Dame Eileen June Atkins is an acclaimed British actress whose career spans theatre, film, and television. Recognized for her remarkable versatility, she began her career on the stage, collaborating with prestigious companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and winning three Laurence Olivier Awards for her performances. In addition to her acting work, she is known as the co-creator, along with Jean Marsh, of the celebrated television series *Upstairs, Downstairs* and *The House of Eliott*. On the big screen, she has appeared in films such as *Gosford Park*, *The Hours*, and *Cold Mountain*. For her role in the television miniseries *Cranford*, she won a BAFTA and an Emmy Award, while her portrayal of Queen Mary in *The Crown* brought her further international recognition. In 2001, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama.