Frances Tomelty
Biography
Frances Tomelty is a Northern Irish actress born on October 6, 1948, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is the daughter of Belfast actor Joseph Tomelty, who lived from March 5, 1911, to June 7, 1995. She was the first wife of Sting, whom she married in 1976 after knowing him for two years. They met on the set of a rock-musical titled Rock Nativity, in which she played the Virgin Mary. Professionally, she has featured in television series including Bergerac, Inspector Morse, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, Strangers, Midsomer Murders, Coronation Street, and Cracker. Her film credits include Bellman and True, Monk Dawson, Bullshot, and The Field. She also played Lady Macbeth in the Old Vic production of Macbeth in 1980, starring Peter O'Toole in the title role.
Career overview
Frances Tomelty is a Northern Irish actress born on October 6, 1948, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is the daughter of Belfast actor Joseph Tomelty, who lived from March 5, 1911, to June 7, 1995. Throughout her career, she has accumulated 101 known acting credits, establishing a presence across both television and film.
Her television work includes appearances in series such as Bergerac, Inspector Morse, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, Strangers, Midsomer Murders, Coronation Street, and Cracker. In addition to her television roles, Tomelty has featured in several films, including Bellman and True, Monk Dawson, Bullshot, and The Field.
On stage, she portrayed Lady Macbeth in the Old Vic production of Macbeth in 1980, appearing alongside Peter O'Toole in the title role. Personal details from her life include her marriage to Sting in 1976 after knowing him for two years. The two met on the set of a rock-musical titled Rock Nativity, where she played the Virgin Mary.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
81 titles- The Hairdresser Mysteries (2026) as Mrs Marigold
- Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead (2026) as Leader of the Guild
- The Woman in the Wall (2023) as Sister Eileen
- Accused (2023) as Mrs. Daly
- Karen Pirie (2022) as Mary Grant Snr
- Gangs of London (2020) as Niamh
- Warrior Nun (2020) as Sister Frances
- Black Earth Rising (2018) as Sorcha Beattie
- Charlie (2015) as Sarah Haughey
- Outlander (2014) as Elspeth Cunningham
- Peaky Blinders (2013) as Bethany Boswell
- The White Queen (2013) as Margaret Beauchamp
- Atlantis (2013) as Anysia
- Call the Midwife (2012) as Dulcie Greenhalgh
- Death in Paradise (2011) as Olivia Reeves
- Chéri (2009) as Rose
- Merlin (2008) as Niede
- Bonekickers (2008) as Karen Magwilde
- The Amazing Mrs Pritchard (2006) as Kitty Porter
- New Tricks (2004)
- The Royal (2003) as Rosemary Briggs
- Spooks (2002) as Carmen Joyce
- Waking the Dead (2001) as Jane Hussey
- Vanity Fair (1998) as Mrs O'Dowd
- Monk Dawson (1998) as Mrs. Carter
- Midsomer Murders (1997) as Audrey Monday
- Trial & Retribution (1997) as Norma O'Sullivan
- The Boxer (1997) as Mrs Maguire (uncredited)
- Silent Witness (1996)
- 99-1 (1994) as Commander Stone
- Nobody's Children (1994) as Mme. Beziel
- Julius Caesar (1994) as Calphunia
- Cracker (1993) as Mrs. Lang
- High Boot Benny (1993) as Matron
- Shakespeare: The Animated Tales (1992) as Calphurnia (voice)
- Carlo Levi Stopped Here (1992) as Self - Commentary
- Spender (1991) as Lorraine Hope
- In Suspicious Circumstances (1991) as Maime
- Perfect Scoundrels (1990) as Patricia
- The Field (1990) as Widow
- 4 Play (1989) as Julia Parrish
- Star Trap (1988) as Hermione Bradstreet
- Burning Beds (1988)
- Inspector Morse (1987) as Grace Craven
- Bellman and True (1987) as Anna
- Casualty (1986) as Annie McGann
- Casualty (1986) as Morven Tasker
- A State of Emergency (1986) as Jackie Hampton
- Lamb (1986) as Mrs. Kane
- Radio Pictures (1985) as Susanna Prine
- Blue Money (1985) as Fidelma
- Oxbridge Blues (1984) as Angela Lane
- Storyboard (1983) as Laura Grey
- Bullshot (1983) as Fräulein Lenya von Bruno
- American Playhouse (1982) as Sheila Bennett Hatch
- Under the Skin (1982) as Polly
- Bergerac (1981) as Bonnie Hawkesworth
- Iris in the Traffic, Ruby in the Rain (1981) as Ruby
- The Enigma Files (1980) as Josepha
- Juno and the Paycock (1980) as Juno Boyle
- Tales of the Unexpected (1979) as Norma
- Testament of Youth (1979)
- Strangers (1978) as DC Linda Doran
- The Medusa Touch (1978) as Nanny
- Catchpenny Twist (1977) as Monagh
- Life and Death of Penelope (1976)
- Survivors (1975) as Mary Jean Mead
- The Romantic Englishwoman (1975) as Airport Shop Assistant
- The Changeling (1974) as Diaphanta
- Pebble Mill at One (1972)
- A Touch of the Victorians (1972) as Caroline Young
- The Bouncing Boy (1972) as Women at Hospital
- Girl on the M1 (1971) as Student
- Edna: The Inebriate Woman (1971) as Nun
- Play for Today (1970)
- Play for Today (1970) as Polly
- Callan (1967)
- The World of Wodehouse (1967) as Angela
- BBC Play of the Month (1965) as Diaphanta
- Armchair Theatre (1956) as Student
- Armchair Theatre (1956) as Caroline Young
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Frances Tomelty best known for?
Frances Tomelty is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Hairdresser Mysteries (2026), Gangs of London (2020), Warrior Nun (2020), Outlander (2014).
When and where was Frances Tomelty born?
Frances Tomelty was born on October 6, 1948 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
How many credits does Frances Tomelty have?
Frances Tomelty has accumulated over 81 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2026.
What is Frances Tomelty's background in cinema and television?
Frances Tomelty is a Northern Irish actress born on October 6, 1948, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is the daughter of Belfast actor Joseph Tomelty, who lived from March 5, 1911, to June 7, 1995. She was the first wife of Sting, whom she married in 1976 after knowing him for two years. They met on the set of a rock-...
Frances Tomelty by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Hairdresser Mysteries (2026) as Mrs Marigold — aged about 77
- Peaky Blinders (2013) as Bethany Boswell — aged about 64
- Outlander (2014) as Elspeth Cunningham — aged about 65
- Warrior Nun (2020) as Sister Frances — aged about 71
- Inspector Morse (1987) as Grace Craven — aged about 38
- Survivors (1975) as Mary Jean Mead — aged about 26
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