Judy Parfitt actress, photo, movies and tv shows, book, glasses

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<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>
<p><a href="/biography/judy-parfitt">Judy Catherine Claire Parfitt</a> was born on November 7, 1935, in Sheffield, United Kingdom. She is of British nationality and white ethnicity. Parfitt began her education at Notre Dame High School for Girls and later went on to train at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), laying the foundation for her distinguished acting career.</p>

<h2>Theatrical Debut and Stage Career</h2>
<p>Parfitt launched her professional acting career on stage in 1954. She gained recognition for her role with the Royal Shakespeare Company as Eleanor in the play Passion, written by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Nichols_(playwright)">Peter Nichols</a>. Her performance was one among many that showcased her versatility and strong presence in classical and contemporary theatre.</p>

<h2>Television and Film Career</h2>
<p>Throughout her career, Judy Parfitt has appeared in numerous British and American television shows and films. In 1978, she was featured alongside <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Finlay">Frank Finlay</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Plowright">Joan Plowright</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurence_Olivier">Laurence Olivier</a> in the television series Laurence Olivier Presents, specifically in the episode Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.</p>

<p>Parfitt’s early U.S. television appearance included playing the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_Queen_(Disney)">Evil Queen</a>—<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_Queen_(Disney)">Stepmother</a> of Snow White—in the sitcom The Charmings. In the show's Christmas special during its second season, her <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Steedman">husband</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Steedman">Tony Steedman</a> guest-starred as Santa Claus. She also made a guest appearance in the crime drama Murder, She Wrote, and in 2002 portrayed the mother of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Corday">Dr.</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Corday">Elizabeth Corday</a> (played by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Kingston">Alex Kingston</a>) on the acclaimed medical series ER.</p>

<h2>Notable Film Roles and Critical Acclaim</h2>
<p>Judy Parfitt played Lady Mount Temple in the 1997 biopic Wilde, starring opposite <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Fry">Stephen Fry</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_Redgrave">Vanessa Redgrave</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemma_Jones">Gemma Jones</a>. Her portrayal of Maria Thins in the 2003 film Girl with a Pearl Earring earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This role brought her recognition for her ability to convey depth and subtlety through supporting characters.</p>

<p>In 2004, she took on the role of the imperious American dowager Mrs. Van Schuyler in the television adaptation of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agatha_Christie">Agatha Christie's</a> Death on the Nile, alongside <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Suchet">David Suchet</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Fox">James Fox</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Soul">David Soul</a>. She further showcased her dramatic range by playing the harsh and complex character of Mrs. Clennam in the BBC adaptation of Little Dorrit, starring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Macfadyen">Matthew Macfadyen</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Johnston">Sue Johnston</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alun_Armstrong">Alun Armstrong</a>.</p>

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<h2>Role in "Call the Midwife"</h2>
<p>Since 2012, Judy Parfitt has portrayed Sister Monica Joan in the BBC television series Call the Midwife. Her character is an elderly nun with a deep affection for classical literature who begins to show signs of early-stage dementia. Parfitt's performance has been praised for its sensitivity and nuance, bringing both vulnerability and wisdom to the long-running series.</p>

<h2>Personal Life</h2>
<p>Parfitt married fellow <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Steedman">actor</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Steedman">Tony Steedman</a> in 1963, and the couple remained together until his passing in 2001. Their enduring marriage reflected the deep bond the pair shared. They had one son, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Soul">David</a>. Though she did not remarry, Parfitt has continued to maintain an active and fulfilling personal and professional life.</p>

<h2>Legacy and Continued Influence</h2>
<p>Now in her late 80s, Judy Parfitt remains a respected figure in British television, film, and theatre. Known for her commanding performances and enduring talent, she continues to be appreciated by audiences and peers alike. Her role in Call the Midwife has introduced her to newer generations of viewers, while her extensive body of work cements her status as a prominent and enduring figure in the acting profession.</p>

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