Lesley Nicol was born in 1953 to a mother who had a background in television. As a shy 16-year-old student at St. Elphin's Boarding School in Derbyshire, she initially expressed a desire to travel the world and kiss boys, rather than pursue a career in acting.
After completing her 'A'-level examinations at a technical college in Manchester, Nicol became involved with the Manchester Library Theatre, where she was paid a pound a week to play a small role in a production of Shaw's "Androcles and the Lion". This marked her first and last role with the theatre, but she was encouraged to apply to London's Guildhall School of drama, which she attended and graduated from in the early 1970s.
For several years, Nicol was known primarily as a stage actress, with notable roles in musicals such as "Mama Mia" and "Our House", which was based on the hit songs of Madness. She also appeared as Little Buttercup in a revival of "HMS Pinafore" alongside Gary Wilmot.
In addition to her stage work, Nicol played the original role of nosy Auntie Annie in the play "East Is East" at the Royal Court, a character she reprised in the 1999 film version, marking her movie debut. Despite her extensive acting experience, this was a surprising debut, given her lengthy career.
Nicol has also appeared in numerous television series in guest roles and in the mid-2000s, she played a character called Aunt-Tea in a short series of commercials for Tetley tea.
Since 2010, Nicol has played the role of no-nonsense cook Mrs. Patmore in the successful period drama "Downton Abbey", a character that has become a fan favorite.
