Acting
Penelope Keith
Born April 2, 1940 · Sutton, Surrey, England, UK
Died June 29, 2026 · aged 86
Dame Penelope Anne Constance Keith, DBE, DL (née Hatfield; 2 April 1940 – 29 June 2026) was an English actress and presenter, active in all genres, including radio, stage, television and film and primarily known for her roles in the British sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born.
Known For
Coming Home · 1998Coming Home
★ 5.41998
MovieDramaWar
Drama about the Dunar and Carey-Lewis families, before during and after WW2.
Priest of Love · 1981Priest of Love
★ 5.01981
MovieDramaRomance
Following the banning and burning of his novel, "The Rainbow," D.H. Lawrence and his wife, Frieda, move to the United States, and then to Mexico. When Lawrence contracts tuberculosis, they return to England for a short time, then to Italy, where Lawrence writes "Lady Chatterley's Lover."
A Touch of Love · 1969A Touch of Love
★ 6.61969
MovieDrama
Intellectually driven doctoral student Rosamund Stacey, while undertaking graduate work at the British Museum, becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a television newsreader. Against the advice of her best friend, Lydia, Rosamund chooses to keep the baby and adjusts her life to include both her studies and her pregnancy. However, when the baby is born, an unforeseen complication threatens the self-sufficient life Rosamund plans for herself.
Beauty and the Beast · 1992Beauty and the Beast
★ 4.01992
MovieAnimation
As a merchant sets off for market, he asks his three lovely daughters what they would like as a present upon his return. His youngest daughter, who he adoringly calls Beauty, replied. "All I'd like is a rose you've picked specially for me." Remembering his promise to Beauty he plucks a rose, enraging the owner of the rosebush, a fearsome boarlike beast who inhabits the nearby castle. The Beast agrees to spare his life, but on one condition, that he brings him the daughter for which he plucked the rose.
Aladdin · 1992Aladdin
★ 5.61992
MovieAnimationFamily
A young man's life is turned around with the help of a genie inside a lamp.
Carry On Doctor · 1967Carry On Doctor
★ 6.51967
MovieComedy
Francis Bigger, a notorious charlatan who tours the country lecturing on the subject of mind over matter, slips off the platform in the middle of his performance and ends up in hospital under the care of Dr Tinkle. The hospital is about to enter a period of total chaos.
Secret Ceremony · 1968Secret Ceremony
★ 6.11968
MovieDramaMystery
A penniless woman meets a strange girl who insists she is her long-lost mother and becomes enmeshed in a web of deception, and perhaps madness.
The Good Life: Secret & Scandals · 2022The Good Life: Secret & Scandals
★ 7.02022
MovieDocumentary
The cosy sitcom had storylines tackling mid-life crises, drunken wife-swapping and more.
Movies
Coming Home · 1998Coming Home
★ 5.41998
MovieDramaWar
Drama about the Dunar and Carey-Lewis families, before during and after WW2.
Priest of Love · 1981Priest of Love
★ 5.01981
MovieDramaRomance
Following the banning and burning of his novel, "The Rainbow," D.H. Lawrence and his wife, Frieda, move to the United States, and then to Mexico. When Lawrence contracts tuberculosis, they return to England for a short time, then to Italy, where Lawrence writes "Lady Chatterley's Lover."
A Touch of Love · 1969A Touch of Love
★ 6.61969
MovieDrama
Intellectually driven doctoral student Rosamund Stacey, while undertaking graduate work at the British Museum, becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a television newsreader. Against the advice of her best friend, Lydia, Rosamund chooses to keep the baby and adjusts her life to include both her studies and her pregnancy. However, when the baby is born, an unforeseen complication threatens the self-sufficient life Rosamund plans for herself.
Beauty and the Beast · 1992Beauty and the Beast
★ 4.01992
MovieAnimation
As a merchant sets off for market, he asks his three lovely daughters what they would like as a present upon his return. His youngest daughter, who he adoringly calls Beauty, replied. "All I'd like is a rose you've picked specially for me." Remembering his promise to Beauty he plucks a rose, enraging the owner of the rosebush, a fearsome boarlike beast who inhabits the nearby castle. The Beast agrees to spare his life, but on one condition, that he brings him the daughter for which he plucked the rose.
Aladdin · 1992Aladdin
★ 5.61992
MovieAnimationFamily
A young man's life is turned around with the help of a genie inside a lamp.
Carry On Doctor · 1967Carry On Doctor
★ 6.51967
MovieComedy
Francis Bigger, a notorious charlatan who tours the country lecturing on the subject of mind over matter, slips off the platform in the middle of his performance and ends up in hospital under the care of Dr Tinkle. The hospital is about to enter a period of total chaos.
