Kathy Burke

Kathy Burke

61 · Born: Jun 13, 1964

Personal Details

Official Socials
BornJun 13, 1964 Hampstead, London, England, UK
Parents
  • Patrick Burke
  • Bridget Burke

Biography

Kathy Burke was born in Camden, London in the year 1964, specifically at the renowned Royal Free Hospital. Unfortunately, her life took a tumultuous turn when her mother passed away shortly after her birth, leaving her to be placed in a series of foster homes for a brief period before her father, who struggled with heavy drinking, was able to regain custody of Kathy and her two brothers. This tumultuous early life had a profound impact on Kathy's future, shaping her into the resilient and creative individual she would become.

Kathy's early years were marked by a strong interest in the performing arts, which was encouraged by her teachers at the Maria Fidelis Secondary School in Euston. This led her to enroll in the prestigious Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington, where she honed her craft and laid the foundation for a successful acting career.

At the tender age of 17, Kathy's life took a dramatic turn when she was spotted by the acclaimed film director Mai Zetterling, who was on the hunt for talented young actresses to star in her film Scrubbers (1982). This chance encounter catapulted Kathy into the world of professional acting, and she has since appeared in a wide range of film, television, and stage productions.

In addition to her acting career, Kathy is also a gifted playwright and director. At the tender age of 22, she wrote and directed her first play, "Mr Thomas," which premiered at the Old Red Lion and featured the talented Ray Winstone in the title role.

Kathy's love of art and literature is evident in her extensive collection of first edition books, a testament to her enduring passion for the written word. Today, she resides in the charming neighborhood of Highbury, London, just a stone's throw from the iconic Arsenal football ground.

Career

2024
Blitz
Blitz as Beryl
2022
The Sea Beast
The Sea Beast as Gwen Batterbee (voice)
2017
School of Roars
School of Roars as Ms. Grizzlesniff
British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves
British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves as Linda (archive footage) (uncredited)
2015
Pan
Pan as Mother Barnabas
2011
The Antics Roadshow
The Antics Roadshow as Narrator (voice)
2006
Flushed Away
Flushed Away as Rita's Mum (voice)
2002
Anita & Me
Anita & Me as Mrs. Rutter
2001
The Martins
The Martins as Angie Martin
1999
1998
Dancing at Lughnasa
Dancing at Lughnasa as Margaret 'Maggie' Mundy
Elizabeth
Elizabeth as Queen Mary Tudor
Ted & Ralph
Ted & Ralph as Mrs. Ted
1997
Nil by Mouth
Nil by Mouth as Valerie
1994
Harry Enfield and Chums
Harry Enfield and Chums as Various Characters
1993
1992
The Fat Slags
The Fat Slags as Sandra Burke
1991
Hulmerist
Hulmerist as Cast - Ouija Board, Ouija Board
1987
Walker
Walker as Annie Mae
1986
Sid and Nancy
Sid and Nancy as Brenda Windzor
1985
1983
1982
Scrubbers
Scrubbers as Glennis
2012
Walking and Talking
Walking and Talking as Creator, Writer