Victoria Wood was a celebrated English comedian, actress, singer, and songwriter, born on May 19, 1953, in Prestwich, United Kingdom. The youngest of four children, she was raised by her parents, Nellie and Stanley Wood. Victoria attended Fairfield County Primary School before moving on to Bury Grammar School for Girls. She later pursued drama at the University of Birmingham, laying the academic foundation for her career in the performing arts.
Victoria Wood began her career in entertainment with her appearance on the television talent show New Faces in 1974, not That's Life! as sometimes mistakenly reported. Her breakthrough came in the 1980s with her work in comedy and television. In 1983, she debuted her one-woman stand-up show Lucky Bag, which ran for five weeks at the King's Head Theatre in Islington. During this period, she also contributed to Yorkshire Television’s schools programming, including content designed for hearing-impaired children.
Wood demonstrated her versatility by writing and performing in numerous plays, including Nearly a Happy Ending and Happy Since I Met You. Her writing style, notable for its witty and observational humor, made her a unique voice in British comedy.
Throughout her career, Victoria Wood wrote and starred in a wide range of sketches, musicals, films, and sitcoms. She gained widespread acclaim for her BBC series Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV and the sitcom Dinnerladies, both of which showcased her sharp writing, comic timing, and ability to portray relatable characters. Although she excelled across various formats, Wood remained best known for her stand-up comedy, which combined musical performance with incisive social commentary.
In March 1980, Victoria Wood married magician Geoffrey Durham. The couple had two children together before separating in 2002. Despite her fame, Wood maintained a relatively private personal life. In 2015, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, a condition she chose to keep out of the public eye. She passed away on April 20, 2016, at her home in Highgate, surrounded by her children and Durham.
Victoria Wood left behind a legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved and groundbreaking female comedians. Through her work across stage and screen, she influenced a generation of performers and remains a cherished figure in British entertainment history.
| Birth Date: | 19 May, 1953 |
| Age: | 66 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United Kingdom |
| Birth Place: | Prestwich |
| Education: | University of Birmingham Bury Grammar School |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | British comedian |
| Spouse: | Geoffrey Durham[1980-2002] |
| Net Worth 2020: | 6 million |
| Net Worth 2021: | 12 million |
