Dawn French - Wonderful Woman No. 99

Dawn French - Born 1957
British Comedienne, Actress and Screenwriter

After my wonderful friend, Sarah added Jennifer Saunders (Wonderful Woman No. 92) to the album, it seemed unfair not to have Dawn French in there too, especially given that she is also a woman I have liked and admired for a very long time.

Like Jennifer, Dawn is a woman who has worked her way into the hearts of the British public and is an integral part of modern British comedy.

I wrote about the early career of the comedy duo and how they had met while studying to be drama teachers in the post about Jennifer. I won't go through the catalogue of achievements the fantastic pair have accomplished for a second time but it is worth reaffirming the greatness of French and Saunders, their joint career in it's fourth decade and as popular as ever.

Aside from working with Jennifer, Dawn has separately appeared on television in many guises, both in comedies such

as; The Vicar of Dibley, Ted and Alice, Murder Most Horrid and Psychoville and in dramas like; Lark Rise to Candleford and Marple. She has also appeared in a number of feature films, including one of the Harry Potter series. In theatre, she has appeared in plays including Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and a role in the Donizetti opera La Fille du Régiment. Her talent is widely acclaimed and adorned with numerous awards, including no less than three BAFTAs.

In addition to her industry awards, Dawn was once voted the most admired female celebrity amongst women in Britain.

And that last part is unsurprising to me. Though clearly very talented, intelligent and funny, somehow through the screen Dawn has this way of making you feel like you are her friend. She isn't afraid of herself, she says things many of us would like to say but embarrassment stops us, she throws herself into things, laughs like a loon and isn't afraid to look silly. I have a lot of warmth towards this woman, though we never met, I feel like I have known her my whole life. This woman I know so well is very, very wonderful.

Turn up your radio. Watch lots of telly and eat loads of choc. Feel guilty. Stay up all night. Learn everything in six hours that has taken you two years to compile. That's how I did it.
Dawn French