Secret Ceremony · 1968Secret Ceremony
★ 6.11968
MovieDramaMystery
A penniless woman meets a strange girl who insists she is her long-lost mother and becomes enmeshed in a web of deception, and perhaps madness.
The Good Life: Secret & Scandals · 2022The Good Life: Secret & Scandals
★ 7.02022
MovieDocumentary
The cosy sitcom had storylines tackling mid-life crises, drunken wife-swapping and more.
Margery and Gladys · 2003Margery and Gladys
★ 7.72003
MovieTV MovieComedy
Haughty housewife Margery and her cleaner Gladys go on the run after mistakenly believing that they have killed a teenage burglar.
The Hound of the Baskervilles · 1978The Hound of the Baskervilles
★ 4.41978
MovieComedyCrime
When a nobleman is threatened by a family curse on his newly inherited estate, detective Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate.
Spider's Web · 1982Spider's Web
★ 7.21982
MovieMysteryCrime
Clarissa, the wife of a Foreign Office diplomat, is given to daydreaming. 'Supposing I were to come down one morning and find a dead body in the library, what should I do?' she muses. Clarissa has her chance to find out when she discovers a body in the drawing-room of her house in Kent.
Rentadick · 1972Rentadick
★ 4.21972
MovieComedy
Armitage runs a chemical company that is on the verge of producing a gas that causes temporary disability. Clearly the military want it but it is also sought by a group of Japanese. Both Armitage and Madam Greenfly hire different people in the same detective agency to guard the gas and steal it respectively... confusion, double crosses and hilarity ensue...
Every Home Should Have One · 1970Every Home Should Have One
★ 4.91970
MovieComedy
Teddy works for a large advertising company. Given the seemingly impossible task of selling frozen porridge, he decides to produce commercials that make the product seem sexy. This leads him to confrontation with the "Keep Television Clean" movement, of which his wife is a senior member.
Penny Gold · 1973Penny Gold
★ 6.01973
MovieThrillerDrama
While investigating a murder case, a detective stumbles upon a rare-stamp swindle involving the victim's twin sister.
Ghost Story · 1974Ghost Story
★ 5.01974
MovieMysteryHorror
Several old college friends converge at a mansion, ostensibly for a pleasant reunion. Larry Dann, the most easygoing of the bunch, comes to the conclusion that all is not well in the old dark house. For one thing, he's run across several people whom he's never met. For another, they all seem to be of a different time and place.
Hay Fever · 1984Hay Fever
★ 6.01984
MovieComedyTV Movie
Set in a British country house in the 1920s, Hay Fever follows the outlandish bevaiour of the Bliss family when they each invite a guest to spend the weekend. Best described as a cross between high farce and a comedy of manners, Hay Fever is one of Coward's most popular plays.
Eric & Ernie: Behind the Scenes · 2011Eric & Ernie: Behind the Scenes
2011
MovieDocumentary
A history of the British television comedy double act Morecambe & Wise to coincide with the BBC drama about their early lives.
All About The Good Life · 2010All About The Good Life
2010
Movie
What was it really like behind the scenes of The Good Life? With contributions from Richard Briers, Penelope Keith, Monty Don, Brian Sewell and John O'Farrell.
Take a Girl Like You · 1970Take a Girl Like You
★ 5.81970
MovieComedyDrama
Young Jenny heads to the South of England to start a new career as a school teacher. Even before she has had a chance to settle in she meets Patrick, one of the local "lads". Within a short time she has her hands full when a number of the local boys take a liking to her. But who will be the lucky one who wins her affections?
Private Lives · 1976Private Lives
★ 6.81976
MovieComedyDrama
Divorced couple Amanda and Elyot have both recently remarried. On their honeymoons, however, they discover that they have accidentally booked adjoining suites at the same hotel. Containing some of Coward's best dialogue, the play revolves around the agonising realisation that despite their ferocious incompatibility, they are still drawn to each other.
The Good Life: Inside Out · 2025The Good Life: Inside Out
2025
MovieDocumentaryComedy
Documentary celebrating 50 years of The Good Life.
To the Manor Born: Britain's Best Loved Comedy · 2024To the Manor Born: Britain's Best Loved Comedy
2024
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
A feature-length special retrospective of one of Britain's most beloved sitcoms, with new and archival interviews and footage examining the production and enduring cultural impact of the BBC's 'To the Manor Born'.
