Lesley-Anne Down is an English actress, model, and producer, best known for her work in television and film. Born on March 17, 1954, in London, England, Down made her mark on the entertainment industry in the 1970s and 1980s with a string of notable roles and performances.
Down’s acting career began at a young age when she was accepted into the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts at the age of 10. She made her television debut at 15, in the popular British series “Z-Cars” in 1962. Her breakthrough role came in 1969 when she played Georgina Worsley in the historical drama series “Upstairs, Downstairs”, which earned her critical acclaim and a loyal following.
In the 1970s, Down transitioned from television to film, starring in movies such as “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” (1976) alongside Peter Sellers, “A Little Night Music” (1977), and “The First Great Train Robbery” (1978) alongside Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland. These roles established her as a versatile actress capable of taking on a range of characters.
Down’s career hit new heights in the 1980s when she starred as Stephanie Rogers in the popular television soap opera “Dallas” from 1981 to 1982. Her character became a fan favorite, and she was nominated for a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role. She also appeared in other successful TV series during this period, including “North and South” (1985) and its sequel “North and South, Book II” (1986).
In addition to her acting roles, Down has also worked behind the scenes as a producer. She produced the made-for-TV movie “The Thief of Baghdad” (1978) and executive produced the film “Nomads” (1986), in which she also starred alongside Pierce Brosnan.
Throughout her career, Down’s talent has been recognized with several awards and nominations. She received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Last Days of Pompeii” (1984), as well as a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actress in a Television Role for “North and South” (1985).
Down’s contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact on contemporary culture. Her portrayal of strong, complex female characters in both film and television challenged traditional gender roles and opened doors for future generations of actresses. With her elegance, beauty, and undeniable talent, Down remains a cherished figure in the world of acting.
In her personal life, Down has been married twice. She was married to film director William Friedkin from 1982 to 1985 and had a son with him. Her second marriage was to cinematographer Don E. Fauntleroy in 1986, with whom she has a son and a daughter.
Lesley-Anne Down’s achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified her status as a talented and influential actress. With her magnetic screen presence and diverse range of roles, she will continue to be remembered as a force to be reckoned with in the world of film and television.
