Judy Catherine Claire Parfitt, a British classical actress of regal bearing and imposing stance, is renowned for her chilling blue orbs and clever portrayals of haughty, bossy, imperious, and deliciously malevolent patricians. Born on November 7, 1935, in South Yorkshire, England, she was educated at Notre Dame High School for Girls before enrolling at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).
Parfitt made her stage debut in 1954 with "Fools Rush In" and continued to impress with roles in "Things Remembered" (1955) and "A Likely Talk" (1956). She transitioned to television in the early 1960s, appearing in numerous guest roles on BBC programs such as "The Plane Makers," "The Odd Man," "Queen and the Rebels," and "Dr. Finlay's Casebook."
In the 1960s, Parfitt drew acclaim on the stage with roles in "The Daughter-in-Law" at the Royal Court, "The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd" (1967),and "The Hotel in Amsterdam" (1968). Her portrayal of Gertrude in "Hamlet" (1969) earned her recognition, and she recreated the role in the film adaptation of the same year.
Parfitt continued to impress on the stage with roles in "The Double Dealer" (1969),"The Duchess of Malfi" (1971),"Vivat! Vivat Regina!" (1971),"The Apple Cart" (1973),"Echoes from a Concrete Canyon" (1975),"The Family Dance" (1976),and "The Cherry Orchard" (1978).
In later years, Parfitt appeared on stage in "An Inspector Calls" (1993) and made her Broadway debut in "Night Must Fall" (1999). Her film credits include "The Mind of Mr. Soames" (1970),"Galileo" (1975),"Champions" (1984),"The Chain" (1984),"Maurice" (1987),"Getting It Right" (1989),"Dark Obsession" (1989),"King Ralph" (1991),and "Silent Cries" (1993).
Parfitt's finest role on film is arguably her portrayal of Dolores Claiborne's (1995) wealthy, dictatorial employer, nearly stealing the thunder from stars Kathy Bates and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Her performance was surprisingly overlooked at Oscar time.
Throughout her career, Parfitt has received critical acclaim for her work in several TV mini-series, including "A Tale of Two Cities" (1980),"Pride and Prejudice" (1980),"The Jewel in the Crown" (1984),"The Gravy Train" (1990),"Eye of the Storm" (1993),"Funland" (2005),"Little Dorrit" (2008),and "The Game" (2014).
Parfitt was married to actor Tony Steedman until his death in 2001. She has since continued to appear in various roles, including a regular part as Sister Monica Joan in the historical TV series drama "Call the Midwife" (2012).
