Maggie Ollerenshaw, a devoted Mancunian and lifelong supporter of Manchester City football club, made her television debut in 1974. She has become renowned for her memorable portrayals of comedic Northerners, with standout performances in the beloved sitcoms 'Last of the Summer Wine' and its prequel 'First of the Summer Wine', as well as 'Open All Hours' and its subsequent follow-up 'Still Open All Hours'.
Notably, the late Thora Hird, a highly accomplished comic actress in her own right, praised Maggie as one of the finest light comedy actresses in the country. However, Maggie's versatility is demonstrated by her extensive range of stage roles, including intense American leads in 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire', as well as Shakespearean roles in 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' and 'King John' for Barrie Rutter's Northern Broadsides company.
In addition to her stage work, Maggie has also toured internationally with her own show 'Sincerely Yours', a tribute to the legendary singing icon Vera Lynn. Furthermore, she has adapted works for broadcast as plays on BBC Radio 4. In 2007, Maggie married fellow actor Geoff Leesley in New York, cementing her status as a beloved figure in the world of British entertainment.
As a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to her craft, Maggie Ollerenshaw continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of wit, charm, and versatility, making her a true icon of British comedy.
