Amanda Barrie, born Shirley Anne Broadbent on September 14, 1935, in Ashton-under-Lyne, Cheshire, England, is a renowned English actress. Her father, Hubert Howarth Broadbent, was an accountant, and her mother, Connie Pyke Broadbent, played a pivotal role in nurturing Amanda’s early interest in performance. Inspired by child star Shirley Temple, after whom she was named, Amanda developed a passion for the stage at an early age.

Her maternal grandfather owned a theatre in Ashton-under-Lyne, providing Amanda with her first stage appearance at the age of three, playing a Christmas Tree Fairy. During her childhood, she won a local talent contest by performing the song “I’m Just a Little Girl Who’s Looking for a Little Boy.” She later attended St. Anne’s College in St. Anne’s-on-Sea before pursuing formal training in acting at the Cone-Ripman School, which later became known as the Arts Educational Schools in London.

Acting Career and Rise to Fame

Before gaining national fame, Amanda Barrie built her early acting résumé with guest appearances on British television and small film roles. She featured in two of the popular comedy films from the Carry On series—Carry On Cabby (1963) and Carry On Cleo (1964)—becoming part of a cultural phenomenon in British comedy film history. Her comedic timing also landed her a guest role on the BBC television sitcom Are You Being Served?.

However, it was her long-running role as Alma Sedgewick on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street that brought her nationwide recognition. She joined the cast in 1981 and became a beloved figure on the show, appearing intermittently over the next two decades until her departure in 2001. Her portrayal of Alma, a café manager and love interest of key characters, resonated with viewers and established her as one of the soap’s most iconic figures.

Stage Work and Continued Television Success

Outside of television, Barrie maintained an active career in theatre. She performed in numerous stage productions, particularly in musical comedies and pantomime, where she showcased her versatility and charisma. Over the years, she continued to take on a variety of roles in film and television, reinforcing her status as a well-rounded performer in British entertainment.

After her tenure on Coronation Street, Amanda Barrie took on new TV projects, including appearances in Doctors and Bad Girls, further demonstrating her longevity and relevance in the industry. By effortlessly transitioning between comedy and drama, stage and screen, she built a professional repertoire that spans generations.