Sarah Parish

Last updated on the 26 May 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born: June 7, 1968, Yeovil, Somerset, England.

Sarah Parish, from a young age, displayed a keen interest in performing, reportedly stepping onto the stage for the first time in a pantomime at just two years old. She continued to nurture her acting talents at Yeovil College and later at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London, laying the groundwork for a prolific career in British television and film.

Sarah Parish has built a diverse filmography, excelling in both dramatic and comedic roles. Early career highlights include her portrayal of Allie Henshall in the popular drama “Cutting It” and Dawn Rudge in “Peak Practice.” She gained wider recognition for roles such as Dr. Katie Roden in “Mistresses”, the commanding Pasiphaë in “Atlantis”, and the nuanced Detective Superintendent Elizabeth Bancroft in the series “Bancroft.”

Her film appearances include the romantic comedies “The Wedding Date” and “The Holiday”. More recently, she has been seen in series like “Industry” and “Stay Close.”

In her personal life, Sarah Parish married actor James Murray in December 2007. The couple faced a profound personal tragedy when their first daughter, Ella-Jayne, born in May 2008 with a congenital heart defect, passed away at eight months old in January 2009. In Ella-Jayne’s memory, Parish and Murray co-founded the Murray Parish Trust, a charity dedicated to enhancing children’s healthcare services. They later welcomed a second daughter, Nell, in November 2009. The family resides in Hampshire.

Suggested viewing

Piglets (2024)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 5.0

A diverse group of raw recruits arrives at a police training college, eager to embark on their law enforcement careers. Under the watchful eyes of their seasoned instructors, these fledgling “piglets” face humorous challenges, personal revelations and unexpected mishaps as they strive to transform into competent officers.

Top cast: Jamie Bisping, Sarah Parish, Mark Heap, Callie Cooke, Rebecca Humphries, Ricky Champ, Sam Pote, Ukweli Roach.

Similar to

Bancroft (2017)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9

A brilliant and highly respected detective superintendent finds her professional life complicated by a cold case. When a young, ambitious officer reopens a 27-year-old murder investigation, the senior officer’s dark past begins to unravel, revealing explosive secrets that threaten to expose her true nature and destroy her carefully constructed career.

Top cast: Sarah Parish, Ryan McKen, Charles Babalola, Adam Long, Lee Boardman, Steve Evets, Amara Karan, Adrian Edmondson.

Medici: Masters of Florence (2016)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.8

“Medici: Masters of Florence” follows the powerful Medici family as they traverse political intrigue and betrayal in 15th century Florence, striving to maintain their banking empire amidst shifting alliances and deadly rivalries. Through ambition and cunning, they shape the course of history, facing personal sacrifices and tragic consequences along the way.

Top cast: Richard Madden, Sarah Parish, Daniel Sharman, Synnøve Karlsen, Alessandra Mastronardi, Sebastian de Souza, Raoul Bova, Annabel Scholey, David Brandon, Bradley James.

Atlantis (2013)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.5

A fantasy story unfolding in a land of mythical beings and legendary champions. Jason, in search of answers and far from his homeland, arrives on the coast of an ancient realm. The city of Atlantis, a place brimming with bull leaping, snake-haired goddesses and towering palaces believed to have been constructed by giants, encompasses a mysterious and captivating world.

Top cast: Mark Addy, Jack Donnelly, Robert Emms, Aiysha Hart, Sarah Parish, Jemima Rooper, Juliet Stevenson, Amy Manson.

Broadchurch (2013)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3

“Broadchurch” follows detectives investigating a child’s murder in a small town, uncovering secrets, suspects and motives along the way. The emotional toll of the case brings out complexities in characters and the community, revealing hidden connections and deep-rooted issues. Twists and revelations lead to a gripping conclusion, impacting all involved.

Top cast: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan, Sarah Parish, Charlotte Beaumont, Arthur Darvill, Adam Wilson, Carolyn Pickles, Charlotte Rampling.

Mistresses (2008)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6

“Mistresses” is a drama series following the lives of four women dealing with love, betrayals and secrets. Set in a backdrop of relationships and challenges, the narrative explores the complexities of their interconnected lives as they wade through various emotional entanglements and unexpected twists, testing their bonds and loyalties.

Top cast: Sharon Small, Shelley Conn, Sarah Parish, Orla Brady, Adam Rayner, Patrick Baladi, Raza Jaffrey, Joanna Lumley.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)