Trivia

She was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2003 Queen's New Year's Honours List for her services to drama.

Married Michael Mayhew after a 35-year engagement in a small, private ceremony held in a Peckham registry office.

Was born with an extra finger.

Watched footage of Cheryl in order to perfect a Geordie accent for her role as Vera Stanhope in Vera (2011).

Is the youngest of nine children. Her father was an engineer.

Graduated from technical college and worked as a stenographer and bookkeeper until her late twenties.

Took part in the 2002 London Marathon.

Nominated for the 1984 Laurence Olivier Award for her work in "Benefactors" (Actress of the Year in a New Play).

Wears a size 3 shoe.

Daughter of William (1894-1985) and Louisa (née Supple) Bottle (1904-1992). Engaged for 20 years, they did not marry until 1944.

She was awarded the 1981 London Critics' Circle Theatre Award (Drama Theatre Awards) for Best Supporting Actress of 1980 for her performance in Steaming.

Appearing opposite Edie Falco in Marsha Norman 's play, "Night Mother" in New York City, NY. (November 2004)

She started at Port Talot Youth Theatre then at 18 joined RADA then went on to join the National where she met partner to be Michael Mayhew who was the art director.

Filming Pride & Prejudice (2005). (September 2004)

Brenda is the Honorary President of Thanet Male Voice Choir.

Maternal granddaughter of Edward (1876-1923) and Louisa (née Baker) Supple (1881-1944).

Presented the award for Best Group to Lau at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. (4th February 2008).

Honor Oak, London, England (May 2009)