--- name: "Alison Steadman" canonical: "https://film.one/person/alison-steadman" fi1m_id: "alison-steadman" imdb_id: "nm0824102" tmdb_id: 47699 wikidata_id: "Q440728" roles: ["Actor"] born: "26 August 1946" reviewed_on_fi1m: 8 average_fi1m_score: 81 average_as: "actor" average_over: 8 updated: "2026-10-07T14:12:00.583500+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Alison Steadman ## Identity Alison Steadman - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/alison-steadman - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** alison-steadman - **IMDb ID:** nm0824102 - **TMDB ID:** 47699 - **Wikidata ID:** Q440728 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alison_Steadman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q440728, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0824102/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/47699 Actor. Born 26 August 1946 in Liverpool, England, UK. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 26 August 1946, Liverpool, England, UK - **Active:** 1982–present - **Also known as:** Alison Steadman OBE, آلیسون استیدمن - **Frequently works with:** [Dan Zeff](https://film.one/person/dan-zeff.md), [Ruth Jones](https://film.one/person/ruth-jones.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 81, as actor, over 8 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 72 (1), 1990s 87 (4), 2000s 80 (1), 2010s 74 (1), 2020s 74 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 82 to 80 across 5 titles - **Score spread:** 5 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 1 of 5 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 7, Comedy 4, Music 2, History 1, Romance 1, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 1 - **Screen time:** 10 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $45m across 4 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alison_Steadman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q440728, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0824102/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/47699 ## Streaming the US now - **BritBox:** [*Pride and Prejudice*](https://film.one/tv/pride-and-prejudice.md) (88) - **The Criterion Channel:** [*Life Is Sweet*](https://film.one/film/life-is-sweet.md) (84) - **Apple TV:** [*Gavin & Stacey*](https://film.one/tv/gavin-and-stacey.md) (80) - **Paramount+:** [*Better Man*](https://film.one/film/better-man.md) (74) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Alison Steadman > Alison Steadman makes social pretension funny, but her quieter work can be more affecting. We value the tenderness she brings to ordinary people; when she presses too hard on a comic role, the person can disappear beneath the fuss. In *Better Man* (2024), Alison Steadman rests a hand on a boy’s head in the family front room. As Betty, she has little to do in that moment, and makes the affection unmistakable. We were moved more than we expected by that small, unforced gesture. Michael Gracey’s film spends plenty of time explaining Robbie Williams, but Steadman makes his need to be looked at understandable without another speech. Such restraint is worth remembering when we think of the comic performances that established her. The early work with director Mike Leigh, including *Nuts in May* (1976) and *Abigail’s Party* (1977), built her reputation for sharply observed social comedy. Beverly in *Abigail’s Party* is the obvious reference point for her ability to make pretension both funny and recognisably human. Leigh remained an important collaborator, with Wendy in *Life Is Sweet* (1990) giving her a central place in an ensemble of ordinary people. In the otherwise finely judged *Pride and Prejudice* (1995), her Mrs Bennet is our chief reservation among the performances. The emphatic delivery supplies broad laughs, but makes it harder to see the worry beneath her fussing. Set beside Jennifer Ehle’s finer adjustments, the difference can be jarring. The comedy would be stronger if we could hear that worry more often. Gracey’s film gives us a useful counterexample, although its familiar pop-biopic story is less accomplished than its family scenes. Joel Chang’s narrow terraced house, with a television in the corner, gives Steadman’s affection a convincing domestic setting. Steve Pemberton plays Peter as a father who loves his son and loves an audience more. Betty’s quiet attention matters beside him, and Steadman does not have to compete for notice to make us understand why. The later television work includes Pam Shipman in *Gavin & Stacey* (2007), alongside a continuing career in films. We would not ask her to abandon the large comic characters; their nerve is part of the pleasure. If Mrs Bennet tests the patience, give Betty a chance. ## Biography Alison Steadman is an English actress. She was born on 26 August 1946 in Liverpool and trained at the East 15 Acting School. She made her professional stage debut in 1968 and first worked with director Mike Leigh in the 1970s. Steadman is known for her roles in Leigh's films and plays, including *Abigail's Party* (1977) and *Life Is Sweet* (1990). Her other credits include *Pride and Prejudice* (1995) as Mrs Bennet, *The King's Man* (2021) as Rita, and *Better Man* (2024) as Betty. She received an Olivier Award for Best Actress in 1993 for *The Rise and Fall of Little Voice* and was appointed OBE in 2000. *Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org.