Penelope Wilton is best known to millions as Isobel Crawley, the doughty do-gooder of Downton Abbey.
But the 73-year-old actor is more than that – Dame Penelope, as she became four years ago – has been showered with awards for her theatre work and has starred in many quintessentially British films, like Calendar Girls and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Yet stardom clearly doesn’t sit easily with Penelope, who admits, ‘I don’t want anyone to know too much about me.’
Twice divorced, from actors Daniel Massey and Sir Ian Holm, she has one daughter, Alice Massey, and two grandchildren.
But when it comes to her daughter, Penelope does let her guard down to offer a rare burst of emotion. ‘The best thing that ever happened to me was my daughter, and now the little family she’s given me, too,’ says Penelope. ‘That was very lucky.’
Family life is no doubt one reason Penelope has remained working in the UK rather than try her luck stateside, despite her contemporaries, such as Helen Mirren, Brenda Blethyn, and Maggie Smith, having attained Hollywood success.
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S WEEKLY dergisinin May 05, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S WEEKLY dergisinin May 05, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest