Patsy Kensit

Patricia Jude Francis Kensit (born 4 March 1968) is an English actress, singer, model, and former child star. She was lead singer of the band Eighth Wonder from 1983 to 1989. Between 2004 and 2006, Kensit played the role of Sadie King in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. Following this, she played Faye Morton in the BBC One medical drama Holby City from 2007 until 2010 and for an episode in 2019. Kensit has been married to musicians Dan Donovan, Jim Kerr, Liam Gallagher and Jeremy Healy. She is best known to international audiences for playing Rika Van Den Haas in Lethal Weapon 2

Patsy Kensit
Kensit at the 2009 BAFTAs
Born
Patricia Jude Francis Kensit

(1968-03-04) 4 March 1968
Hounslow, London, England
Alma materCorona Theatre School
Occupation
  • Actress
  • singer
  • model
  • former child actress
Years active1972–present
Television
Spouse(s)
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(m. 1988; div. 1991)​

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​
(m. 1992; div. 1996)​

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(m. 1997; div. 2000)​

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(m. 2009; div. 2010)​
Children2
Musical career
GenresPop
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1983–present (2021)
LabelsCBS
Associated actsEighth Wonder

Early life and education

Patsy Kensit was born on 4 March 1968 to James Henry Kensit (1915 – September 1987) and Margaret Rose Doohan (1935 – December 1993), a native of Ireland who died from breast cancer. Kensit has an elder brother, Jamie, born in 1963. Her mother was a publicist; her father was an associate of the notorious London gangsters the Kray twins. Nicknamed "Jimmy the Dip", he also reportedly worked for the rival Richardsons, running long firms for the gang. He served time in prison before Kensit was born; she believed he was an antiques dealer. Kensit's parents did not marry until 1986.[1] Her paternal grandfather was a robber and counterfeiter.[2] She attended Newland House School, St Catherine's School, Twickenham and Corona Theatre School.


Career

Early work

In 1972, at the age of four, Kensit appeared in a television advert for Birds Eye frozen peas. She had her first big-screen role in the film For the Love of Ada. Her next film role was two years later in The Great Gatsby, in which she acted with Mia Farrow—whom she later portrayed in the 1995 biopic Love and Betrayal: The Mia Farrow Story. Kensit also appeared in BBC children's television programmes such as The Adventures of Pollyanna (1982) and Luna (in the title role). She had a leading role in the 1976 Soviet-American co-production, The Blue Bird (in which Elizabeth Taylor starred). She also appeared as Estella in the 1981 BBC adaptation of Great Expectations and as Lady Margaret Plantagenet in the 1982 BBC Television Shakespeare production of Richard III.

Rise to fame
Kensit in France (1991)

In 1985, Kensit pursued a dual career as a singer and an actress. She starred as Eppie in an adaptation of Silas Marner, with Ben Kingsley. At the time, Kensit stated: "All I want is to be more famous than anything or anyone".[2]

In 1986, she won the lead female role in the film version of Absolute Beginners, based on the book by Colin MacInnes. In November 1987, she sang a duet with the Italian singer and songwriter Eros Ramazzotti entitled 'La luce buona delle stelle', which in English translates to 'The Good Light of the Stars'.

In 1988, Kensit's band Eighth Wonder had two Top 40 singles: "I'm Not Scared", written by Neil Tennant & Chris Lowe and produced by the Pet Shop Boys & Phil Harding (for PWL), which reached Number 7 in the British charts, and "Cross My Heart", which reached Number 13. Although the band's success quickly waned, Kensit focused solely on her acting career appearing in the 1989 film Lethal Weapon 2 as Rika van den Haas, a South African consulate secretary with whom detective Martin Riggs (played by Mel Gibson) falls in love.

She appeared in the 1991 independent feature Twenty-One, for which she received a nomination for Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead. Of her role, Variety magazine wrote, "Fans of Kensit get plenty of her; her lovely face and form are always the center of attention. The cool control with which she executes the role is admirable".[3] In 1992, she had a leading role in the British film Blame it on the Bellboy as Miss Carolyn Wright, a desperate estate agent in Venice who would stop at nothing to clinch a deal.

In 1995, Kensit starred with Kristin Scott Thomas and Mark Rylance in Angels & Insects, which was directed by Philip Haas and was nominated for an Academy Award for Costume Design. Kensit's last major lead film role was in the Newcastle-based The One and Only.

2004–present

In 2004, Kensit joined the cast of soap opera Emmerdale as Sadie King and also regularly featured in the third series of Channel 4's Bo' Selecta! and its 2005 spin-off series A Bear's Tail. Kensit's success as the soap super-bitch and in a popular comedy brought her back to the public's attention.