* ## On Fi1m (8) - *Better Man* (2024), Fi1m 74, as Betty — [page](https://film.one/film/better-man.md) - *Orphan Black* (2013), Fi1m 74, as Kendall Malone — [page](https://film.one/tv/orphan-black.md) - *Gavin & Stacey* (2007), Fi1m 80, as Pam Shipman — [page](https://film.one/tv/gavin-and-stacey.md) - *Topsy-Turvy* (1999), Fi1m 88, as Madame Leon — [page](https://film.one/film/topsy-turvy.md) - *Secrets & Lies* (1996), Fi1m 88, as Woman with Dog — [page](https://film.one/film/secrets-and-lies.md) - *Pride and Prejudice* (1995), Fi1m 88, as Mrs. Bennet — [page](https://film.one/tv/pride-and-prejudice.md) - *Life Is Sweet* (1991), Fi1m 84, as Wendy — [page](https://film.one/film/life-is-sweet.md) - *P'tang, Yang, Kipperbang* (1982), Fi1m 72, as Miss Land — [page](https://film.one/film/ptang-yang-kipperbang.md) ## Complete filmography (138) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Joke* (2026), as Vet - *Here We Go: Our New Year’s Fireworks Fantasaganza* (2025), as Sue Jessop - *Stitch Head* (2025), as Nan (voice) - *Gavin & Stacey: The Finale* (2024), as Pam Shipman - *Better Man* (2024), as Betty — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/better-man.md) - *Here We Go: Mum's Classic Family Christmas* (2023), as Sue Jessop - *Alison & Larry: Billericay To Barry* (2023), series, as Alison Steadman - *Wake* (2023), as Grace - *Queen and Country* (2022), as Narrator (voice) - *Here We Go* (2022), series, as Sue Jessop - *Rules of the Game* (2022), series, as Anita Jenkins - *The King's Man* (2021), as Rita - *Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse* (2020), as Dora - *Life* (2020), series, as Gail Reynolds - *We Love Gavin and Stacey* (2020), Actor - *23 Walks* (2020), as Fern - *Gavin & Stacey: A Special Christmas* (2019), as Pam Shipman - *Off Grid* (2019), as Grace Tanner - *DNA Journey* (2019), series, Actor - *Care* (2018), as Mary - *Butterfly* (2018), series, as Barbara - *Hold the Sunset* (2018), series, as Edith - *Yours Faithfully, Edna Welthorpe (Mrs)* (2017), Actor - *Becky Watts Killed for Kicks* (2017), as Narrator - *We Can Be Heroes* (2017), as Granny Evans - *Burn Burn Burn* (2016), as Diana - *Dad's Army* (2016), as Mrs. Fox - *Peterman* (2015), as Auntie Jean - *The Secrets* (2014), series, as Angela - *Boomers* (2014), series, as Joyce - *The Great War: The People's Story* (2014), series, as Hallie Eustace Miles - *Inside No. 9* (2014), series, as Anne — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/inside-no-9.md) - *Yonderland* (2013), series, as Barbara - *Love and Marriage* (2013), series, as Pauline Paradise - *Orphan Black* (2013), series, as Kendall Malone — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/orphan-black.md) - *Gadget Man* (2012), series, Actor - *A Civil Arrangement* (2012), as Isobel - *Playhouse Presents* (2012), series, as Tina - *The Syndicate* (2012), series, as Rose Wilson - *Comedy Blaps* (2011), series, Actor - *French Exchange* (2011), as Mrs. Phillips - *Come Rain Come Shine* (2010), as Dora Mitchell - *Little Crackers* (2010), series, as Alison's Mother - *Caravans: A British Love Affair* (2009), as Narrator - *Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special 2008* (2008), as Pam Shipman - *Who Gets the Dog* (2007), as Jenny Evans - *Fanny Hill* (2007), as Mrs. Brown - *Fanny Hill* (2007), series, as Mrs. Brown - *The Dinner Party* (2007), as Juliet - *The Man from Montevideo* (2007), as Karen Horner - *Gavin & Stacey* (2007), series, as Pam Shipman — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/gavin-and-stacey.md) - *Lewis* (2007), series, as Rev. Martha Seager - *Loony in the Woods* (2006), as Crazy Butcher - *Confetti* (2006), as Sam's Mum - *Twisted Tales* (2005), series, as Margery Faversham - *The Life and Death of Peter Sellers* (2004), as Casting Agent - *The Worst Week of My Life* (2004), series, as Angela Cook - *Bosom Pals* (2004), series, Actor - *Chunky Monkey* (2003), as Beryl - *D.I.Y. Hard* (2002), as Woman - *Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairytale* (2002), series, as Mrs. Meisling - *Ivor the Invisible* (2001), as Auntie Barbara (voice) - *Bob the Builder: A Christmas to Remember - The Movie* (2001), as Mayoress Bunty Ferguson (voice) - *Happy Now* (2001), as Bronwyn Race - *Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years* (2001), series, as Pauline Mole - *Lenny Henry in Pieces* (2000), series, Actor - *Fat Friends* (2000), series, as Betty Simpson - *Topsy-Turvy* (1999), as