Brenda Blethyn (born 1946) is an acclaimed British actress, known for her versatility and ability to portray deeply human characters. Her film career gained momentum with her iconic role as Cynthia Rose Purley in Mike Leigh's *Secrets & Lies* (1996), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

She continued to showcase her talent in *Little Voice* (1998), earning another nomination, the comedy *Saving Grace* (2000), and as the memorable Mrs. Bennet in *Pride & Prejudice* (2005). Blethyn excels at portraying ordinary women grappling with extraordinary circumstances, with an innate ability to balance vulnerability and strength, making her performances authentic and moving in both drama and comedy.