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Long before she became a beloved figure in British pop culture, Joanna Lumley embarked on her journey to stardom as a model in the swinging 60s. Her transition to acting came in 1969, with her debut in the film “Some Girls Do,” albeit in an uncredited capacity. She quickly found herself in the spotlight as a captivating Bond Girl in “Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Over the years, Joanna has graced the screen with roles that consistently elevate her profile. Even at 79, she remains an unstoppable force, reportedly earning an impressive £10,000 every week.
Joanna Lumley’s enduring appeal spans more than five decades, securing her a place in the hearts of audiences across generations. Her latest role as the stylish Grandmama in Netflix’s popular horror-comedy series “Wednesday” further cements her versatility. However, for many, she remains iconic as Patsy Stone, the outrageous character she brought to life in the 90s hit sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous” alongside Jennifer Saunders.
Throughout her illustrious career, Joanna has consistently worked hard to achieve her remarkable weekly earnings.
Her impressive filmography includes roles in blockbuster hits like “Paddington 2” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” She has also appeared in popular UK television series such as “Fool Me Once” and “Motherland,” along with its spin-off “Amandaland.”
The success of her performances is mirrored in the financial health of her production company, Chrysolite Enterprises Ltd. Recent financial records reveal that in 2024, she earned £500,000 and took a £252,000 dividend. The company also boasts retained earnings of £686,000.
Despite being 79, Joanna has shown no interest in slowing down or stepping into retirement. During an appearance at the SANDS International Film Festival of St Andrews in Scotland in May, the actress said: “I’ll be here when I’m 90 – as long as I can speak.
“When I was 16 and told the careers officer at my convent school that I wanted to go into acting, he told me that the only jobs open to me in film would be as a continuity or makeup girl,” she said, according to the Daily Mail.
There, she also shared her appreciation for the evolution of the acting industry. Joanna added: “In the past, women like me would have been sidelined at 38, but now there are lead parts for people in their 50s and big parts for those in their 70s.”
Despite her considerable success, the actress has opened up about the challenges she faced on her journey to stardom, particularly the struggles that followed becoming a single mother at just 21.
She said: “I’ve been skint, I had no money, and we lived off Marmite sandwiches for months, and I burnt furniture to keep us warm.”