She Originally Trained as a Singer

Manville Has Been Acting for Nearly Five Decades Now, but Her First Awards Weren’t for Acting at All. Starting at a Young Age, the Magpie Murders Star Trained as a Soprano Singer, and Was Recognized for Her Efforts.

She Was Invited to Join a Famous Dance Troupe

Renowned Dancer, Teacher, and Choreographer (And Later Judge of Strictly Come Dancing, a Competition Series Where Celebrities Are Paired with Professional Dance Partners) Arlene Phillips Once Invited Manville to Join Her Popular Dance Troupe Hot Gossip While Teaching at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Where Manville Was Studying.

She's an Advocate for Older Women in Tv and Film

In an Interview with Vanity Fair in 2020, Manville Was Asked About Signing an Open Letter Dubbed the Acting Your Age Petition, Which Called for Better Opportunities for Older Women in Film, a Cause She Feels Passionately About.

She’s Playing Princess Margaret in the Final Two Seasons of the Crown

In 2020, It Was Announced That Manville Would Be the Third and Final Actress to Play Princess Margaret in Seasons 5 and 6 of the Crown (The Final Two Seasons of the Series). Vanessa Kirby Played Princess Margaret in Seasons 1 and 2, and Helena Bonham Carter Played the Royal in Seasons 3 and 4.

She's No Stranger to Masterpiece

Masterpiece Fans, If You’re Wondering Where You’ve Spotted Manville Before, You’ve Likely Seen Her in Some of Our Other Shows Broadcast on Masterpiece Including: the Cazalets Alongside Downton Abbey Star Hugh Bonneville; a Hercule Poirot Episode “Cards on the Table”; and in Cranford as Mrs. Rose, Alongside Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton (Flesh and Blood), and Jim Carter (Downton Abbey ).

She's a Veteran Theater Star

Her Professional Acting Career May Have Kicked off with a Few Small Roles Before Joining the Long-Running Soap Opera Emmerdale Farm in 1975, but Her First Official Acting Role Was on the Stage in the Musical I and Albert at 16. She Has Since Been Seen in More Than 30 Theatrical Productions.

6 Fun Facts About Lesley Manville

By Elena Rostova

• Oct 9, 2026 • 6 min read

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

If You Don’t Know About the Many Talents of Lesley Manville, We’ve Got All the Details on Her Award-Winning Career and Fascinating Life Story. from the First Passion She Trained for in Life, to Her Advocacy Work in the Film Industry and More, Get to Know the Class Act Star of Magpie Murders.

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.

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