Lesley Joseph is a British actress best known for her role as Dorien Green in the long-running sitcom, “Birds of a Feather.” Born on October 14, 1945 in Finsbury Park, London, Joseph was raised in a Jewish family alongside her two younger brothers. Her parents were both from Russian-Jewish descent, and her father worked as a tailor.
Joseph attended Aida Foster Theatre School at the age of 14, where she received formal training in acting, dancing, and singing. After completing her studies, she began her professional acting career in the 1960s, appearing in various theater productions such as “Present Laughter” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
In the early 1970s, Joseph made her breakthrough in film with a role in the comedy-drama “There’s a Girl in My Soup.” She continued to work steadily in film and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in shows like “Blankety Blank,” “The Two Ronnies,” and “Open All Hours.”
However, Joseph’s career reached new heights in 1989 when she joined the cast of “Birds of a Feather.” The show followed the lives of two sisters, Tracey and Sharon, whose husbands were convicted criminals. Joseph played the glamorous neighbor, Dorien Green, who provided comedic relief. The show was a huge success and ran for 10 series until 1998. It was later revived in 2014 and has continued to delight audiences, with Joseph reprising her iconic role.
Aside from “Birds of a Feather,” Joseph has appeared in various other television shows, including “Night and Day,” “The Vagina Monologues,” and “Strictly Come Dancing.” In 2016, she competed in the fourteenth series of the popular dance competition show, finishing in sixth place. Joseph’s participation on “Strictly Come Dancing” introduced her to a new generation of fans and showcased her dancing skills.
Throughout her career, Joseph has received recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry. In 2018, she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award at the Women in Film and Television Awards. Her magnetic performances and comedic timing have made her a beloved figure in British television.
Joseph’s portrayal of Dorien Green in “Birds of a Feather” made her an iconic figure on British television and her one-liners have become synonymous with her character. Some of her memorable quotes include:
– “There’s always room for one more in my bed, darling!”
– “I don’t dabble in the passing custom.”
– “I’m like a tigress that hasn’t been fed for six months.”
Lesley Joseph’s influence on contemporary culture can be seen in the enduring popularity and continued success of “Birds of a Feather.” The show’s portrayal of female friendships, family dynamics, and humorous social commentary resonated with audiences, making it a staple of British television.
Off-screen, Joseph has been involved in various charitable causes, including work with Cancer Research UK and supporting anti-bullying campaigns. She continues to be a beloved actress and a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