Britain's Most Expensive Home: Building for a Billionaire · 2020Britain's Most Expensive Home: Building for a Billionaire
2020
MovieDocumentary
TV Shows
The Avengers · 1961The Avengers
★ 7.81961
SeriesCrime
A quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners. Jonathan Steed - an urbane, proper gentleman spy - teams with various assistants throughout the series' run, including Dr. David Keel, Cathy Gale, Emma Peel and Tara King, to repeatedly save the world from diabolical schemes plotted by equally diabolical evil-doers (among them robots and man-eating monsters).
Wogan · 1982Wogan
★ 5.31982
Series
Chat show hosted by Terry Wogan, featuring live studio interviews with famous and notable personalities.
BBC Play of the Month · 1965BBC Play of the Month
★ 5.31965
SeriesDrama
A BBC television anthology series featuring productions of classic and contemporary stage plays usually broadcast on BBC1. Each production featured a different work, often using prominent British stage actors in the leading roles. The series was transmitted from October 1965 to September 1983.
ITV Playhouse · 1967ITV Playhouse
★ 7.01967
SeriesDrama
ITV Playhouse is a British comedy-drama TV series that ran from 1967 to 1983, which featured contributions from playwrights such as Dennis Potter, Rhys Adrian and Alan Sharp. The series began in black and white, but was later shot in colour and was produced by various companies for the ITV network, a format that would inspire Dramarama. Actors appearing in the series included Leslie Anderson, Gwen Nelson, Ricky Alleyne, Pat Heywood, Michael Elphick, Ian Hendry, Edward Woodward, Margaret Lockwood, Jessie Matthews and Lloyd Peters.
Remembers… · 2022Remembers…
★ 7.02022
SeriesDocumentary
What are the secrets of our favourite TV shows? Famous names from both sides of the camera reflect on making some of the most popular and influential programs of all time.
The Pallisers · 1974The Pallisers
★ 6.41974
SeriesDrama
This sprawling BBC saga follows an aristocratic family through three generations of power, wealth, intrigue, and scandal in Victorian England. Based on Anthony Trollope’s “political” novels .
To the Manor Born · 1979To the Manor Born
★ 7.01979
SeriesComedy
Sitcom about the love-hate relationship between upper-class Audrey fforbes Hamilton and Richard DeVere, the nouveau rich businessman who buys her manor house when she can no longer afford to keep it.
The Good Life · 1975The Good Life
★ 7.81975
SeriesComedy
Tom and Barbara Good escape the rat race and pursue a self-sufficient lifestyle in Surbiton, much to the concern, frustration and sometimes envy of their neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter. Entitled ‘Good Neighbors’ when shown in the USA.
Two's Company · 1975Two's Company
★ 7.31975
SeriesComedy
Two's Company is a British television situation comedy series that ran from 1975-79. Produced by London Weekend Television for the ITV Network, the programme starred Elaine Stritch and Donald Sinden.
Boohbah · 2003Boohbah
★ 7.32003
SeriesFamily
Boohbah is about five little sparkling atoms who love to dance. They encourage viewers at home to follow along.
Tickle on the Tum · 1984Tickle on the Tum
1984
Series
Tickle On The Tum was a series of ten minute programmes for young children produced by Granada Television and aired on the ITV network from 1984 until 1988. The series was set in a shop in the fictional village of Tickle-on-the-Tum. The original presenters were folk-singer Ralph McTell, fresh from his stint on Granada's other children's series Alphabet Zoo and Danusia Harwood. From about the middle of the second series, Harwood was replaced by Jacqueline Reddin. In the final series, Reddin became the show's lead presenter and sang the theme song, after McTell returned to his recording career.
The Secret Show · 2006The Secret Show
★ 8.82006
SeriesFamilyAnimation
The Secret Show is a British animated show commissioned by BBC Worldwide in partnership with BBC Children's. Production of the show began in 2004 and first debuted in 2006. It currently airs on CBBC, ABC1, BBC One, BBC Kids, Teletoon+, MBC3, 2x2, Disney Channel Latin America, TVB Pearl, and TSR 2. It debuted on the American Nicktoons on January 20, 2007, and was later cancelled in 2011. It also used to air on Jetix Latin America
Death Comes to Pemberley · 2013Death Comes to Pemberley
★ 6.92013
SeriesDramaMystery
A British television drama based on P. D. James' novel of the same name, a murder mystery sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Six years after the union of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Lydia Wickham barges into Pemberley screaming that her husband has been murdered.
Next of Kin · 1995Next of Kin
★ 7.31995
SeriesComedyDrama
Andrew and Maggie Prentice have taken early retirement and plan to move to France, however when tragedy strikes they are left to care for their three grandchildren: Georgia, Jake and Michael and are going nowhere fast.
Saving Country Houses with Penelope Keith · 2026Saving Country Houses with Penelope Keith
★ 10.02026
SeriesDocumentary
From cafes to craft fairs, glamping to ghosts, join Dame Penelope Keith as she meets the owners of Britain’s historic country houses struggling to keep their homes intact. Featured properties include Ashby Manor in Northamptonshire, Chillingham Castle in Northumberland, and Mapperton House in Dorset. As these estates turn to innovative ventures to stay afloat, Keith offers insight into the challenges of maintaining these grand homes in 2025. Will their creative solutions be enough to save their history?
Coming Home · 1998Coming Home
1998
SeriesDrama
Alone and without her parents, Judith Dunbar spends her school days in a boarding school. When her friend Loveday invites her to Gut Nancherrow one day, it is love at first sight for Judith. The elegant lady of the house Diana, her husband Colonel Cary-Lewis and Loveday's siblings Edward and Athena immediately fall in love with her and treat her like family. But the outbreak of the Second World War put an end to the idyll on Nancherrow overnight. A long, thorny road lies ahead of Judith until she finally finds happiness in a family of her own...
Executive Stress · 1986Executive Stress
★ 6.21986
SeriesComedy
Executive Stress is a British sitcom that aired on ITV from 1986 to 1988. Produced by Thames Television, it first aired on 20 October 1986. After three series, the last episode aired on 27 December 1988.
Written by George Layton, Executive Stress stars Penelope Keith as Caroline Fairchild, a middle-aged woman who decides to go back to work. Her husband, Donald, is played by Geoffrey Palmer in the first series. However, Palmer was unable to return for the second series, so Peter Bowles played Donald in the last two series. Keith and Bowles had previously appeared in together in To the Manor Born.
No Job for a Lady · 1990No Job for a Lady
★ 6.31990
SeriesComedy
Jean Price is the newly elected, somewhat rebellious Labour MP for an inner-city constituency, and her life in the House of Commons. She's married to Geoff Price, a public defender and carer of many household chores so that Jean can pursue her new career. Jean balances her personal life with parliamentary duties, including 'women's issues', which Jean alternately fights for and is frustrated by, as other MPs think she cares about nothing else due to her gender. She often is surprised by others' duplicity and hypocrisy, holding them to a significantly higher standard.
Penelope Keith's Coastal Villages · 2017Penelope Keith's Coastal Villages
2017
SeriesDocumentary
Penelope sets forth on a special journey exploring the UK's seaside villages
Law and Disorder · 1994Law and Disorder
★ 7.31994
SeriesComedy
Law and Disorder is a British sitcom that aired on ITV in 1994. Starring Penelope Keith, it was written by Alex Shearer, who had also written No Job for a Lady, which Keith appears in. It was directed and produced by John Howard Davies. Law and Disorder was made for the ITV network by Central and Thames Television.
The Manor Reborn · 2011The Manor Reborn
★ 6.02011
SeriesDocumentary
The Manor Reborn will see a team of historians, experts and volunteers reinterpreting 500-year-old Avebury Manor in Wiltshire and restoring it as an immersive experience.
Moving · 1985Moving
★ 8.51985
SeriesDrama
Moving is a British sitcom that aired on ITV in 1985. It stars Penelope Keith and was written by Stanley Price. It was made for the ITV network by Thames Television.
Penelope Keith at Her Majesty's Service · 2016Penelope Keith at Her Majesty's Service
★ 7.02016
SeriesDocumentary
In celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday, Penelope Keith, goes behind the scenes of Her Majesty’s Royal residences Penelope meets the people who uphold extraordinary royal titles and appointments, from the Royal Falconer to the Washer of the Sovereign’s hands. It’s a world Penelope knows something about, having been at Her Majesty’s service herself, when she took up the position of High Sheriff for Surrey in 2002. Across the series Penelope heads to four corners of the union: In England, she visits Windsor Castle, meets the Royal Herb Strewer and travels in style along the Thames, in the Royal row barge with the Queen’s Bargemaster by her side. In Scotland, Penelope drops in on The Palace of Holyroodhouse and meets the Duke of Argyll, at his family seat, Inveraray Castle.
The Norman Conquests · 1977The Norman Conquests
★ 6.31977
Series
The trilogy presents a comically fraught weekend from three different perspectives, as family and in laws gather at the decaying country home of their bedridden mother; the drink flows, and hidden enmities, intimate secrets and uncomfortable truths emerge through the veneer of jollity and civility.