Jennifer Saunders

Mother was a biology teacher, father a pilot in the Royal Air Force. Due to her father constantly moving the family around, was educated at boarding schools as a child. Met Dawn French while studying to be a drama teacher at the Central School of Speech & Drama, London. Met Adrian Edmondson, her husband of 33 years, at The Comedy Store in London. Greatest solo success was as Edina Monsoon in Absolutely Fabulous, which began in 1992. Declined an OBE in 2001. Did all her own singing for her role in Shrek 2 (2004). Was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, but following successful treatment remains in remission. Published her autobiography, Bonkers: My Life in Laughs, in 2013. Has volunteered for Dress for Success, a non-profit organisation which offers the loan of clothes and advice about job interviews to unemployed women.