8 Things You Didn’t Know About Imelda Staunton

We’ve all heard of Imelda Staunton. She is a hugely successful actress in every discipline. Throughout her career, she has been in a number of critically acclaimed films, television shows, and theatrical productions.

And, despite having one of the most recognizable looks and voices in the UK, she’s a bit of a mystery. So here are eight facts about Imelda Staunton, the legend.

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Imelda Staunton

1. Honored By The Queen

Imelda was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2006. (OBE). In 2016, she was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a decade later (CBE). Both awards were given for services to drama.

2. Her Interesting Background

Her father, Joseph Staunton, was a worker, and her mother, Bridie (a gifted musician who had played in showbands before leaving her native country), was a hairdresser – a very practical vocation given that the family resided above a hair salon managed and owned by Bridie herself.

3. Studied In a Private Catholic School

Staunton attended the private Catholic school La Sainte Convent as a kid. She began to get cast in starring roles in several school shows after working with an elocution tutor to improve her vocal abilities. ^[1]

4. Studied R.A.D.A

Staunton was inspired by her elocution teacher to follow her increasing love for the theatre by trying for the prestigious R.A.D.A. to her joy, her application was accepted, and she enrolled at the school, finally graduating in 1976. ^[2]

5. Won Multiple Awards For Her Performance

Staunton’s leading role in The Beggar’s Opera earned her her first Olivier nominations for Best Actress in a Musical and Most Promising Newcomer of the Year in 1982. Since then, she’s won a slew of significant accolades, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.

6. Onscreen Appearance With Her Husband And Daughter

During the stage performance of Guys and Dolls in 1982, Staunton met her husband, Downton Abbey star Jim Carter. They married a year later and had a daughter named Bessie in 1993. In 2007, Staunton co-starred with her husband and daughter.

7. Narrator Of Children’s Books

If you have a child under the age of ten, you are probably familiar with Julia Donaldson’s work. You might be surprised to learn that Staunton has narrated many of Davidson’s renowned children’s books, including The Gruffalo.

8. Her Dog Has Also Worked With Her

Imelda doesn’t just act with her human family members; she’s also performed with her dog. Molly, her terrier, co-starred in the Chichester run of Gypsy as Momma Rose’s pup Chowsie.