Janine Duvitski

Janine Duvitski

73 · Born: Jun 28, 1952

Personal Details

BornJun 28, 1952 Morecambe, Lancashire, England, UK

Biography

Janine Drzewicki, a talented actress of mixed heritage, was born in the charming Lancashire seaside town of Morecambe to an English mother and a Polish father. She spent her formative years in Nottingham, where she received a solid education before making the move to London to pursue her passion for acting at the esteemed E15 theatre school.

After completing her training, Janine landed a few small roles in television dramas, but the lack of an agent left her without a steady stream of work. Undeterred, she took matters into her own hands and placed an advertisement in the Spotlight agency catalogue, accompanied by a photograph that showcased her striking features.

This bold move caught the attention of the BBC, who approached Janine to audition for a play about incest, titled Diane (1975). Despite being in her early 20s, Janine was cast as a 13-year-old girl, a role that required a remarkable level of conviction. Her impressive audition secured her the part, marking the beginning of a successful career in television and theatre.

Janine's breakthrough role came when she was cast as Angie in the stage production of Abigail's Party (1977),which was later adapted for television. Her performance in this iconic play introduced her to a wider audience and solidified her reputation as a talented and versatile actress.

Throughout her career, Janine has appeared in a range of television comedy series, although her filmography is relatively limited, with notable roles in Dracula (1979) and The Madness of King George (1994). Her characters often portray eccentric or unhinged individuals, showcasing her impressive range and ability to bring complex characters to life.

In her personal life, Janine is married to the accomplished actor Paul Bentall, with whom she has two sons and two daughters, including the talented actress Ruby Bentall. The family resides in London, where Janine continues to work in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact on the world of British theatre and television.

Career

2021
Agatha Raisin
Agatha Raisin as Doris Crampton
2019
2017
Hospital People
Hospital People as Mrs. Leydon
2016
British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves
British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves as Pippa (archive footage) (uncredited)
Doctor Thorne
Doctor Thorne as Lady Scatcherd
2015
Crackanory
Crackanory as Various
2014
This Is Jinsy
This Is Jinsy as Mrs. Goadion
2008
Little Dorrit
Little Dorrit as Mrs. Meagles
2007
Angel
Angel as Aunt Lottie
Benidorm
Benidorm as Jacqueline Stewart
2005
2002
About a Boy
About a Boy as Caroline / SPAT
Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair as Mrs. Bute Crawley
1996
London Suite
London Suite as Emma - Nanny
1994
The Madness of King George
The Madness of King George as Margaret Nicholson
Waiting for God
Waiting for God as Jane Edwards
1988
Drowning by Numbers
Drowning by Numbers as Marina Bellamy
1987
Screen Two
Screen Two as Betty
1985
The Bride
The Bride as Serving Girl
1982
The Missionary
The Missionary as Millicent
1980
1979
Dracula
Dracula as Annie
The Knowledge
The Knowledge as Receptionist
Citizen Smith
Citizen Smith as Phillipa
1977
Jabberwocky
Jabberwocky as Fanatic
1975