Born in Kashmir

At age eight, settled with family in Tunbridge Wells, England

Left school at age 17 to pursue career as a fashion model

Was a successful model in Great Britain

Made feature film debut in a small role in "Some Girls Do"

First major role in films, "The Games That Lovers Play"

Appeared in the last Hammer Studios Dracula film, "The Satanic Rites of Dracula/Count Dracula and his Vampire Bride"; released in the USA in 1978

Played Elaine Perkins in the long-running English serial, "Coronation Street"

Co-starred in "The New Avengers"; aired in the USA in 1978

Starred opposite David McCallum in the sci-fi adventure series "Sapphire & Steel"

Had featured role in "Trail of the Pink Panther"

Co-starred in "Curse of the Pink Panther"

Wrote a column published in the London Times in the 1980s

Appeared in British stage productions including "Othello", "Private Lives" and "Hedda Gabler"

Supported Pauline Collins in the film version of "Shirley Valentine"

Cast as Patsy Stone in the hit English comedy series, "Absolutely Fabulous" (aired in the USA on Comedy Central in 1994-95)

Received the Order of British Empire

Had pivotal role in "Cold Comfort Farm"

Reprised Patsy in the TV-movie "Absoultely Fabulous: The Last Shout"

Provided a character voice in "James and the Giant Peach"

Portrayed Mrs. Lovett in the Showtime movie "The Tale of Sweeney Todd"

Acted in the comedy feature "Mad Cows"

Had rare unsuccessful sitcom lead in "Dr. Willoughby"

Reteamed with Jennifer Saunders on "Mirrorball", an aborted series

Made TV producing debut with "The Cazelets" (BBC-1)

Portrayed Eleanor Glyn in "The Cat's Meow"; released theatrically in the USA in 2002

Reprised role of Patsy Stone in new series of "Absolutely Fabulous", co-written by and co-starring Jennifer Saunders

Garnered acclaim as star of "Up in Town", six ten-minute dramas aired on BBC2

Co-starred in the film "Ella Enchanted"

Voiced Maudeline Everglot in Tim Burton's animated feature "Corpse Bride"