Key Highlights
- Joanna Lumley continues to earn £10,000 per week in her 79th year.
- The actress has maintained prominence for over five decades, including roles in “Absolutely Fabulous” and “Wednesday.”
- Lumley’s production firm, Chrysolite Enterprises Ltd., earned £500,000 in dividends in 2024.
- She stated that women like her would have been sidelined at age 38 but now can expect lead parts into their 70s.
Joanna Lumley’s Remarkable Career Spanning Decades
The British actress Joanna Lumley, who has been a household name for over five decades, is still commanding significant earnings. At the age of 79, she reportedly takes home an impressive £10,000 every week from her various acting roles and production endeavors.
From Models to Acting
Joanna Lumley’s journey in the entertainment industry began as a model during the 1960s. She transitioned into acting with her first uncredited role in Some Girls Do. Her breakthrough came when she starred as a Bond Girl in the James Bond movie, Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Broad Spectrum of Roles
Lumley has since secured a wide range of roles that have brought her international acclaim. Notably, she is recognized for her iconic portrayal as Patsy Stone in the 1990s sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, alongside her co-star Jennifer Saunders. More recently, Lumley took on the role of Grandmama in the second season of Netflix’s horror-comedy series Wednesday.
Earnings and Production Firm
According to latest accounts, Chrysolite Enterprises Ltd., the production firm run by Lumley, earned £500,000 in 2024. This includes a substantial dividend of £252,000 for the actress herself. The firm retains cash reserves totaling £686,000.
Commitment to Acting
In an interview at the SANDS International Film Festival in St Andrews, Scotland, Lumley expressed her determination to continue working well into her nineties. “I’ll be here when I’m 90 – as long as I can speak,” she declared.
Reflections on Career
Lumley also shared her perspective on the evolution of women in the acting industry. Reflecting on the past, she noted that at age 38, “women like me would have been sidelined.” However, now there are lead parts for people in their 50s and significant roles for those in their 70s.
Despite her success, Lumley has spoken candidly about some of the challenges she faced early on. She recounted, “I’ve been skint, I had no money, and we lived off Marmite sandwiches for months, and I burnt furniture to keep us warm.” Her career trajectory is a testament to perseverance and resilience in the entertainment industry.
Joanna Lumley’s continued success challenges stereotypes about aging actors and provides inspiration for aspiring performers. As she approaches her 80th birthday, her commitment to the craft remains unwavering, making her one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses.
