Sue Johnston: A Legend in the Making

Introduction

Sue Johnston is an English actress who has enjoyed a long and successful career in television, film, and theatre. She is best known for her roles as Sheila Grant in the sitcom Brookside, Barbara Royle in the sitcom The Royle Family, and as Grace Foley in the soap opera Coronation Street.

Early Life and Career

Johnston was born in Warrington, Lancashire, England, on December 7, 1943. She began her acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in small roles in television dramas such as Z Cars and The Bill. Her breakthrough role came in 1982 when she was cast as Sheila Grant in the soap opera Brookside.

Brookside

Brookside was a groundbreaking soap opera that was known for its gritty realism and its willingness to tackle controversial issues. Johnston's character, Sheila Grant, was a single mother who struggled to raise her children while dealing with the challenges of poverty and unemployment. Johnston's performance in the role was critically acclaimed, and she won two British Academy Television Awards for her work.

The Royle Family

In 1998, Johnston was cast as Barbara Royle in the sitcom The Royle Family. The show was a critical and commercial success, and it ran for ten seasons. Johnston's character, Barbara, was a long-suffering wife and mother who was constantly being put upon by her family. Johnston's performance in the role was once again critically acclaimed, and she won two more British Academy Television Awards for her work.

Coronation Street

In 2011, Johnston joined the cast of the soap opera Coronation Street as Grace Foley. The character is a feisty pensioner who is not afraid to speak her mind. Johnston's performance in the role has been praised by critics, and she has won two more British Academy Television Awards for her work.

Other Work

In addition to her work in television, Johnston has also appeared in a number of films, including Little Voice (1998), Calendar Girls (2003), and The Lady in the Van (2015). She has also appeared in a number of stage productions, including The Vagina Monologues and Driving Miss Daisy.

Awards and Recognition

Johnston has won numerous awards for her work, including five British Academy Television Awards, two National Television Awards, and two Royal Television Society Awards. She was also appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2015 for her services to drama.

Personal Life

Johnston was married to actor Melvyn Hayes from 1973 to 1981. She has two children, a son and a daughter.

Sue Johnston: A True National Treasure

Sue Johnston is one of the most beloved and respected actresses in the United Kingdom. Her work has brought joy to millions of viewers, and she has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She is a true national treasure.

Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Actors**

In addition to providing a detailed biography of Sue Johnston, this article also includes some helpful tips and tricks for aspiring actors. These tips are based on Johnston's own experiences in the industry, and they can help you to achieve your own acting goals.

Here are a few of Johnston's tips:

• Be prepared to work hard. Acting is not a glamorous profession, and it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. You need to be prepared to put in the hours to learn your craft and to develop your skills.
• Be persistent. Don't give up on your dreams if you don't get your first break right away. Just keep working hard and eventually you will achieve your goals.
• Be versatile. Don't limit yourself to one type of role. Be willing to play a variety of characters, and you will be more likely to find success in the industry.
• Be professional. Always be respectful of the people you work with, and always be prepared for your work. A good reputation will go a long way in the entertainment industry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid**

In addition to providing tips and tricks for aspiring actors, this article also includes some common mistakes to avoid. These mistakes can derail your acting career, so it is important to be aware of them.

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Don't be afraid to fail. Everyone fails at some point in their career. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and move on.
• Don't give up on your dreams. If you really want to be an actor, then don't give up on your dreams. Just keep working hard and eventually you will achieve your goals.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with your acting, don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, or mentor.
• Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is different, and everyone's journey is different. Don't compare yourself to others, just focus on your own progress.

FAQs**

In addition to providing tips and tricks for aspiring actors, this article also includes some frequently asked questions (FAQs). These FAQs can help you to learn more about Sue Johnston and her career.

Here are a few FAQs:

• What is Sue Johnston's most famous role?

Sue Johnston is best known for her roles as Sheila Grant in Brookside, Barbara Royle in The Royle Family, and Grace Foley in Coronation Street.

• How many awards has Sue Johnston won?

Sue Johnston has won numerous awards for her work, including five British Academy Television Awards, two National Television Awards, and two Royal Television Society Awards.

• Is Sue Johnston still acting?

Yes, Sue Johnston is still acting. She currently appears as Grace Foley in the soap opera Coronation Street.

• What is Sue Johnston's net worth?

Sue Johnston's net worth is estimated to be around £10 million.

• How old is Sue Johnston?

Sue Johnston is 74 years old.

Conclusion**

Sue Johnston is one of the most beloved and respected actresses in the United Kingdom. Her work has brought joy to millions of viewers, and she has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She is a true national treasure.

Tables**

Additional Resources**

• Sue Johnston's official website
• Sue Johnston's IMDb page
• Sue Johnston's Wikipedia page