Penelope Wilton

Dame Penelope Alice Wilton DBE, born on 3 June 1946, is an English actress with a varied and extensive body of work. Wilton started her career on stage in 1969 at the Nottingham Playhouse, playing roles such as Cordelia in King Lear, both in Nottingham and at The Old Vic. Her television career took off in 1972 with the play Mrs. Warren's Profession. Her starring roles include playing opposite Richard Briers in the BBC sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles (1984–1989), played Homily in The Borrowers (1992) and The Return of the Borrowers (1993). She is also known for her role as Isobel Crawley in Downton Abbey (2010–2015) and her recurring role of Harriet Jones in Doctor Who (2005–2008). Notable film appearances include roles in Clockwise (1986), Cry Freedom (1987), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012), and The BFG (2016). In addition to her film and television work, Wilton also has an accomplished stage career, receiving six Olivier Award nominations and winning the 2015 Award for Best Actress for Taken at Midnight.

Wilton was born in Scarborough, North Riding of Yorkshire, the daughter of a businessman and barrister. Her family's entertainment connections include her aunt and uncle, actors Bill Travers and Linden Travers, as well as actor cousins Angela and Richard Morant. She was trained at the Drama Centre London from 1965 to 1968. Her first marriage was to actor Daniel Massey and they had a daughter, Alice. Later, she was married to actor Sir Ian Holm. Wilton was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2004 New Year Honours and became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2016 Birthday Honours, both in recognition of her services to drama.