Brenda Blethyn, adored for her role as ITV's Vera, has a career that boasts highlights such as Secrets and Lies and The Seven Roses. Her screen debut was in 1980 in the play Grown Ups, part of the BBC's Playhouse series.
Since then, she has become a household name with a large fan base eager to learn more about Brenda's personal life outside of work. Born in Ramsgate, Kent, in 1946, she was the youngest of nine children.
She spoke of her upbringing in a Roman Catholic, working-class family, with her mother Louisa being a housewife and former maid. She met Brenda's father, William, while they were both employed by the same household in Broadstairs.
The family had a rocky start, living at their maternal grandmother's home for many years. It wasn't until 1944, after an engagement of 20 years and eight children, that the couple tied the knot.
They moved into a small rented house in Ramsgate, and by the time Brenda was born, her three eldest siblings, Pam, Ted and Bernard, had already flown the nest, reports Chronicle Live.
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The Vera star has six brothers and two sisters, named Jeannie and Pam.
Her brothers are Bernard, Brian, Martin, Terry, Ted and Bill.
When Brenda was born, her father was nearly 52 and her mother was 41, making Brenda 20 years younger than her eldest sibling.
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In her memoir, Mixed Fancies, she shared insights into her early childhood, including memories of her parents and their relationship.
She reminisced: "According to dad, when he met mum it was love at first sight and it wasn't long before he popped the question."
"Mum, however, although she felt the same way, said she needed a little more persuading."
In an intimate interview with the Guardian, she reflected on her childhood, saying: "We didn't feel deprived. It's only when you look back and see what we have now that you think, 'Lord, how on earth did my mother manage with all of us, with one tap in the house, one sink?'".
"I said to her once, 'Are we poor? ' She said, 'No, we just don't have any money.' It was difficult."
"There were tough times. But we got tons of affection. You might be reprimanded severely for something, but there was laughter, cuddles, pride and support in equal measure."
