Brenda Blethyn's Early Life and Career
Brenda Blethyn, the 80-year-old British actress beloved for her role as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope in ITV's Vera, began her acting career at the Guildford School of Acting in her late 20s. She later joined the Royal National Theatre, honing her craft before making her cinema debut in The Witches. Her filmography includes acclaimed titles such as Secrets and Lies, Little Voice, Saving Grace, A Way of Life, Pride and Prejudice, and Atonement.
Television Success and Recent Roles
Brenda has also become a familiar face on television, with appearances in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Anne Frank: The Whole Story. From 2011 to 2025, she headlined the ITV crime drama Vera, portraying the iconic DCI Vera Stanhope. Recently, she captivated audiences in A Woman of Substance, a rags-to-riches tale set in Yorkshire.
First Marriage to Alan James Blethyn
Brenda married her first husband, Alan James Blethyn, in 1964 when she was just 19. The marriage was short-lived. In an interview with The Guardian, she revealed that her ex-husband "fell for someone else," leading to their split. She said: "My first husband, Alan Blethyn, just fell for someone else. I was devastated when he left, but he really was a lovely fella and the other lady is nice too. It was just one of those things."
A 35-Year Engagement and Marriage to Michael Mayhew
In 1975, Brenda met Michael Mayhew, the former head of graphic design and art director at the National Theatre. After an extraordinary 35-year engagement, the couple finally married in 2010. They now live in Kent with their cockapoo, Jack.
The Secret to Their Relationship
In an interview with HELLO!, Brenda revealed the unconventional secret behind her enduring relationship: "We're still together, but he just lives upstairs." She explained that this "temporary arrangement" has "worked brilliantly" for them. "It might be the secret, to have your own space," she said. "I've got my own space. He's always cold, and I'm always hot. I always want to watch a drama, and he wants to watch football. So, it's working well."
Vera is available to stream on ITVX.
