Dawn French is a beloved British actress, writer, and comedian who has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years. She is best known for starring in the hit BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, as well as for her comedy partnership with Jennifer Saunders. With her quick wit and infectious humor, French has solidified herself as a household name in the UK. But exactly how old is this comedic legend?
Dawn French’s Background
Dawn Roma French was born on October 11, 1957 in Holyhead, Wales. Her father Denys was in the Royal Air Force, which meant the family moved around a lot when Dawn was a child. She has a younger brother named Gary. When Dawn was just 19 years old, her father committed suicide which she has said was very traumatic and impacted her greatly.
Dawn attended the Central School of Speech and Drama in London where she met her future comedy partner and best friend Jennifer Saunders. After graduation, the pair began performing together as a comedy double act called The Menopause Sisters. They gained notice in the early 1980s for their appearances on the alternative comedy scene.
The Dawn French Show
In 1982, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders were offered their own show called The Dawn French Show on BBC Channel 4. The sketch comedy show gained a cult following and ran for one season. This exposure helped launch their careers to new heights.
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders went on to create and star in their hit sketch show French and Saunders which ran from 1987 to 2007 on the BBC. Their comedy partnership became one of the most popular and successful in British comedy.
Breakout Role on The Vicar of Dibley
In 1994, Dawn French achieved a new level of fame for her starring role in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley. She played Geraldine Granger, a woman who becomes the first female vicar for a small village church in Oxfordshire. Her character was known for her quick wit and humor as she navigated her new role.
The Vicar of Dibley became a hugely popular show and ran from 1994 to 1998. The series returned for many holiday and charity specials between 1996 to 2015. Dawn French won a BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance for the role.
Dawn French’s Age During The Vicar of Dibley
Given its long run, what was Dawn French’s age when she first started playing Geraldine on the The Vicar of Dibley in 1994? At the start of the show, Dawn French was 37 years old, having been born in 1957.
By the time the show ended its initial run in 1998, Dawn French was around 41 years old. During the various reunion specials and mini episodes over the years, her age naturally increased as well:
- 1996 Christmas Special – Age 39
- 1999 New Years Special – Age 42
- 2004 Charity Short – Age 47
- 2006 Comic Relief Short – Age 49
- 2007 Comic Relief Short – Age 50
- 2013 Comic Relief Short – Age 56
- 2015 Final Comic Relief Special – Age 58
So even though Dawn French was playing the same character, her actual age ranged from late 30s to late 50s over the course of The Vicar of Dibley’s run.
Other Major Acting Roles
In addition to her iconic role on The Vicar of Dibley, Dawn French has appeared in many other popular British comedy shows, films and theater productions over the years. Here are some other major acting roles from her career:
- Surgical Spirit – ITV comedy series (1989-1995) – Age 32-40
- Murder Most Horrid – BBC comedy series (1991-1999) – Age 34-42
- The Trouble with Mr Bean – supporting role in film (1992) – Age 35
- Jo Brand Through the Cakehole – Channel 4 comedy series (1993-1996) – Age 36-39
- Torchwood – Recurring role on sci-fi series (2006-2011) – Age 49-54
- Jam & Jerusalem – Lead role in BBC sitcom (2006-2009) – Age 49-52
- Roger & Val Have Just Got In – Lead role in BBC sitcom (2010-2012) – Age 53-55
- Girls on Top – Lead comedy role on stage (2012-2013) – Age 55-56
- Delicious – Supporting role in Sky 1 drama (2016-2019) – Age 59-62
- The Trouble with Maggie Cole – Lead ITV drama role (2020) – Age 63
As you can see, Dawn French has had regular acting work since the 1980s and continues to take on new roles into her 60s.
Writing Career
In addition to acting, Dawn French is also an accomplished writer. She has written both comedy and drama over the years:
- French and Saunders sketches (1987-2007)
- Novel: Oh Dear Silvia (2012)
- Memoir: Dear Fatty (2008)
- Memoir: Me. You. A Diary (2017)
- Children’s book: The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep (2020)
Dawn French was 57 years old when she published her first novel Oh Dear Silvia in 2012. She was 51 when she released her best-selling memoir Dear Fatty in 2008. Her most recent published work is the children’s book The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep which came out in 2020 when Dawn French was 63 years old.
Personal Life
In private life, Dawn French married fellow comedian Lenny Henry in 1984. The two had met in 1978 while performing on the alternative comedy circuit. Their marriage lasted for 25 years before they divorced amicably in 2010.
Dawn French was 27 years old at the time of her wedding to Lenny Henry in 1984. Their separation and divorce filing occurred in 2010 when Dawn French was 53 years old.
In 2013 at the age of 56, Dawn French married charity executive Mark Bignell. He has two children from a previous relationship so Dawn French has become a stepmother as well. The couple currently resides together in Cornwall.
Dawn French’s Age and Birthday
So in summary, here are some key facts about Dawn French’s age and birthday:
- Date of Birth: October 11, 1957
- Current Age: 65 years old
- Birthplace: Holyhead, Wales, UK
- Star Sign: Libra
As of October 2022, British actress and comedian Dawn French is 65 years old. Her 66th birthday is coming up on October 11, 2023.
Dawn French has had an incredible career spanning over 40 years in the entertainment industry. She continues to act, write, do stand up comedy and bring joy to audiences across generations. Her quick wit and comedic talents have made Dawn French a true national treasure in British pop culture.
Conclusion
Dawn French’s long and varied career has entertained the public since the 1980s. She became a household name playing the lead role of Geraldine Granger on the hit sitcom The Vicar of Dibley starting in 1994 at the age of 37. In addition to acting, she has also written several books including memoirs and a novel. Now 65 years old, Dawn French remains a beloved comedian and personality in the UK. Her age has never slowed down her vibrant spirit and lively sense of humor that shines through in all her work.