LM - Underrated British Actresses

OK, part 2 of this set of lists. Might move on to other countries, but we'll see!

Anyway, so if you didn't read last weeks blog, these are the actresses that are never remembered or don't get the credit that they deserve. So diving right in with no. 7!

7.Rebecca Hall

This girl has one impressive list of film credits, including the Prestige, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and most recently the Town. But would you remember her name? I doubt it. She is one of those actors that her face you will recognise, but say her name and you will blank stares all around.

6.Olivia Colman

A skilled actress being able to be comic and yet also able to give some seriously chilling performances. Probably most famous for her roles on both Peep Show and Green Wing, Olivia Colman turns up everywhere from films Hot Fuzz and Confetti, and tv shows like Black Books, the Office and Beautiful People. But one of her stand out performances would have to be her cameo in Doctor Who, where she is so minimal and eerie. Definitely one of her bests.

5. Eleanor Bron

 Wow. What a legend, and what a career! From appearing in films like Help! and Bedazzled with co-stars like the Beatles and Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, (her name even inspired Paul McCartney) she hasn't kept the attention that she deserves. An amazing actress with the ability to switch effortlessly between drama and comedy who needs to come back to the limelight! 

4. Kelly Macdonald

Another actress whose name manages to escape people. And I cannot think why. Probably her most well known film would have to be Trainspotting, and from there she ahs moved on to bigger and better things. Sort of like Rebecca Hall in the unfortunate way she isn't remembered, she gets higher billing mainly for the fact that she can do anything you throw at her. Want proof? Check out her performances in No Counrty For Old Men and State of Play. Two of her finest.

3. Victoria Wood

Possibly my favourite comedian of all time, and also a very talented actress in her own right. Victoria Wood is probably more well known in Britain that she is here and most famous for her comedy series with the also very talented Julie Walters, her serious side came out suddenly in Housewife 49, with amazing results.

2. Liz Smith

 At age 89, this fabulous actress is still going. Most well known for her wonderfully batty role on the Vicar of Dibley, Liz Smith got her first big break at age 50 in Mike Leigh's Bleak Moments, and since has just kept on doing what she loves best. Turning up in such films as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Keeping Mum and the City of Ember, and almost stealing the show every time.

1. Joan Sims

I know it's weird to finish the list with someone who is most well known for her roles in the Carry On films, and not much else. In her time, Joan Sims was one of the best comic actors of her day, guest starring in many famous British TV shows. But this is a bitter sweet tale. Sims stated in her biography that she was always getting typecast, and suffered from depression. She died in 2001 from liver failure, but left an amazing collection of characters and should be one that is remembered.

So that's it for this week, and I will be the first to say how hard it was. Next time I think I will try and move on to some other medium... maybe music....