Vera legend Brenda Blethyn is a beloved British actress.
The 80-year-old star began her acting career at the Guildford School of Acting in her late 20s, before joining the Royal National Theatre.
Brenda made her feature film debut with a small part in the Witches, before appearing in Secrets and Lies, Little Voice, Saving Grace, A Way of Life, Pride and Prejudice and Atonement.
The actress is also a familiar face on the small screen after landing roles in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Anne Frank: The Whole Story. From 2011 to 2025, she starred in ITV crime series Vera, playing Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope.
Brenda most recently delighted viewers in A Woman of Substance, a rags-to-riches story that centred around Yorkshire local Emma Harte.
As Brenda continues to to impress fans on the small screen, here’s everything you need to know about the star.
View 3 ImagesBrenda got married when she was 19(Image: Gerard Binks/Getty Images)
Brenda married her first husband, Alan James Blethyn, in 1964, when she was just 19 years old.
However, their relationship didn’t last as the star previously told The Guardian about her ex-husband “falling for someone else”, ultimately leading to their split.
“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,” she said.
View 3 ImagesThe actress has revealed the secret behind her marriage(Image: Lia Toby/Getty Images for the NTA’s)
In 1975, the Vera star met Michael Mayhew, the former head of graphic design and art director at the National Theatre.
Following a remarkable 35-year engagement, the couple eventually tied the knot in 2010. They currently live in Kent with their cockapoo Jack.
Speaking to HELLO!, Brenda has revealed the unconventional secret to her lasting romance with Michael, saying: “We’re still together, but he just lives upstairs.”
The “temporary arrangement” has “worked brilliantly” for the couple, with Brenda admitting: “It might be the secret, to have your own space”.
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She added: “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