In September and October 2005, Kensit appeared as a celebrity contestant in Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon, progressing through to Play Your Cards Right before being eliminated by Carol Vorderman. On 23 June 2006, Kensit guest hosted The Friday Night Project with band Placebo. She appeared as the Grand High Witch of all the World at the Children's Party at the Palace in celebration of the Queen's 80th birthday in 2006. She also became the voice of online gambling website 32red.com.[4]

In September 2006, Kensit left Emmerdale, stating that commuting to Yorkshire and the time away from her sons was too stressful.

In October 2006, Kensit joined the BBC One medical drama Holby City as ward sister Faye Morton. On 14 March 2010, it was revealed that she had decided to leave the show.[5] In May 2019, it was announced that Kensit would reprise her role as Faye Morton for an episode, later in the year.

In August 2008, Kensit appeared as a subject in the sixth series of Who Do You Think You Are?. Until Bruce Forsyth's episode broadcast in July 2010, it became the highest-rated episode for the programme with 7.10 million viewers. As of 2015, it is still the second highest-rated episode of the programme.

In September 2010, Kensit participated as a contestant on the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing.[6] She was partnered up with professional dancer Robin Windsor. They were the eighth couple to be eliminated from the competition, finishing in seventh place.

On 15 May 2012, she narrated the Channel 4 documentary Sex, Lies and Rinsing Guys.

On 7 April 2014, Kensit was a guest panellist on ITV chat show Loose Women.[7]

On 7 January 2015, Kensit took part as a housemate in the fifteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother.[8] She was the third celebrity to be evicted from the House, after spending 21 days.

In 2018, Kensit started her Conscious Puberty campaign, which came about after she experienced significant challenges during the menopause. She now uses the campaign across social media channels to converse with other women of every age. [9]

Patsy's agent is David Hahn of David Hahn Associates and Celeb Agents (www.celebagents.co.uk)

Personal life

Kensit has been married and divorced four times.

In 1988, she married Dan Donovan of band Big Audio Dynamite. In 1992, she married Jim Kerr, lead singer of Simple Minds. During her second marriage, she gave birth to her first child, a son named James, in 1993. In April 1997, she married Liam Gallagher from Oasis at Marylebone Town Hall.[10] Kensit and Gallagher had a son, Lennon, born 13 September 1999, who was named after John Lennon; they divorced in 2000. Lennon's godmother is actress Elizabeth Hurley.[11] Kensit later became involved with the DJ Jeremy Healy and announced that she was marrying for a fourth time on 29 November 2007.[12] On 31 March 2008 it was reported that the pair had split by mutual consent and had called off their wedding.[13] They reconciled and married on 18 April 2009, in an event covered by a magazine,[14] but it was reported in February 2010 that the couple had separated. Healy did not receive a mention in her 2013 autobiography.

After a reported relationship with Ally McCoist in 2001,[15] Kensit later became involved with rap artist and beatboxer Killa Kela. They split up after a year, with Kensit stating that she did not see a future with Kela.[16]

Kensit is a Roman Catholic, although she identifies as an à la carte member of the faith. Kensit had her children baptised and confirmed in the Catholic tradition.[17] She began attending church after her mother's death.[18]

