Pam St Clement, Born in 1942
Professional English actress and "EastEnders" star icon Pam Clement made her first public appearance in over two years. The renowned actress was one of the show's most famous figures in her role as Pat Butcher. She is one of the show's longest-running stars, first appearing in 1986 and leaving in 2012.
Although she is acknowledged for her work on "EastEnders," she has also appeared on shows like "Countryfile," "Grumpy Old Women," and "The Queen's Handbag." Currently, she isn't active in acting, but she has supported causes like the Global Wildlife Fund through her charitable activities. An animal lover, she is also a conservationist.
Carol Dilworth, Born in 1947
Carol Dilworth, an actress born in 1947, has had her time in the spotlight. She first gained widespread recognition for her performance in the 1966 comedy-drama "The Trygon Factor." In the '60s, she became well-known for her parts in films like "Christmas," "The Young Ones," "The Haunted House of Horror," "Budgie," and many others. She also presided over the shows "The Golden Shot" and "Sale of the Century."
She has not appeared in films or TV shows since the '70s, although in 2016, she was featured on an episode of "Loose Women." The mother of two reportedly stepped away from the limelight to devote more time to her family.
Tony Bilbow, Born in 1932
There isn't a lot of information available regarding Tony Bilbow, but we know he's still around and active. The BBC chat program he hosted, "Late Night Line-Up," was widely regarded as one of the best in the country between 1964 and 1972, making him a household name in the United Kingdom.
He interviewed guests and critiqued movies with such eloquence that he won over audiences. Other shows he hosted include "Day By Day," "Film Night," and "Super Troupers." Besides being a presenter, he is also a talented screenwriter, having created such hits as "The Fenn Street Gang," "EastEnders," and "Please Sir!"
Ade Edmondson, Born in 1957
Ade Edmondson, born in England, has been a significant figure in the entertainment industry since he starred in "The Supergrass" for Comic Strip. He's a great actor, comedian, musician, writer, and TV host. In the early '80s, he was a prominent figure in the alternative comedy movement thanks to his appearances on both "Bottoms" and "The Young Ones."
His career took off after appearing on these shows, and he soon gained widespread recognition for his musical abilities. Edmondson is primarily famous for his comedic roles. He shows no signs of slowing down; he's still performing and earning a living in the film and television industry.
Sheila Fearn, Born in 1940
Even though the last time we saw Sheila Fearn on screen was in 1988 when she portrayed Iris Swindley on the kids' TV sitcom "News At Twelve," she has always been a fan favorite. She gained fame as Terry Collier's sister in the BBC situation comedies "The Likely Lads" and "Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?"
At the height of her fame, she was featured in nearly 40 different movies and television series and was universally adored. She also appeared in films and television series such as "George and Mildred," "Emergency - Ward 10," "Catch Us If You Can," and "The Avengers."
Steve McFadden, Born in 1959
The portrayal of bully Phil Mitchell on "EastEnders" made Steve McFadden a household celebrity in the United Kingdom. His on-screen persona has been at the center of "EastEnders"' most pivotal plotlines, such as "Who shot Phil?" and "Sharongate," for the past three decades.
From 1990 till 2022, he starred in the series and won multiple honors for his work. His previous television work includes cameos in "Bergerac," "The Minder," and "Murder In Mind" and starring roles in "Provoked" and "Pantomimes." McFadden also enjoys performing on stage and appears regularly on television as the host of the fighting series "Britain's Hardest."
Ian La Frenais, Born in 1937
The name Ian La Frenais will undoubtedly appear with other greats when discussing the best television writers. His partnership with Dick Clement, starting in the '60s, was the creative high point of his writing career. They were arguably the best writing duo to ever work together on a British television show.
Between them, they have more than fifty years' worth of television, theater, and film credits, including such classics as "The Likely Lads" and "Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?," as well as "Porridge" and "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet!" The pair is still actively performing and releasing new works, much to the delight of their fans.
