Dame Patricia Routledge breaks into the warmest smile while reminiscing about her stellar stage and screen career, which is now in its eighth decade.
“When I think about my showbiz life, I’ve loved every minute,” says the British-born star from her home in Chichester, UK.
“As a youngster, I dreamed of becoming a school teacher. Driving around in a flashy red sports car, with romances all over Europe during the holidays,” laughs the spry nonagenarian, who adds that acting became her calling.
“I began performing while at university. Then in 1952, I was fortunate to start work at the Liverpool Playhouse. I did everything from sweeping the floor to ensuring the actors made it to the stage on time.
“That same year, I made my professional stage debut in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Liverpool Playhouse. What a thrill that was!”
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