Filmography
Year Title Role Other notes
1972Birds Eye's Frozen PeasHerselfTV advert[19][20]
For the Love of AdaLittle girl
1973The BrothersToddlerTV series, one episode
1974Z-CarsJoanna PageTV series, one episode
The Great GatsbyPamela Buchanan
GoldLittle Girl at Christmas PartyUncredited
1975Alfie DarlingPenny
Churchill's PeopleBrewster childTV series, one episode
HennessyAngie Hennessy
1976The Blue BirdMytyl
Dickens of LondonGeorgina HogarthTV series, two episodes
1978Armchair Thriller 'Quiet as a Nun'TessaTV series, five episodes
1979Lady OscarOscar François de Jarjayes (as a child)
Hanover StreetSarah SellingerNominated-Young Artist Award for Best Juvenile Actress in a Motion Picture[21]
Prince RegentYoung Princess CharlotteTV mini-series
The Legend of King ArthurMorgan le Fay (as a child)TV series
PenmarricYoung MarianaTV series, two episodes
Quincy's QuestJennifer
1980HannahRuth CorderTV series, four episodes
1981Great ExpectationsYoung EstellaTV series, two episodes
1982DisneylandPollyannaTV series, one episode
The Adventures of PollyannaPollyannaTV film
Frost in MayNanda GrayTV series, one episode
1983The Tragedy of Richard IIILady Margaret PlantagenetTV film
LunaLunaTV series, six episodes
1984DianaYoung DianaTV mini-series, two episodes
1985Hallmark Hall of FameEmilie du CaillandTV series, one episode
Silas MarnerEppieTV film
1986Absolute BeginnersSuzette
1988Don BoscoLina
A Chorus of DisapprovalLinda Washbrook
1989Arms and the ManLoukaTheatre Night TV series
Lethal Weapon 2Rika van den Haas
1990Kill CruiseSu
Chicago Joe and the ShowgirlJoyce Cook
Bullseye!Sick Lady on Train
1991Adam BedeHetty SorrelTV film
Does This Mean We're Married?DeenaTV film
TimebombDr. Anna Nolmar
Blue TornadoIsabella
Twenty-OneKatieNominated—Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead
BeltenebrosRebeca
1992Screen OneHetty SorrelTV series, one episode
Blame It on the BellboyCaroline Wright
The Turn of the ScrewJenny
1993Tales from the CryptBridgetTV series, one episode
Bitter HarvestJolene
Full EclipseCasey Spencer
1994Fall from GraceLady Deirdre SebrightTV film
1995Love and Betrayal: The Mia Farrow StoryMia FarrowTV film
Dream ManKris Anderson
KleptomaniaJulie
Angels & InsectsEugenia Alabaster Adamson
At the Midnight HourElizabeth GuinnessTV film
Tunnel VisionKelly Wheatstone
1996Grace of My HeartCheryl Steed
1998The Last Don IIJosie CiroliaTV mini-series, one episode
Human BombMarcia WellerTV film
1999Speedway JunkyDonna
Janice Beard 45 WPMJulia
2000BestAnna
AladdinPrincessTV film for ITV Panto
2001Things Behind the SunDenise
Loves Music, Loves to DanceDarcy ScottTV film
CasualtyCharlotte Leith-JonesTV series, one episode
2002Bad KarmaMaureen Hatcher/Agnes
Darkness FallingVicki
Murder in MindAngela StephensonTV series, one episode
The One and OnlyStella
2003Who's Your Daddy?Heather McKay
Shelter IslandAlexandria 'Alex'
2004The All Star Comedy ShowVarious charactersTV series
The PavilionClara Huddlestone
A Bear's Christmas TailHelen HennersonTV Christmas special
2004–2006EmmerdaleSadie KingTV series
Nominated-British Soap Award for Soap Bitch of the Year
Nominated-National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer
2005A Bear's TailHelen HennersonTV series
2006PlayedCindy
Children's Party at the PalaceThe Grand High Witch (from The Witches)TV special
2007The Magic DoorRachel
A Bucket o' French & SaundersVarious charactersTV series, Two episodes
2007–2010, 2019Holby CityFaye MortonTV series
2010Strictly Come DancingHerselfContestant
2014Loose WomenGuest presenter; 2 episodes
2015Celebrity Big BrotherHousemate
2017Tina and BobbyBetty DeanTV series

Guest appearances

References
  1. Patsy Kensit Biography Film Reference.com
  2. Picardie, Justine; "Patsy Kensit: super trouper" The Daily Telegraph, 13 July 2008
  3. "Twenty-One" Archived 13 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine Variety 1 January 1991. Retrieved 30 July 2009
  4. "Patsy Kensit is the voice of 32Red Online Casino" 32red.com (Retrieved 30 July 2009)
  5. "Patsy Kensit to join Holby cast " BBC News, 14 December 2005. Retrieved 30 July 2009
  6. "BBC - Strictly Come Dancing 2010 - Celebrities - Patsy Kensit". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  7. "Claire Goose joins Monday's Loose Women" Archived 8 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine. itv.com. 7 April 2014
  8. "Patsy Kensit - Celebrity Big Brother". bigbrother.channel5.com. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  9. "Patsy Kensit on her menopause rebirth | Style | The Sunday Times". Thetimes.co.uk. 10 November 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  10. "Celebrity wedding venue popular with Sir Paul McCartney and Liam Gallagher reopens after £60m renovation". Evening Standard. 9 October 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
  11. Elizabeth Hurley Archived 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine – thebiographychannel.co.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2007.
  12. Dadds, Kimberley; "Patsy Kensit to marry for fourth time" Digital Spy, 29 September 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2009
  13. "Actress Kensit calls off wedding" BBC News, 31 March 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2009
  14. "Kensit ties knot for fourth time" BBC News, 19 April 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2009
  15. Cramb, Auslan; "I have been a fool over Kensit affair, admits McCoist" The Daily Telegraph, 28 September 2001. Retrieved 30 July 2009
  16. Fletcher, Alex; "Kensit breaks up with human beatbox" Digital Spy, 9 August 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2009
  17. Carroll, Helen (26 February 2011). "Patsy Kensit: My family values". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
  18. "Patsy Kensit: You ask the questions". The Independent. 26 February 2003. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
  19. "Patsy Kensit – The Advertising Archives, No.30532929, 1972". Advertisingarchives.co.uk. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  20. Birds Eye Peas Ad Patsy Kensit on YouTube
  21. "First Annual Youth in Film Awards 1978–1979 – Young Artist Award". Youngartistawards.org. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  22. "The Chase: Celebrity Special". itv.com
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