Dick Clement, Born in 1937
Dick Clement is a writer and director best known for his collaborations with Ian La Frenais on such projects as the critically acclaimed television series Porridge, the comedic films "The Likely Lads" and "Auf Wiedersehen, Pet!," as well as the Oscar and BAFTA-winning drama "The Commitments." Clement got his start on "The Likely Lads" in the '60s and rose to prominence by creating subsequent works.
"Otley," a comedic thriller he wrote and directed for the first time in 1968, marked his entry into the filmmaking world. The film's screenplay won the award for best British comedy from the Writers' Guild of Great Britain in 1970.
Sally Thomsett, Born in 1950
In the '70s, when she was at the peak of her popularity, Sally Thomsett was featured in media outlets worldwide. Her roles in "The Railway Children," "Straw Dogs," "The Railway Children," and "Man About The House" cemented her status as a movie and television icon. "The Railway Children."
She suddenly vanished from the public eye to the dismay of her many devoted followers. Despite her brief fame and the fact that the last time we saw her on film was in 1997's "The Lily Savage Show," she left an incredible legacy in the industry and will not be easily forgotten.
Anita Carey, Born in 1948
Anita Carey became well-known in the '90s as a member of the illustrious cast of the long-running British soap opera "Coronation Street." She became even more famous for her role as receptionist Vivien March in the ABC medical drama "Doctors," which she played from 2007 to 2009. She received a lot of appreciation for her portrayal and even won an award for best dramatic performance in a British soap opera because of it.
She has also been on screen in the shows "Midsomer Murders," "Ripping Yarns," and "Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?" At Berkeley Repertory Theatre, she was seen in "Pericles, Prince of Tyre," a play by William Shakespeare.
Albert Hammond, Born in 1944
Singer-songwriter Albert Hammond found fame in the '70s with the release of the hit tune "It Never Rains in Southern California." It became a worldwide hit and continues to this day as one of Hammond's most recognizable songs. He has written hits for various artists, including Tina Turner, Julio Iglesias, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross.
Even though the majority of his solo albums were less successful than the songs he had composed for other artists, he is still widely considered one of the most prominent musicians in the world. While Hammond is technically retired, he continues to inspire the younger generations.
Janet Suzman, Born in 1939
As a significant personality in British theater in the '60s and '70s, Janet Suzman deserves a place in history. She had a long and fruitful acting career and was especially well-known for her many Shakespearean portrayals. She made her acting debut at The Library Theatre in 1962, where she co-starred in three shows with Patrick Stewart.
After completing her mark in "The Buried Man," "Twelfth Night," and "Strip The Willow" with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Suzman went on to play several other iconic roles in Shakespeare's canon. Her career doesn't appear to be slowing down. She is still starring in films like "The Curse of Minerva" in 2021.
Chris Tarrant, Born in 1946
Chris Tarrant has become a household name in the United Kingdom thanks to his work on British television. Even though he became famous because of the enormous success of the crowd's favorite game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" his career flourished well before the show was broadcasted.
Tarrant's first job in television was as the host of the news show "ATV Today." He went on to work on other renowned series, such as Saturday morning's "Tiswas." In 2021, he appeared on multiple episodes of the Channel 5 show "Britain's Biggest '70s Hits," and his unstoppable fame only grew from there.
Trevor McDonald, Born in 1939
When it comes to British broadcasting, Trevor McDonald is regarded as a significant figure. In addition to his distinguished career at ITN, he is well-known worldwide for his time spent as the host of "News at Ten." He is practically a household name thanks to hosting groundbreaking documentaries like "Death Row" and "The Mafia."
Several awards have been presented to him for his work in television. McDonald is the author of "An Improbable Life." He was voted Newscaster of the Year three times and has been awarded Honorary Degrees from eight different colleges and universities. He continues to produce excellent television until now.
Brian Murphy, Born in 1932
Actor Brian Murphy became a household name after playing the titular character in the critically acclaimed and widely shown sitcom "George and Mildred." His roles in the comedies "Man About The House" and "Last of the Summer Wine" also helped him gain further notoriety.
He began his career with appearances in comedies like "The Boy Friend." His lengthy and illustrious career has seen him play many roles on screen and on stage. Since the '60s, he has acted in a wide variety of films and television shows, some of the most prominent of which include "Mighty 6," "Man Down," "Pond Life," and "The Incredible Mr. Tanner."
