Saunders, Jennifer (1958–)

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Saunders, Jennifer (1958–)

English comedic actress and writer. Born Jennifer Jane Saunders, July 12, 1958, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England; attended Central School of Speech and Drama; m. Adrian Edmondson (comic), 1985; children: daughters Beattie, Ella and Freya Edmondson.

With Dawn French, began career at The Comedy Store in London; wrote and starred on tv in "Girls on Top" (1985) and "Happy Families" (1985), before reteaming with French in hit show "French and Saunders" (1987); drew on sketch from "French and Saunders" to create the hugely successful BBC series "Absolutely Fabulous" (1991–95, 2001 and 2003); also starred on British tv in "Let Them Eat Cake" (1999), "The Magician's House" (1999) and "Pongwiffy" (2002); films include Muppet Treasure Island (1996), Spice World (1997), Fanny and Elvis (1999) and Shrek 2 (2004). Won BAFTA Award for Best Comedy Series for Absolutely Fabulous.