Most famous for her role as Ruth Jones on the 1970s situation comedy Rising Damp, this British actress also had a successful career as a stage performer, earning a 2006 Tony Award for her role in the Broadway production of The History Boys.

Before Fame

After studying at the Drama Centre London, she performed in numerous Royal Shakespeare Company plays, including the acclaimed Peter Brook production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Trivia

She earned Olivier Awards for her performances in English stage productions of A Moon for the Misbegotten, Duet for One, and When She Danced. She played the role of Olympe Maxime in two Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 1.

Family Life

Her brother, Andy de la Tour, had a career as a screenwriter. Her marriage to British playwright and actor Tom Kempinski ended in divorce.

Associated With

She co-starred with Donald Sinden in a London stage production of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya.