Judy Parfitt, the esteemed actress best known for her portrayal of the wise and eccentric Sister Monica Joan in the BBC's long-running drama Call the Midwife, has lived a life as rich and compelling as the characters she plays. At 86, her career spans an extraordinary seven decades, marked by prestigious roles, critical acclaim, and profound personal resilience.
A Stellar Career Forged on Stage and Screen
Judy Parfitt's journey into the acting world began in 1953 after she graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). She swiftly joined the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, sharing the stage with legends like Sir Laurence Olivier. This formidable theatrical foundation launched a prolific career across theatre, film, and television.
Her talent has been recognised with multiple BAFTA nominations, notably for her work in the celebrated series The Jewel in the Crown and the classic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. While she didn't win for her supporting role in the 2003 film Girl with a Pearl Earring, her performances have consistently captivated audiences. British viewers will also fondly remember her appearances in popular shows like Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, Jonathan Creek, and Vera.
Love, Laughter, and Lasting Heartache
Behind the celebrated career was a deeply loving marriage to actor Tony Steedman, known for his roles in Coronation Street and Citizen Smith. The pair married in 1963 and welcomed their son, David, a year later. Judy fondly recalled their first meeting, where Tony made an immediate impression wearing a "hideous bright red jumper" and constantly made her laugh.
"He had people in stitches wherever we went," she remembered, describing a marriage where Tony's light-hearted nature balanced her more worrying disposition. Despite their busy professional lives, they cherished a traditional home life. Judy enjoyed cooking and ironing, while Tony loved being her 'sous chef' and using supermarket trips as an opportunity to joke with other shoppers.
Tragically, Tony passed away in 2001 after a battle with dementia, a loss from which Judy has never remarried. She has spoken courageously about this experience, emphasising the importance of discussing dementia openly. "I lost my husband that I loved, but I gained a child that I love," she told the Loose Women panel, describing the painful transition of caring for a partner with the condition.
Resilience Forged in War and Channeled into Art
Born in Sheffield in 1935, Judy's resilience was shaped early by her childhood experiences during the Second World War. She recalls being held in her father's arms at age nine as the city was blitzed, watching Sheffield "lit up" around them. This instilled in her a profound understanding of how people "just got on with it" amid rationing, bombs, and daily uncertainty.
That same fortitude has defined her professional life. Since joining the cast of Call the Midwife in 2012, she has become an indispensable and beloved fixture as Sister Monica Joan, continuing to deliver powerful performances well into her eighties. Her commitment to her craft remains unwavering, a testament to a lifetime dedicated to storytelling.
From the stages of the RSC to the nursing quarters of Nonnatus House, Judy Parfitt's life and career embody talent, love, tragedy, and an enduring strength that continues to resonate with millions of viewers. Call the Midwife is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
