Josie Lawrence

Born Wendy Lawrence on June 6, 1959, in Old Hill, West Midlands, England, Josie Lawrence developed an early interest in acting, joining the Barlow Players in Oldbury at 16. She pursued her passion by studying theatre at Dartington College of Arts from 1978 to 1981, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts honours degree. Her professional career began with a role in “The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists” at the Half Moon Theatre. Lawrence’s comedic talent soon became evident, leading her to join The Comedy Store Players improvisational troupe, which then paved the way for her significant role in the British television series “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. She was the first female performer to appear on the show, where her ability to improvise songs became a hallmark.

Lawrence’s acting career has spanned various prominent roles. On stage, she played Katharine in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew” (1994-1996), earning a Dame Peggy Ashcroft award for Best Actress. She also took on the lead role of Anna in the West End musical “The King and I” in 2001. In television, beyond “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, she is remembered for her role as Maggie Costello in the cricketing comedy-drama “Outside Edge” (1994-1996) and as Manda Best in “EastEnders” (2009-2010). Her film credits include “Enchanted April” (1991) and “Finding Your Feet” (2017).

Throughout her career, Lawrence has demonstrated a broad range, from comedic improvisation to dramatic stage performances. She has also contributed to radio series like “The Masterson Inheritance” and various audiobooks for both children and adults. Beyond her entertainment work, Lawrence is a notable charity activist, undertaking significant treks for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in 2003 and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2005 for Sunfield, a school for children with autism, of which she is a patron. Her contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognised with honorary doctorates from Dartington College of Arts (1994), the University of Wolverhampton (2004), and Aston University (2006).