Alison Steadman, a renowned actress, was born in 1946 in Liverpool, England, to George Percival Steadman and Marjorie Evans. She attended Childwall Valley High School and later enrolled at the East-15 Acting School from 1966 to 1969. Prior to pursuing a full-time acting career, she worked as a secretary at the Liverpool Probation Service.
Alison made her professional stage debut in 1968, playing the role of Miss Jean Brodie at the Theatre Royal, and subsequently appeared as Ophelia in a production of "Hamlet." She gained valuable repertory experience and met playwright Mike Leigh, with whom she collaborated on several projects, including "The Jaws of Death" and "Wholesome Glory."
In 1973, Alison made her London debut in "Wholesome Glory" and went on to win the London Evening Standard Theatre Award in 1977 for her lead role in "Abigail's Party." She also appeared in a television adaptation of the play, directed by her husband, that same year. Throughout her career, Alison has been recognized for her unique and captivating stage presence, earning an Olivier Award in 1992 for her performance in "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice."
Alison has also made several notable film appearances, including "A Private Function" (1984),"Coming Through" (1985),"Clockwise" (1986),"The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988),and "Shirley Valentine" (1989). Her collaborations with her director-husband, Mike Leigh, include "Life Is Sweet" (1990),for which she won the National Society of Film Critics Award, "Secrets & Lies" (1996),and "Topsy-Turvy" (1999).
In addition to her film work, Alison has entertained audiences in various television productions, such as "The Singing Detective" (1986) and "Pride and Prejudice" (1995).