Madame Leon — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/topsy-turvy.md) - *Jack and the Beanstalk* (1999), as Mother / Veronica - *Let Them Eat Cake* (1999), series, Actor - *Santa's Last Christmas* (1999), as Mrs Whatnot (voice) - *Stressed Eric* (1998), series, Actor - *The Ugly Duckling* (1997), as The Hen (voice) - *The Missing Postman* (1997), series, as Christine Peacock - *The Missing Postman* (1997), as Christine Peacock - *Midsomer Murders* (1997), series, as Abigail Tonev — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/midsomer-murders.md) - *Secrets & Lies* (1996), as Woman with Dog — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/secrets-and-lies.md) - *No Bananas* (1996), series, as Evelyn Hamilton - *Karaoke* (1996), series, as Mrs Haynes - *Dalziel and Pascoe* (1996), series, as Marion Mattis - *The Snow Queen's Revenge* (1996), as Pearl - *Crapston Villas* (1995), series, Actor - *Pride and Prejudice* (1995), series, as Mrs. Bennet — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/pride-and-prejudice.md) - *Kavanagh Q.C.* (1995), series, as Evelyn Marie Kendall - *Gotta Get Out* (1995), as Maggie - *The Wimbledon Poisoner* (1994), series, as Elinor Farr - *Do You Remember the First Time?* (1994), Actor - *Degas and Pissario Fall Out* (1994), as Emma Dumay - *Selling Hitler* (1993), as Edda Goering - *Gone to Seed* (1992), series, as Hilda Plant - *Blame It on the Bellboy* (1992), as Rosemary Horton - *Gone to the Dogs* (1991), series, as Lauren Patterson - *Selling Hitler* (1991), series, as Edda Goering - *Life Is Sweet* (1991), as Wendy — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/life-is-sweet.md) - *News Hounds* (1990), as Jackie Johns - *A Small Mourning* (1989), as Marjorie - *Screen One* (1989), series, as Jackie Johns - *Shirley Valentine* (1989), as Jane - *Wilt* (1989), as Eva - *The Jim Henson Hour* (1989), series, as Perriwinkle - *Virtuoso* (1989), as Brenda - *Monster Maker* (1989), as Perriwinkle - *7 Deadly Sins: Stage Acting* (1989), as Janista Maine · Writer - *The Adventures of Baron Munchausen* (1988), as Daisy - *Stormy Monday* (1988), as Mayor - *The Short & Curlies* (1987), as Betty - *The Singing Detective* (1986), series, as Mrs Marlow, Mrs Marlow / Lili - *ScreenPlay* (1986), series, as Marjorie - *Clockwise* (1986), as Gwenda Stimpson - *Coming Through* (1985), as Kate - *Number One* (1985), as Doreen - *Screen Two* (1985), series, as Brenda Ogdon - *The Caucasian Chalk Circle* (1985), as Kato/Natella/Aniko - *A Private Function* (1984), as Mrs. Allardyce - *Champions* (1984), as Mary Hussey - *Tartuffe, or The Imposter* (1983), as Elmire - *P'tang, Yang, Kipperbang* (1982), as Miss Land — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/ptang-yang-kipperbang.md) - *The Muscle Market* (1981), as Susan - *Pasmore* (1980), as Kay Pasmore - *Two Days That Shook the Branch* (1978), as Norma Hardy - *Abigail's Party* (1977), as Beverley - *Our Flesh and Blood* (1977), as Jan Blincoe - *Bag of Yeast* (1976), as Margaret Hudson - *Nuts in May* (1976), as Candice Marie - *Red Letter Day* (1976), series, as Margaret Hudson - *Through the Night* (1975), as Christine Potts - *Oil Strike North* (1975), series, Actor - *Early to Bed* (1975), as Helen - *The Wackers* (1975), series, as Bernadette Clarkson - *Taking Leave* (1974), as Nonie - *Girl* (1974), as Jackie - *Second City Firsts* (1973), series, as Jackie, Helen - *Hard Labour* (1973), as Veronica Thornley - *Crown Court* (1972), series, Actor - *Bel Ami* (1971), series, as Fencer (as Allison Steadman) - *Play for Today* (1970), series, as Nonie, Veronica, Jan Blincoe, Kay Pasmore, Susan - *ITV Playhouse* (1967), series, as Norma Hardy - *King of the Teds*, as Tina ## Gallery - ![Alison Steadman](https://film.one/media/person/10217/gallery-0fa0b23ac33c.jpg) Alison Steadman — Flickr user Andy from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/You%27ll_Have_Had_Your_Tea_-_Alison_Steadman.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Graeme Garden, Barry Cryer and Alison Steadman (left-to-right) during a recording of the BBC Radio 4 programme You'll Have Had Your Tea. (2006)](https://film.one/media/person/10217/gallery-00fd93c55a02.jpg) Graeme Garden, Barry Cryer and Alison Steadman (left-to-right) during a recording of the BBC Radio 4 programme You'll Have Had Your Tea. (2006) — Flickr user Andy from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/You%27ll_Have_Had_Your_Tea_-_Graeme%2C_Barry_and_Alison.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Alison Steadman](https://film.one/media/person/10217/gallery-45cd1ad44bf2.jpg) Alison Steadman — Image via TMDB - ![Alison Steadman](https://film.one/media/person/10217/gallery-714a83bc62f1.jpg) Alison Steadman — Image via TMDB - ![Alison Steadman](https://film.one/media/person/10217/gallery-cd187e722072.jpg) Alison Steadman — Image via TMDB --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/alison-steadman