If you have been wondering how old is Dawn French is, she was born on 11 October 1957 in Holyhead, Wales. As of 29 September 2026, she is 68 years old and will turn 69 on 11 October 2026.
Dawn French is a British actress, comedian and writer whose career has stretched across television, film, theatre and books. She is particularly recognised for her long-running partnership with Jennifer Saunders and for playing Reverend Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley.
How Old Is Dawn French in 2026?
Dawn French is 68 years old in 2026.
She was born on 11 October 1957, so her 69th birthday will take place on 11 October 2026. Several biographical sources, including IMDb and TV Insider, give the same birth date.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dawn Roma French |
| Date of birth | 11 October 1957 |
| Age in September 2026 | 68 |
| Birthplace | Holyhead, Wales |
| Profession | Actress, comedian and writer |
| Best known for | French and Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley |
When Is Dawn French’s Birthday?
Dawn French’s birthday is 11 October. She was born in 1957 in Holyhead, Wales.
Because her birthday falls in October, she remains 68 for the first part of autumn 2026 and turns 69 on 11 October.
Dawn French’s Early Life and Education
French developed an interest in performance before becoming one of Britain’s best-known comedy performers.
She studied at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she met Jennifer Saunders. The two eventually became close friends and creative partners. Their work together would become one of the defining comedy partnerships of British television.
French and Saunders began working in the alternative comedy scene in the early 1980s. Their involvement with The Comic Strip Presents… helped bring their style of comedy to a wider television audience.
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders
One of the biggest chapters of French’s career has been her collaboration with Jennifer Saunders.
The pair created and starred in French and Saunders, a sketch comedy series known for its parodies of films, television, music and popular culture. Their partnership continued across several decades and became a major part of British comedy history.
In 2009, French and Saunders received the BAFTA Fellowship, recognising their contribution to television. BAFTA describes the fellowship as its highest accolade.
What Is Dawn French Best Known For?
Although French has worked in many areas of entertainment, several projects are especially associated with her.
The Vicar of Dibley
French is perhaps most widely recognised for playing Geraldine Granger, the unconventional vicar at the centre of The Vicar of Dibley.
The BBC comedy became one of her signature roles and remains an important part of her television career. BAFTA also highlights the programme among French’s best-known work.
French and Saunders
Her partnership with Jennifer Saunders produced the hugely successful French and Saunders sketch series.
The show gave the pair a platform for character comedy and elaborate parodies, helping establish both performers as major names in British television.
Film and Voice Acting
French has also worked extensively in film and voice acting. Her credits include Mrs Beaver in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as a role in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Is Dawn French Still Working?
Yes. French has continued to work across television, writing, voice acting and other entertainment projects.
Her official website describes her as a writer and performer and highlights her continuing work in television, radio, books and audiobooks.
Her career is therefore not simply a story of past television successes. She has continued to develop projects across different forms of entertainment throughout her later career.
Dawn French’s Career in Perspective
French began her professional career in the early 1980s and has remained active for decades. Her work spans sketch comedy, sitcoms, films, theatre, writing and narration.
That range helps explain why searches about her age often appear alongside questions about her career. For many viewers, she is associated with several different periods of British comedy rather than one particular programme.
Her most recognisable roles include Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley and the many characters she portrayed alongside Jennifer Saunders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dawn French?
Dawn French is 68 years old as of 29 September 2026. She was born on 11 October 1957.
When is Dawn French’s birthday?
Dawn French’s birthday is 11 October. She was born in 1957.
Where was Dawn French born?
She was born in Holyhead, Wales, in the United Kingdom.
What is Dawn French famous for?
She is best known for French and Saunders with Jennifer Saunders and for playing Reverend Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley.
Who is Dawn French’s comedy partner?
Jennifer Saunders is French’s long-time comedy partner. They met while studying at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and went on to create French and Saunders.
Has Dawn French appeared in films?
Yes. Her film work includes The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Has Dawn French won a BAFTA?
Yes. Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders received the BAFTA Fellowship in 2009 for their contribution to television.
Final Thoughts
So, how old is Dawn French? As of September 2026, she is 68 years old, with her 69th birthday coming on 11 October 2026.
From French and Saunders to The Vicar of Dibley and her work in film, theatre and writing, French has built a career lasting more than four decades. Her continued presence in entertainment has made her one of the most recognisable figures in British comedy.