Brian Cooke, Born in 1937
During the '70s, Brian Cooke and his writing partner John Mortimer were responsible for several hit television comedies. Brooke is well-known for his comedic writing, having contributed to such productions as "George and Mildred," "Man About the House," and "Robin's Nest." Before meeting Mortimer, he was a cartoonist who sold strips to periodicals.
The '90s sitcom "Keep It in the Family" was written and conceived by Cooke, as was the show "Father, Dear Father." His work has been adapted on American television, including the classic "Man About the House." Although still alive, the last song he released was "Close to Home" in 1990.
Phil Cool, Born in 1948
Lancashire-born impressionist, comic, and musician Phil Cool ruled British television for a significant period of the '80s. In his teens, he went from being an electrician to becoming a household name throughout Great Britain. He was constantly in show business for nearly 30 years before finally calling it quits in 2013.
The highlights of his career include performing for Princess Diana at the London Palladium and Prince Charles and Camilla at the famous Royal Variety Performance. Despite retiring from touring due to his advanced age, Phil Cool is as witty and creative as he was in the '80s.
Max Boyce, Born in 1943
Over more than 40 years, audiences have been charmed by Welsh singer Max Boyce's unique combination of music, humor, and storytelling. His passion for rugby and his childhood in the Welsh mining industry inspired many of his masterpieces. Boyce's record "Live at Treorchy" propelled him to popularity, and his cutting wit earned him acclaim.
Boyce's career encompassed many different areas; he released eight studio albums, wrote three novels, appeared in dozens of TV shows, and had performances aired live. Although Boyce does not make frequent TV appearances these days, he is still alive and living in his hometown with his family.
Mike Harding, Born in 1944
Mike Harding is a living legend thanks to his over 60 years of stellar career performance and continued lack of plans to retire anytime soon. His albums and singles have achieved widespread success, including "The Rochdale Cowboy" and "One Man Show."
He also performs stand-up comedy and writes comedic works, such as "The Unluckiest Man in the World" and "The Little Book of the Green Man," both of which have been featured on BBC shows. Harding previously presented a weekly program on BBC Radio 2, titled "The Mike Harding Show," until he left in 2012 to create "The Mike Harding Folk Show," which is still airing as of 2022.
Julia Deakin, Born in 1952
Throughout her career in Hollywood, Julia Deakin was an outstanding actress on screen. The comedic films "Dancin' Thru the Dark" and "Staggered" were Deakin's first acting roles in the entertainment industry. She then went on to become well-known for her work in comedies such as "Spaced," "So Haunt Me," and "Oh Doctor Beeching!"
She has been a star for almost 40 years, and she is still going strong. Although she hasn't had many parts as of late, she's played notable characters like Genevieve Shakespeare in "Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators," Carole Middleton in "The Windsors," and Charity Pat in "Mind-set."
Michael Simkins, Born in 1956
Michael Simkins accomplished a great deal throughout his active years. He has acted on the west end, television, and radio, so his visage is widely known to audiences everywhere. Simkins is well-known for his roles in critically acclaimed films such as "Wilde," "The Iron Lady," and "V for Vendetta."
On BBC Radio 4, he has appeared frequently on shows like "Quote and Unquote," "Front Row," and "Today." He has also contributed to the likes of the Daily Telegram, Times, and Guardian. Even though he hasn't been working much lately, he's believed to be in London with his actress wife, Julia Deakin.
Barbara Marten, Born in 1947
Barbara Marten is a seasoned performer who has appeared on stage and screen for many years. She is also a regular on the British police drama "The Bill." Famous for her role as Eve Montgomery in the British medical drama series "Casualty," she has a long list of acting credits.
She learned at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. However, Marten decided to shift careers into education. She had tried to ignore her acting itch but eventually gave in and joined a local theater company. Indeed, Marten has progressed dramatically since then and now ranks among the industry's most admired actresses.
Roy Walker, Born in 1940
Roy Walker, the genial former host of "Catchphrase" and a TV host whose fame spans the globe, has had a phenomenal career spanning six decades. When Walker was 14, he began his career in show business as a choir boy touring with Francis Longford Choir.
