris's straight-talking personality makes her relatable and endearing.
33. Manville relates to Ada's passion and determination due to her own working-class upbringing.

Versatility in Acting

Manville's ability to adapt to different genres and roles showcases her versatility as an actress.

34. She doesn't need to completely understand a character to play them convincingly.
35. Manville has experienced dress cravings, understanding Ada's passion for a transformative dress.
36. Working on "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris" made her reflect on women's history and progress.

Impact on Others

Manville's characters often have a profound impact on those around them, revealing deeper truths.

37. Ada Harris's straight-talking nature helps others reveal themselves.
38. Her interaction with Isabel Huppert's character highlights the transformative power of self-revelation.
39. Manville has worn period clothing for various roles, including an adaptation of "A Christmas Carol."

Diverse Filmography

Her filmography includes a wide range of roles, from whimsical characters to historical figures.

40. In "Maleficent," she played the good fairy Flittle.
41. Manville will portray Princess Margaret in the next two seasons of "The Crown."
42. She enjoys her role in the BBC whodunit "Magpie Murders."

Advocacy and Personal Beliefs

Manville's advocacy for women's rights and her personal beliefs shape her approach to acting and life.

43. In a Guardian interview, she discussed her career, age, and life as a single woman.
44. She believes women need to keep fighting for their rights, acknowledging the slow progress made.
45. Her styling in the Guardian magazine was praised for being cool and fashionable.

Longevity and Legacy

With a career spanning over four decades, Manville's impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable.

46. The photography and styling for the Guardian magazine were done by Amelia Troubridge and Steph Wilson.
47. Manville's career longevity is a testament to her talent and dedication.
48. Her background as a soprano singer has influenced her acting career.
49. She advocates for women's rights, particularly for older women.
50. Lesley Manville's extensive career has left a lasting impact on the world of acting.

Lesley Manville: A Remarkable Journey

Lesley Manville's career is nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days as a soprano singer to becoming a celebrated actress, she's shown incredible versatility. Her roles in Mike Leigh films, The Crown, and Phantom Thread highlight her talent and dedication. Manville's advocacy for older women in the industry adds another layer to her impressive legacy. She's not just an actress; she's a trailblazer who continues to inspire. Whether it's on stage, screen, or in her personal advocacy, Manville's impact is undeniable. Her journey through the entertainment world is a testament to her skill, passion, and resilience. As she continues to take on new roles and challenges, there's no doubt that Lesley Manville will keep leaving her mark on the industry. Her story is one of perseverance, talent, and unwavering commitment to her craft.