Early Life and Education of Joanna Lumley: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Joanna Lumley. A timeline of key moments.

Joanna Lumley is a British actress, presenter, author, television producer, activist, and former model. She is best known for her role as Patsy Stone in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, for which she won two BAFTA TV Awards. She also received a Tony Award nomination for her role in the Broadway revival of La Bête. Lumley has received a Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards and the BAFTA Fellowship award for her contributions to the entertainment industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1986: Marriage to Stephen Barlow

In 1986, Joanna Lumley married the conductor Stephen Barlow, with whom she lives in Central London and owns a house in Scotland.

July 1994: Honorary Doctorate from University of Kent

Elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), Joanna Lumley was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon. D.Litt.) by the University of Kent in July 1994.

July 2008: Honorary Doctorate from Queen's University Belfast

In July 2008, Joanna Lumley was awarded an Honorary Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) by Queen's University Belfast.

November 2008: Gurkha Justice Campaign Leadership

In November 2008, Joanna Lumley became the public face of the Gurkha Justice Campaign and on 20 November 2008, she led a large all-party group including Gurkhas starting from Parliament Square to 10 Downing Street with a petition signed by 250,000 people.

April 2009: Gurkha Settlement Rights Advocacy

On 24 April 2009, Joanna Lumley expressed feeling "ashamed" of the UK administration's decision regarding the Gurkhas' right to settle in the UK. On 29 April 2009, with support from Opposition parties and Labour rebel MPs, a Liberal Democrat motion was passed, granting Gurkhas who served before 1997 residence in the UK and access to housing, social security, and healthcare.

May 2009: Dismissal of Political Aspirations

In May 2009, Joanna Lumley dismissed suggestions that she would stand as a Member of Parliament at the 2010 UK general election, reiterating on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on 29 May 2009, that she had no desire to stand for election to the House of Commons.

May 2009: Meetings Regarding Gurkha Rights

In May 2009, Joanna Lumley received private assurances of support from a senior member of the Royal Family and attended a meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street on 6 May 2009. She described the meeting as "extremely positive".

May 2009: Support for the Green Party

In May 2009, Joanna Lumley supported the Green Party during the 2009 European Elections campaign, citing their work in human rights and animal rights.

July 2009: Visit to Nepal

In July 2009, Joanna Lumley visited Nepal and was greeted by crowds of Gurkha supporters at Tribhuvan International Airport, who hailed her as 'Daughter of Nepal'.

October 2009: Contribution to 'We Are One: A Celebration of Tribal Peoples'

In October 2009, Joanna Lumley contributed her writing to the book 'We Are One: A Celebration of Tribal Peoples', which explores the cultures of indigenous peoples and the threats to their existence. In her essay, Lumley discusses the Dongria way of life and calls for action against corporate interests threatening them.

2009: Vice Patron of The Gurkha Welfare Trust

In 2009 Joanna Lumley agreed to become a Vice Patron of The Gurkha Welfare Trust.

2009: Voice Over for Charity Film

In 2009, Joanna Lumley provided the voice over for a short animated film produced by the UK environmental charity Earth Restoration Service.

2010: Donation to Caroline Lucas's Campaign

In 2010, Joanna Lumley donated £1,000 to Caroline Lucas's campaign to become the first Green Party MP during the 2010 General Election campaign.

2012: Garden Bridge Proposal

In 2012, days after the re-election of Boris Johnson as Mayor of London, Joanna Lumley sent a letter outlining her proposal for a garden bridge across London's River Thames. She had known Johnson since he was four years old and felt confident of a favorable response.

August 2015: Backing of GivingTales app

In August 2015, Joanna Lumley backed children's fairytales app "GivingTales" in aid of UNICEF together with other British celebrities including Roger Moore, Stephen Fry, Ewan McGregor, Joan Collins, Michael Caine, David Walliams, Charlotte Rampling, Paul McKenna and Michael Ball.

May 2016: Patron of Population Matters

In May 2016, Joanna Lumley became a Patron of Population Matters, an organisation campaigning for the achievement of a sustainable global population size.

2016: Withdrawal of Mayoral Support

Following the election of Sadiq Khan in 2016, Mayoral support for the garden bridge project was withdrawn due to lack of funds and planning issues.

2020: 'Protect Them, Protect Us' Narration

In 2020, Joanna Lumley narrated a short film entitled 'Protect Them, Protect Us' for the Born Free Foundation, concerning the exploitation and consumption of wildlife and the natural world and its link with the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2021: Support for Great Barrier Reef Protection

In July 2021, Joanna Lumley joined an international lineup of actors in backing calls for the Great Barrier Reef to be placed on a list of world heritage sites currently in danger.