Walker not only had a successful career in show business but also competed internationally as a hammer thrower for his country. After serving in the army, he settled into a successful career as a comedian, and in 1977, he won the ITV talent competition "New Faces." Even now, he tours the world, performing as a concert, theater, and cabaret headliner.
Mick Miller, Born in 1950
Popularly known as "The bald guy with long hair," Mick Miller is a comedic icon in the industry. Borne from his success on the ITV talent show "New Faces," he esteemed to join the cast of the legendary comedy show "The Comedians."
He has become a fixture on our televisions and continues to tour the world with his live show. He has been performing stand-up comedy for the better half of the last half-century and on numerous television programs. As of 2022, he is still actively performing and continuing to make a legendary legacy and shows no signs of slowing down.
Michael Gambon, Born in 1940
Michael Gambon is a British actor who has been a fixture in the entertainment industry for over 50 years and has won numerous awards for his work. In the "Harry Potter" film series, he played the part of Albus Dumbledore, for which he is now widely recognized. His film and TV credits include blockbusters like "The King's Speech," "The Singing Detective," "King of Thieves," and "Paddington," among many others.
In 1965, with his debut in the film "Othello," he quickly soared to fame. He's since become a well-known face in the entertainment industry because of his roles in numerous critically acclaimed films and television series.
Jasper Carrott, Born in 1945
Jasper Carrott, real name Robert Norman Davis, became a household name after his 1975 novelty hit "Funky Moped" reached the top five. When he began his career, he was a folk singer and MC, but he eventually found his humorous niche and refused to leave it. He has appeared in many comedic TV productions, including "Jane and the Lost City" and "Canned Carrott," and has even hosted a game show named "Golden Balls."
He has received numerous awards, including Midlander of the Year, BBC TV Personality of the Year, the British Comedy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, and a "Star" on Birmingham's Walk of Stars.
Jane Goodall, Born in 1934
Known as the "world's chimpanzee specialist," Jane Goodall is a renowned primatologist, activist, and conservationist. Since she was a young girl, Chile has been curious about chimpanzees and their environments, and in the '60s, she went on a journey to research and document more about it. She worked as an honorary member of the World Future Council.
She spent many years researching chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park, where she discovered, among other things, that the species is as capable of tool use as humans are. While she has garnered much acclaim for her efforts, she continues to fight for the survival of chimpanzees and their natural habitats.
Tom Courtenay, Born in 1937
Tom Courtenay is an English actor who has been active for almost 60 years. Some of his films, notably "Billy Liar," "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner," and "Dr. Zhivago," propelled him to fame in the early '60s. Sixty film and television credits later, he's done quite well for himself.
His roles in "King and Country," "The Night of the Generals," and "The Railway Children Return" are just a few of his most well-known. His acting skills have been recognized with three BAFTAs and a Golden Globe. In addition, in February 2001, he was knighted for his achievements.
Glenda Jackson, Born in 1936
Even though she has accomplished a lot in her life, Glenda Jackson doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon. Jackson is a big name and one of only a handful of women in the entertainment industry to win the "Triple Crown of Acting" (two "Oscars," two "Primetime Emmy Awards," and a "Tony Award").
Among her most well-known works are the movies "Women in Love" and "Hedda." She was well-known to TV viewers thanks to her appearances in shows like "Sakharov" and "The Patricia Neal Story." After leaving acting in 1992 to engage in politics, she returned to the business in 2015 and is still going strong today.
Christopher Quinten, Born in 1957
Chris Quinten, once of "Coronation" Street, has gone a long way from his dancing days in West End performances. After making his acting debut in the 1978 film "International Velvet," he appeared in a few supporting roles until landing the role of Brian Tilsley on the British soap opera "Coronation Street."
After roughly a decade, he moved on to other roles, including appearances on "Surgical Spirits" and "Doctors." Aside from that, he had a small role in the 1990 action film "RoboCop." Acting gigs have been less frequent for him recently, although you can still catch him on screen occasionally.