Linda Bassett
Biography
Linda Bassett was born on February 4, 1950, in the Kentish village of Pluckley, which is the location for the television series The Darling Buds of May, released in 1991. She was brought up in Pimlico, South London, by her typist mother and police officer father. Her interest in acting developed during childhood when she was frequently taken to see plays in London, most notably at the Old Vic. After leaving school, she worked at the Old Vic as an usherette and catering manager before studying English at Leeds University. She dropped out after a year and became involved in a local drama group that put on plays in community-based locations, such as schools. In the field of acting, she has accrued sixty-one known credits.
Career overview
Linda Bassett was born on February 4, 1950, in the Kentish village of Pluckley, England, which is known as the location for the television series The Darling Buds of May. Raised in Pimlico, South London, by her typist mother and police officer father, she developed an interest in acting during her childhood through frequent visits to London plays, particularly at the Old Vic classical theater. After leaving school, she worked at the Old Vic as an usherette and catering manager.
She subsequently went to read English at Leeds University but dropped out after a year. Following her departure from university, she became involved with a local drama group that performed plays in community-based locations such as schools, an experience she regards as her theatrical foundation.
As a professional performer, Linda Bassett is credited with sixty-one acting roles in movies and television shows. Her biographical and professional background bridges her early exposure to classical theater in London with community-based drama and an extensive screen career.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
60 titles- Bare Roots (2026) as Sue
- The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023) as Queenie
- Careful How You Go (2018)
- Strike (2017) as Joan Nancarrow
- Carnage: Swallowing the Past (2017) as Dr Yasmine Vondenburg
- Effie Gray (2014) as Anna
- Spies of Warsaw (2013) as Maika Rosen
- National Theatre Live: People (2013) as Iris
- Call the Midwife (2012) as Phyllis Crane
- The Life and Adventures of Nick Nickleby (2012) as Mrs. Smike
- Grandma's House (2010) as Grandma Lily
- West Is West (2010) as Ella Khan
- Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) as Queenie Turrill
- The Reader (2008) as Ms. Brenner
- Sense and Sensibility (2008) as Mrs. Jennings
- Cass (2008) as Doll
- Kinky Boots (2005) as Mel
- Separate Lies (2005) as Maggie
- Colour Me Kubrick (2005) as Trolley Lady
- The English Harem (2005) as Monica Pringle
- The Brief (2004) as Maureen Tyler
- Spivs (2004) as Auntie Vee
- Calendar Girls (2003) as Cora
- This Little Life (2003) as Nurse Nina
- The Hours (2002) as Nelly Boxall
- The Martins (2001) as Anthea
- Lounge Act (2000)
- Don Quixote (2000) as Housekeeper
- East Is East (1999) as Ella Khan
- Beautiful People (1999) as Sister
- dinnerladies (1998) as Peggy
- Our Mutual Friend (1998) as Abby Potterson
- Far from the Madding Crowd (1998) as Maryann Money
- Far from the Madding Crowd (1998) as Maryann Money
- Spoonface Steinberg (1998) as Mrs. Spud
- The Life and Crimes of William Palmer (1998) as Mary Thornton
- Midsomer Murders (1997) as Eileen Carnack
- Oscar and Lucinda (1997) as Betty Stratton
- Mary Reilly (1996) as Mary's Mother
- No Bananas (1996) as Ellen Slater
- Alive and Kicking (1996) as Doctor
- Kavanagh Q.C. (1995) as Miss Haddon QC
- Bramwell (1995) as Maud
- Haunted (1995) as Madame Brontski
- A Village Affair (1995) as Gwen
- Loved Up (1995) as Mum
- In The Cold Light Of Day (1994) as Mrs. Loveless
- Skallagrigg (1994) as Susan
- Frank Stubbs Promotes (1993) as Eileen
- Heartbeat (1992) as Beryl Palmer
- A Touch of Frost (1992) as Mrs Cornish
- Let Him Have It (1991) as Mrs. Miles
- A Small Dance (1991) as Sandra Matkin
- News Hounds (1990) as Virginia Lyddon
- Paris by Night (1989) as Janet Swanton
- Waiting for the Moon (1987) as Gertrude Stein
- Casualty (1986) as Olwyn Humphries
- The Bill (1984)
- Dramarama (1983) as Meg Crawford
- American Playhouse (1982) as Gertrude Stein
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Linda Bassett best known for?
Linda Bassett is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Strike (2017), Call the Midwife (2012), Lark Rise to Candleford (2008), The Reader (2008).
When and where was Linda Bassett born?
Linda Bassett was born on February 4, 1950 in Pluckley, Kent, England, UK.
How many credits does Linda Bassett have?
Linda Bassett has accumulated over 60 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1982 to 2026.
What is Linda Bassett's background in cinema and television?
Linda Bassett was born on February 4, 1950, in the Kentish village of Pluckley, which is the location for the television series The Darling Buds of May, released in 1991. She was brought up in Pimlico, South London, by her typist mother and police officer father. Her interest in acting developed during childhood when s...