ITV’s hit detective series Vera continues to captivate audiences, largely thanks to Brenda Blethyn’s stellar performance as the tenacious DCI Stanhope. Drawing back the curtain on the star behind the screen, we peer into Brenda Blethyn’s personal life.
Hailing from Ramsgate, born in February 1946, Brenda’s roots trace back to William Charles Bottle and Louisa Kathleen Bottle as her parents. She later took on the Blethyn name following her marriage to Alan James Blethyn in 1964a marital chapter that concluded in 1973.
Amongst a large family of nine, Brenda grew up with an ensemble of siblings; six brothers named Bernard, Brian, Martin, Terry, Ted, and Bill, along with two sisters Jeannie and Pam; none have pursued a career in television like her.
Brenda’s mother balanced life as a housewife and former maid, crossing paths with William in Broadstairs, Kent where both were working. Born the youngest, Brenda was raised in a Roman Catholic household which saw her parents unite in matrimony after welcoming eight children into the world.
Brenda Blethyn is one of nine children
(Image: (Image: GETTY))
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
Upon joining her family as the final addition, Brenda found herself significantly younger than her eldest sibling by 20 years. Her autobiography “Mixed Fancies” uncovers insights into her parents’ love story: “According to dad, when he met mum it was love at first sight and it wasn’t long before he popped the question. Mum, however, although she felt the same way, said she needed a little more persuading. Quite a lot more persuading as it turned out. Even after the birth of their eighth child in 1943.”
In a moving ‘Meet the Author’ segment, she reflected on the sparks that ignited her passion for acting, which took full flame after the end of her first marriage, reports Chronicle Live. While discussing her humble roots post-publication of her memoir, she divulged: “I’m the youngest of nine children and we didn’t have much money.”
Brenda Blethyn is one of eight children and grew up in Kent
(Image: (Image: ITV))
She warmly embraced recounting her journey from an unremarkable beginning to making a name in Hollywood. Enthused about having the opportunity to work on her book titled ‘Mixed Fancies’, she revealed: “But then suddenly to end up, you know, in Hollywood, the publishers seemed to think it was an extraordinary journey. I thought OK let’s give this a go, a huge challenge, and I loved every minute of it.”
Leaning on her brothers as a wellspring of inspiration, she highlighted how their recommendations enriched the tales within her pages. She mentioned: “My book is called Mixed Fancies and that relates to the joyful treat of having two shilling’s worth of mixed fancies, they were little tiny cakes.”
She couldn’t help but laugh when looking back at the heated debates shared amongst her siblings for the much-coveted cream horn, adding: “The cream horn was just delicious and we would fight over that one, we would all have a clout and would be sent to bed.”