Phyllida Law


Phyllida Ann Law is a Scottish actress, known for her numerous roles in film and television.

Early life

Law was born in Glasgow, the daughter of Megsie "Meg" and William Law, a journalist. She was married to actor Eric Thompson from 1957 until his death in 1982. Their daughters, Emma and Sophie Thompson, are both actresses.

Career

Law has worked extensively in television, including appearances in Dixon of Dock Green, Rumpole of the Bailey and the 1972 adaptation of the Lord Peter Wimsey tale The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club. She appeared in films such as Peter's Friends, Much Ado About Nothing and The Winter Guest .
She was in the original London cast of La Cage aux Folles at the London Palladium in 1986, playing the role of Jacqueline.
In 2004 she guest-starred in the Rosemary & Thyme episode entitled "Orpheus in the Undergrowth" as May Beauchamp. In 2007 she guest-starred in two Doctor Who spin-off adventures: as Bea Nelson-Stanley in The Sarah Jane Adventures story "Eye of the Gorgon" and as Beldonia in the audio drama Doctor Who: The Bride of Peladon. Also in 2007 she played Aunt Auriel in the drama Kingdom starring Stephen Fry. In 2008 she appeared as a guest star in Foyle's War.
In November 2009 Law published her first book. Notes to my Mother-In-Law concerns the 17 years Law's mother-in-law lived with the family from the mid-1960s until her death. In January 2010 she appeared with Tony Slattery on Ready Steady Cook. She starred alongside John Hurt in a short film entitled Love at First Sight which was shortlisted for an Oscar in 2012.
and Emma Thompson on receiving her OBE at Buckingham Palace.
, chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University.

Awards

In 2013 Law received an Honorary Doctorate from Glasgow Caledonian University and an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Honours

Law was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2014 Birthday Honours by The Queen for services to drama and for charitable services.

Film and television