Dawn French is a renowned British artist known for her multifaceted career as an actress, comedian, presenter, and writer. She is famous for her creative collaboration with Jennifer Saunders on the BBC comedy sketch show "French and Saunders" and notably starred as Geraldine Granger in the BBC sitcom "The Vicar of Dibley." Her film career kicked off with the fantasy film "The Adventures of Pinocchio," and she also appeared in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." In addition to her performing talents, she has made a mark as a writer, penning four novels, including "A Tiny Bit Marvellous" (2010), "Oh Dear Silvia" (2012), "According to Yes" (2015), and "Because of You" (2020).
Dawn French is a versatile British artist, acclaimed as an actress, comedian, presenter, and writer. She is best known for her collaboration with Jennifer Saunders on "French and Saunders" and her role in "The Vicar of Dibley." Her film career includes "The Adventures of Pinocchio" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." French is also a successful author with four novels to her name.
Dawn French, born on October 11, 1957, hails from Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales. She bears the birth name Dawn Roma French and holds British nationality with a mixed ethnicity. She was the youngest child in her family, growing up with her elder brother, Gary, to her English parents Felicity Roma and Denys Vernon French. Her father's service in the Royal Air Force took them to various locations, including RAF Valley and RAF Leconfield, where a young Dawn even had tea with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother at the age of 3. Tragically, her father, who struggled with severe depression, made two suicide attempts and ultimately took his own life by car exhaust when Dawn was just 19 years old.
Dawn briefly attended Caistor Grammar School before transferring to St Dunstan's Abbey School for Girls in Plymouth, where she was part of Downton House and won a debating scholarship. Afterward, she spent a year at the Spence School in New York before pursuing drama studies at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 1977, where she crossed paths with her future comedy partner, Jennifer Saunders. Together, they formed the double-act known as the Menopause Sisters and later gained public recognition as members of the Comic Strip in the early 1980s.
Dawn French has enjoyed a prolific career in television, beginning with her debut in the 1982 series "The Comic Strip Presents," where she acted in numerous episodes and even wrote a couple. She and Jennifer Saunders co-wrote and starred in their own comedy series, "French & Saunders," spoofing various celebrities and films. In the 1990s, French took on a variety of roles, including the iconic character Geraldine Granger in "The Vicar of Dibley," which garnered a massive audience. She continued with various projects, including special episodes and appearances in shows like "Absolutely Fabulous" and "Little Britain." In the 2010s, she appeared in "Roger & Val Have Just Got In" and judged on various TV talent shows. More recently, she starred in "Delicious" and "The Trouble with Maggie Cole". In 2021, she was a guest judge on the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK".
French's diverse career spans film, theatre, stand-up comedy, advertising, writing, and music videos. She appeared in films like "The Adventures of Pinocchio" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," where she portrayed The Fat Lady. In theatre, she took on roles in productions such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Daughter of the Regiment" at the Royal Opera House. Her stand-up comedy includes shows like "30 Million Minutes" and "Dawn French is a Huge Twat," with tours spanning the UK and Australia. French's advertising work includes being the face of Terry's Chocolate Orange and participating in Churchill Insurance advertisements.
Dawn is also an accomplished writer, with a best-selling autobiography "Dear Fatty" and novels like "A Tiny Bit Marvellous" and "Because of You." Additionally, she made appearances in music videos, notably in Kate Bush's "Experiment IV" and Alison Moyet's "Love Letters." French's involvement in charity singles and Comic Relief, including a parody of The Spice Girls, highlights her dedication to philanthropy.
Dawn French is a multi-talented artist, excelling as an actress, comedian, presenter, and writer. In 2023, her net worth stands at an impressive $10 million, primarily stemming from her successful career in the entertainment and authorship industry. Dawn's professional journey began in 1982 when she made her TV debut as a comedian, ultimately establishing herself as one of the most beloved comedians in the industry. Her versatile talent is evident through her appearances in various sitcoms, series, and films, solidifying her status as a gifted actress. Her writing endeavors have also significantly contributed to her wealth, with her self-written autobiography earning her a substantial £1.5 million advance. With multiple income streams, she currently enjoys an annual salary exceeding $1 million and lives a lavish lifestyle.
Dawn French is currently married to her second husband, Mark Bignell, a Charity Executive, on April 22, 2013. Their relationship started in 2011. They initially resided in a mansion overlooking Readymoney Cove in Fowey, Cornwall. However, in May 2021, it was reported that Dawn had sold her Fowey property and moved to an 1868 Gothic Revival property in Calstock. As of now, the happily married couple is enjoying their life a lot.
In contrast, her first marriage was to Lenny Henry, a well-known British actor, comedian, and singer, whom she first met on the alternative comedy circuit. They tied the knot on October 20, 1984, in Covent Garden, London, and even adopted a daughter named Billie. The couple shared over 25 years together before announcing their separation on April 6, 2010.
Dawn French, a beautiful woman in her 60s, stands at a height of 4 feet 11 inches (1.52 meters) with an average body physique. She has a body weight of 58 kilograms (127 pounds) and is known for her dark brown hair and light brown eyes. Her body measurements are reported to be 34-26-35 inches.
Notably, Dawn embarked on a weight loss journey in 2011 for health reasons, as she was previously overweight, reaching a reported 19 stone in weight at her heaviest. In 2014, she underwent a hysterectomy due to a cancer scare, which further motivated her weight loss efforts.
Dawn French tragically lost her father during her teens. At the age of 19, her father, Denys, took his own life, leaving her to grapple with feelings of anger, confusion, bewilderment, and sadness. She reflects on this experience and how understanding mental health is vital, expressing that a lack of shame around depression might have made a difference for him. Dawn had a close bond with her father, whom she credits for instilling self-belief and confidence in her. Unfortunately, Denys, who suffered from severe depression, tragically passed away when Dawn was just 18, as he took his own life by inhaling car exhaust fumes.
French has experienced two marriages in her life. Her first husband was the renowned British actor, comedian, and singer Lenny Henry, with whom she wed on October 20, 1984, in Covent Garden, London. They adopted a daughter named Billie and spent over 25 years together before announcing their separation on April 6, 2010. Following her divorce from Lenny Henry, she entered into her second marriage with Mark Bignell, a Charity Executive, on April 22, 2013.
In March 2013, it was announced that Dawn French would take over Brian McFadden's role on the judging panel of Nine Network's Australia's Got Talent, joining judges Kyle Sandilands, Geri Halliwell (replacing Dannii Minogue), and Timomatic as the additional fourth judge. During the 2013 series of Australia's Got Talent, Dawn judged alongside Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. In an interview with ITV's Lorraine Kelly, she noted that they encountered some unusual and astonishing acts, although not all of them suited her taste, including acts involving pigs and individuals lifting breeze blocks with their nipples. However, Dawn left the show after one series, and she was subsequently replaced by Kelly Osbourne.
Despite being raised to be a confident individual, Dawn French has faced her share of body shaming throughout her career. Enduring hurtful comments from critics and individuals who sought to undermine her, she turned these negative experiences into a source of inspiration for her comedy, using them as material to navigate the challenges of body image and self-acceptance.