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Last updated on the 29 August 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 16 May 1964, Stoke Newington, London, England.Â
Born into a creative household Rebecca Front was destined for a life of artistry. Her mother, Sheila, penned children’s tales, while her father, Charles, brought them to life through his illustrations. A touch of musicality graced their family as well, with Charles’s design of the title logo for The Beatles’ iconic album “Rubber Soul”. Raised in the Reform Jewish faith, Front’s upbringing fostered a deep sense of cultural heritage.
While pursuing her English degree at St Hugh’s College, Oxford University, Front discovered her comedic spark. Her talent caught the attention of The Oxford Revue, where she made history as the first female president of the esteemed comedic troupe. Further honing her skills at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, Rebecca embarked on a journey that would cement her reputation as a brilliant comedic actress and writer.
Rebecca Front’s breakout role came in the satirical radio show “On the Hour” (1992). This success led to further opportunities in Armando Iannucci’s groundbreaking sketch show “The Day Today” (1994).
Front’s career reached new heights with her portrayal of Nicola Murray, the sharp and determined Secretary of State, in Iannucci’s political satire “The Thick of It” (2005-2012). Her performance earned her critical acclaim and a BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance in 2010. Front’s ability to capture the complexities of political life, not balancing ambition with integrity amidst the chaos of government, resonated with audiences worldwide.
Beyond her comedic prowess, Front has demonstrated her versatility in a range of roles, from the eccentric socialite in “Time Gentlemen Please” (2000-2002) to the formidable matriarch in “Nighty Night” (2004-2005). Her filmography includes memorable performances in films like “England, My England” (1995), “Never Mind the Horrocks” (1996), and “The Aeronauts” (2019).
Rebecca Front’s personal life is marked by a strong commitment to social justice and environmental causes. She is a patron of the charity Hope Worldwide, which provides humanitarian aid to communities in need around the world. Additionally, she has been an outspoken advocate for sustainable living practices and has participated in campaigns to raise awareness of climate change.
WINNER|Television: Female Performance In A Comedy Programme for The Thick Of It (2010)
Suggested viewing |
Doctor Thorne (2016)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3
Based on Anthony Trollope’s “Doctor Thorne,” the love story between Frank Gresham, heir to a troubled estate, and Mary Thorne, an illegitimate woman raised by the local doctor, is complicated by societal expectations and financial constraints. As Frank faces pressure to marry a wealthy heiress to save his family’s fortunes, Doctor Thorne defends Mary’s integrity and their relationship, highlighting the hypocrisy and moral dilemmas of Victorian society.
Top cast: Tom Hollander, Stefanie Martini, Harry Richardson, Rebecca Front, Richard McCabe, Ian McShane, Alison Brie, Janine Duvitski.
War & Peace (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1
An adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel “War and Peace” weaves a tapestry of love, war and human existence against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. It follows the lives of several aristocratic families in Russia as they grapple with personal dilemmas, societal pressures and the tumultuous events of the war. Through a cast of captivating characters, Tolstoy explores themes of fate, freedom and the interconnectedness of individuals and history.
Top cast: Lily James, James Norton, Paul Dano, Gillian Anderson, Olivia Ross, Jessie Buckley, Aneurin Barnard, Rebecca Front, Greta Scacchi, Aisling Loftus, Brian Cox.
Up the Women (2013)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
In Jessica Hynes’s witty sitcom “Up the Women,” set in 1910, a group of women from the Banbury Intricate Craft Circle, inspired by the suffragette movement, embarks on a hilarious and empowering journey to fight for women’s suffrage. Despite facing numerous challenges and societal resistance, they unite their voices and determination to make a difference in a world that often dismisses their voices and aspirations.
Top cast: Jessica Hynes, Vicki Pepperdine, Judy Parfitt, Emma Pierson, Rebecca Front, Georgia Groome, Ryan Sampson, Adrian Scarborough.
The Day Today (1994)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.6
In Chris Morris’s scathing satire “The Day Today,” the inner workings of British television news are mercilessly skewered, exposing the absurdity and sensationalism that often permeates the industry. Through a blend of dark humour, exaggerated characters and surreal scenarios, the show paints a hilarious yet disturbing portrait of the media’s obsession with ratings, trivial news and self-importance.
Top cast: Chris Morris, Steve Coogan, Rebecca Front, Alistair McGowan, Steve Punt, David Quantick, Patrick Marber, Doon MacKichan.
The Thick of It (2009)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.7
In Armando Iannucci’s scathing political satire “The Thick of It,” the inner workings of British government are laid bare, exposing the farcical world of spin, media manipulation and political hubris. Led by the foul-mouthed, profanity-laden spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, the show follows the chaotic efforts of a team of civil servants tasked with managing inept ministers and navigating the treacherous waters of political life.
Top cast: Peter Capaldi, Chris Addison, Joanna Scanlan, James Smith, Roger Allam, Vincent Franklin, Rebecca Front (S3-4).
Time Gentlemen Please (2000)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
In Al Murray’s sitcom “Time Gentlemen Please,” a bigoted and small-minded pub landlord, known as the Guv’nor, rules his establishment with an iron fist, enforcing strict rules and maintaining an air of authority. His rigid worldview and intolerance towards others often lead to hilarious clashes with his eccentric clientele and the outside world, showcasing the absurdities of British culture and the complexities of human interaction.
Top cast: Al Murray, Phil Daniels, Rebecca Front, Julia Sawalha, Emma Pierson, Jason Freeman, Roy Heather, Andrew Mackay, Marc Bannerman, Richard Herring.
