A diminutive, auburn-haired British actress, Brenda Blethyn has been active on stage and British TV, but at middle age began to make an impression in feature films. With her spry and feisty manner, she has shown a flair for outlandish comedy, but has also proven her versatility in a wide range of dramatic roles, many of which have allowed her to add her brand of humor to the most tragic situations.

After working as a secretary for a nearly a decade—during which time she married and divorced—Blethyn gained early acting experience at the Bubble Theater and the Belgrade Theater in Coventry. She