Career Timeline of Barbara Windsor: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2025

How Barbara Windsor built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Dame Barbara Windsor (1937-2020) was a celebrated English actress, most famously known for her roles in the iconic Carry On film series, where her bubbly personality and comedic timing shone. She achieved widespread recognition for portraying Peggy Mitchell, the tough-talking landlady of the Queen Victoria pub, in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Joining the cast in 1994, she became a central figure in the show for over two decades, earning the British Soap Award for Best Actress in 1999. Windsor's portrayal of Peggy Mitchell made her a British cultural icon. She left EastEnders in 2016 when her character was killed off.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1998: Premiere of "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick"

In 1998, Samantha Spiro played Barbara Windsor in Terry Johnson's play "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick", which premiered at the National Theatre.

2000: MBE and BBC Hall of Fame Induction

In 2000, Barbara Windsor was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours and became the first person inducted into the newly created BBC Hall of Fame.

2000: Cameo Appearance in "Cor, Blimey!"

In 2000, Samantha Spiro reprised her role as Barbara Windsor in the TV film adaptation, "Cor, Blimey!", which also featured a cameo appearance from Windsor herself.

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2001: Rachel Clarke Takes Over Role

In 2001, Rachel Clarke took over the role of Barbara Windsor in the touring production of the play "Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick".

2006: Rachel Clarke Plays Windsor in "Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!"

In 2006, Rachel Clarke played Barbara Windsor in the BBC television film "Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!".

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2016: Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In 2016, Barbara Windsor was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the New Year Honours for services to charity and entertainment.

May 2017: Hackney Empire Walk of Fame Induction

On May 25, 2017, Barbara Windsor was inducted into the Hackney Empire Walk of Fame.

2017: Spiro Reprises Role in "Babs"

In 2017, Samantha Spiro reprised her role as Barbara Windsor in the TV biopic "Babs", with Jaime Winstone and Honor Kneafsey playing younger versions of Windsor.

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2017: Broadcast of Biopic "Babs"

In 2017, the biopic "Babs", which documented Barbara Windsor's life, was broadcast.

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January 2019: London Marathon Announcement

In January 2019, Scott Mitchell and former EastEnders co-stars announced their participation in the London Marathon to support a dementia campaign, highlighting Barbara Windsor's deteriorating health.

August 2019: Alzheimer's Society Ambassador

In August 2019, on her 82nd birthday, Barbara Windsor and her husband Scott Mitchell became ambassadors for the Alzheimer's Society, launching a video campaign urging unity against dementia and calling for government action.