Table of Contents
Introduction
Few names carry as much weight when exploring the realm of classic and contemporary British drama as Dame Eileen Atkins. Born on June 15, 1934, in Clapton, London, the award-winning actress is 90 years old as of 2025.
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (1.69 m), Eileen Atkins has built a commanding presence both on stage and screen. With an estimated net worth of $20 million, her career is as financially successful as it is artistically influential. Throughout her decades-long journey in the arts, “Eileen Atkins Movies and TV Shows” have earned critical acclaim and audience admiration.
From her roles in films like “Cold Mountain,” “What a Girl Wants,” and “Paddington 2” to standout TV performances in “Cranford,” “Doc Martin,” and “The Crown,” Atkins has proven her versatility and staying power. This article dives deep into her celebrated career, academic roots, personal life, and enduring legacy in British entertainment.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Eileen June Atkins |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1934 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 90 years old |
| Birthplace | Clapton, London, England |
| Height | 5′ 7″ (1.69 m) |
| Nationality | British |
| Academic Background | Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
| Career Start | 1953 (Theatre debut in Love’s Labour’s Lost) |
| Notable TV Shows | Upstairs, Downstairs, The House of Eliott, Cranford, Doc Martin, The Crown |
| Notable Films | Cold Mountain, What a Girl Wants, Robin Hood, Paddington 2 |
| Spouses | Julian Glover (1957–1966), Bill Shepherd (1978–2016) |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20 million |
| Honors | CBE (1990), DBE (2001) |
| Legacy | Co-creator of a landmark TV series, award-winning actress, and cultural icon |
Early Life and Academic Background
Born on June 15, 1934, in Clapton, London, Eileen June Atkins grew up in a working-class family. She is 90 Years Old as of 2025. Her father, Arthur Thomas Atkins, was a gas meter reader, and her mother, Annie Ellen Atkins, worked as a seamstress and barmaid. Despite humble beginnings, Atkins displayed a passion for the performing arts from a young age.
She honed her craft at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, one of the UK’s most prestigious performing arts institutions. This formal training laid the foundation for her illustrious career in acting and screenwriting.
Career Journey: From Stage to Screen
Theatre
Atkins began her professional acting career in 1953, performing in Robert Atkins’s staging of Love’s Labour’s Lost. She became a prominent figure in the Royal Shakespeare Company, showcasing her versatility in various classical and contemporary roles. Her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in the one-woman show A Room of One’s Own and the play Vita and Virginia received critical acclaim.
Film and Television
Atkins seamlessly transitioned to film and television, amassing an impressive list of credits. She co-created the acclaimed television series Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975) and The House of Eliott (1991–1993), both of which explored the intricacies of British society.
Her filmography includes notable roles in:
- Cold Mountain (2003) as Maddy
- What a Girl Wants (2003) as Jocelyn Dashwood
- Robin Hood (2010) as Eleanor of Aquitaine
- Paddington 2 (2017) as Madame Kozlova
In television, she delivered memorable performances in:
- Cranford (2007) as Miss Deborah Jenkyns
- Doc Martin (2011–2022) as Ruth Ellingham
- The Crown (2016) as Queen Mary
Eileen Atkins Movies and TV Shows
Selected Films
- Cold Mountain (2003): Portrayed Maddy, a kind-hearted woman who aids the protagonist.
- What a Girl Wants (2003): Played Jocelyn Dashwood, a member of British high society.
- Robin Hood (2010): Took on the role of Eleanor of Aquitaine, showcasing her ability to embody historical figures.
- Paddington 2 (2017): Featured as Madame Kozlova, adding charm to this family favorite.
Selected Television Shows
- Cranford (2007): As Miss Deborah Jenkyns, she depicted the complexities of small-town life in 19th-century England.
- Doc Martin (2011–2022): Played Ruth Ellingham, a retired psychiatrist and the titular character’s aunt, providing wisdom and wit.
- The Crown (2016): Portrayed Queen Mary, bringing depth to the royal matriarch.
Physical Profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Eileen June Atkins |
| Date of Birth | June 16, 1934 |
| Birthplace | Clapton, London, England |
| Height | 5′ 7″ (1.69 m) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
Family and Personal Life
Eileen Atkins has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Julian Glover from 1957 to 1966. She married Bill Shepherd in 1978, remaining together until his passing in 2016. Atkins has no children, a personal choice she has discussed openly, attributing it to a lack of maternal instinct and a complex relationship with her mother.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Eileen Atkins’s estimated net worth is around $20 million. This wealth stems from her extensive work in theatre, film, and television and her contributions as a screenwriter. Her financial success reflects her enduring presence and influence in the entertainment industry.
Income Sources
Her wealth comes from various sources, including:
- Film and Television Roles: Major projects have provided substantial earnings.
- Stage Performances: Her acclaimed work in theater has contributed to her financial success.
- Awards and Honors: Winning prestigious awards often comes with financial rewards and increased visibility.
Legacy and Honors
Atkins’s contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous accolades. In 1990, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and elevated to Dame Commander (DBE) in 2001 for her services to drama.
Her legacy is further cemented by her co-creation of groundbreaking television series and powerful performances that inspire audiences and actors alike.
Conclusion
Eileen Atkins’s remarkable career, marked by versatility and depth, has left an indelible mark on the performing arts. From her early days on stage to her impactful roles in film and television, she embodies the essence of a dedicated and transformative artist.
Her story inspires, illustrating the heights that can be achieved through talent, perseverance, and passion. Eileen Atkins’ remarkable career spans over six decades and is marked by significant contributions to film and television.
From her early days in theater to her recent roles in acclaimed series like The Crown, she has demonstrated an unparalleled talent that continues to resonate with audiences. Her journey reflects her dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about “Rob Bresnahan’s Net Worth” then visit our “Entertainment” category.
FAQs
Yes, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1990 and was elevated to Dame Commander (DBE) in 2001 for her services to drama.
She has been married twice, first to Julian Glover and later to Bill Shepherd. She has no children.
Some of her notable films include Cold Mountain (2003), What a Girl Wants (2003), Robin Hood (2010), and Paddington 2 (2017).
She is well-known for her roles in Upstairs, Downstairs, The House of Eliott, Cranford, Doc Martin, and The Crown.
