Inside Call the Midwife star Judy Parfitt's life from war memories to dementia heartache

Call The Midwife: Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan

Judy Parfitt, best known for her role as Sister Monica Joan in BBC's hit drama series Call the Midwife, has enjoyed a long and illustrious career spanning several decades. The 86-year-old actress, who has been a staple on Call the Midwife since 2012, boasts an impressive resume that includes stage, film, and TV roles.

Her journey began in 1953 when she graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, sharing the stage with legendary actors like Laurence Olivier.

Over the years, she has earned numerous BAFTA nominations for her sterling performances in popular dramas such as The Jewel in the Crown and Pride and Prejudice.

Despite missing out on the top prize for her supporting role in 2003's Girl with a Pearl Earring, Judy continued to captivate audiences with her performances in beloved shows like Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, Jonathan Creek, and Vera.

In a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Judy reminisced about her marriage to actor Tony Steedman, known for his roles in Coronation Street and Citizen Smith. Speaking to the Express, she fondly recalled their early days: "Tony had the leading role and he was always trying to make me laugh as I was a terrible giggler. The first time I saw him he was wearing this absolutely hideous bright red jumper, so he definitely made an impression."

Judy Parfitt during 2004 BAFTA Awards (Image: WireImage)

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She continued, sharing Tony's infectious humour, adding: "He had people in stitches wherever we went and he was always playing the fool. Whereas I tended to worry, Tony didn't and he never took himself or anything too seriously."

The couple, who tied the knot in 1963, were blessed with their son David the following year. Sadly, Tony diedy in 2001, leaving Judy without a partner since, reports the Mirror.

Reflecting on their life together during an interview with Mail Online in 2014, Judy described their home life as traditional despite their busy careers.

At the time, she commented: "While both of us were very busy, at home it was a very traditional marriage. I enjoyed cooking and ironing his shirts for him.

English actress Judy Parfitt in 1971 (Image: Getty Images)

"He loved to be my sous chef, chopping the vegetables while I made dinner. He enjoyed accompanying me to the supermarket, pushing my trolley - but it wasn't to help me so much as he loved the opportunity to chat and joke with the other shoppers."

Judy has spoken openly in the past about her husband's battle with dementia, as she told the Loose Women panel it's an important topic to speak about.

Touching on her experience with the disease, she commented: "I always said with my husband, I lost my husband that I loved, but I gained a child that I love because they become your children, and they're there physically, but they're not with you."

Despite the death of her husband, Judy has remained dedicated to her career, continuing to capture audiences’ hearts in Call the Midwife as Sister Monica Joan.

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Call the Midwife viewers have seen Judy play Sister Monica since 2012 (Image: BBC / Nealstreat Productions / Ray Burmiston)

Born in 1935 in Sheffield, Judy spoke about her memories of the being a child during the war, explaining she learnt how people just got on with things, despite the uncertainty around them.

She told Saga magazine: "Growing up in the war, I learned how people just got on with [things] despite food rationing, bombs dropping, not knowing if they'd be alive the next day."

Reflecting on her experience of living through the war, the actress detailed one memory with her father at the age of nine.

She said her father: "[held] me in his arms as Sheffield lit up around us because it was being blitzed - yet people still went to work the next day!"

Call the Midwife is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.