Alison Steadman - Actor Profile

Alison Steadman

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 26, 1946
Birth Place: Liverpool, England, UK

About Alison Steadman

Alison Steadman (born 26 August 1946) is an English actor. She won the 1991 National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress for the Mike Leigh (her husband 1973-2001) film Life is Sweet, and the 1993 Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role as Mari in the original production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. In a 2007 Channel 4 poll, the "50 Greatest Actors" voted for by other actors, she was ranked No. 42. Steadman made her professional stage debut in 1968 and went on to establish her career in Mike Leigh's 1970s TV plays Nuts in May (1976) and Abigail's Party (1977). She received BAFTA TV Award nominations for the 1986 BBC serial The Singing Detective, and in 2001 for the ITV drama series Fat Friends (2000–05). Other television roles include Pride and Prejudice (1995), Gavin & Stacey (2007–10, 2019) and Orphan Black (2015–16). Her other film appearances include A Private Function (1984), Clockwise (1986), Shirley Valentine (1989), Topsy Turvy (1999), and The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Alison Steadman reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Alison Steadman's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 66% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Alison Steadman remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Off Grid, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Alison Steadman Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Alison Steadman's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Alison Steadman.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell Self Super Hit Similar →
2024 Better Man Betty Super Hit Similar →
2021 The King's Man Rita Hit Similar →
2020 Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse Dora Average Similar →
2020 We Love Gavin and Stacey - Super Hit Similar →
2020 23 Walks Fern Hit Similar →
2019 Gavin & Stacey: A Special Christmas Pam Shipman Super Hit Similar →
2019 Off Grid Grace Tanner Super Hit Similar →
2018 Care Mary Hit Similar →
2017 Yours Faithfully, Edna Welthorpe (Mrs) - Super Hit Similar →
2016 Burn Burn Burn Diana Hit Similar →
2015 Peterman Auntie Jean Hit Similar →
2014 The One and Only Mike Leigh Self Super Hit Similar →
2011 French Exchange Mrs. Phillips Hit Similar →
2010 Come Rain Come Shine Dora Mitchell Flop Similar →
2010 Fry and Laurie Reunited Self - Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
2007 All About 'Abigail's Party' Self Average Similar →
2007 Fanny Hill Mrs. Brown Average Similar →
2007 The Dinner Party Juliet Average Similar →
2006 Confetti Sam's Mum Average Similar →
2004 The Life and Death of Peter Sellers Casting Agent Hit Similar →
2002 D.I.Y. Hard Woman Super Hit Similar →
2001 Ivor the Invisible Auntie Barbara (voice) Hit Similar →
2001 Bob the Builder: A Christmas to Remember - The Movie Mayoress Bunty Ferguson (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2001 Happy Now Bronwyn Race Flop Similar →
1999 Topsy-Turvy Madame Leon Hit Similar →
1999 Jack and the Beanstalk Mother / Veronica Hit Similar →
1997 The Ugly Duckling The Hen (voice) Average Similar →
1996 Secrets & Lies Woman with Dog Super Hit Similar →
1996 The Snow Queen's Revenge Pearl Average Similar →
1995 Gotta Get Out Maggie Super Hit Similar →
1993 Selling Hitler Edda Goering Hit Similar →
1992 Blame It on the Bellboy Rosemary Horton Flop Similar →
1990 Life Is Sweet Wendy Hit Similar →
1989 Shirley Valentine Jane Average Similar →
1989 Wilt Eva Average Similar →
1989 Monster Maker Perriwinkle Hit Similar →
1988 The Adventures of Baron Munchausen Daisy Hit Similar →
1988 Stormy Monday Mayor Average Similar →
1987 The Short & Curlies Betty Average Similar →
1986 Clockwise Gwenda Stimpson Average Similar →
1985 Number One Doreen Flop Similar →
1984 A Private Function Mrs. Allardyce Average Similar →
1984 Champions Mary Hussey Hit Similar →
1982 P'tang, Yang, Kipperbang Miss Land Hit Similar →
1982 Mike Leigh: Making Plays Self Super Hit Similar →
1981 The Muscle Market Susan Hit Similar →
1977 Abigail's Party Beverley Hit Similar →
1976 Nuts in May Candice Marie Hit Similar →
1973 Hard Labour Veronica Thornley Hit Similar →

Alison Steadman - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Alison Steadman?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Alison Steadman is "Off Grid" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Alison Steadman acted in?

Alison Steadman has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Alison Steadman?

Other notable films include "Gavin & Stacey: A Special Christmas", "We Love Gavin and Stacey", and "The One and Only Mike Leigh".