Joanna Lumley Net Worth in 2026
Introduction
Dame Joanna Lumley is a British actress, presenter, author, producer, and activist who became a cultural icon through decades of television, film, and public service. She is best known for playing Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, a role that shaped British comedy. Over a career that began in the late 1960s, she blended mainstream entertainment with acclaimed documentaries and long-standing human-rights campaigning. Today, Joanna Lumley net worth reflects a rare mix of longevity, relevance, and public trust built across generations.
Who Is Joanna Lumley?

Joanna Lamond Lumley is a celebrated British public figure whose work spans acting, presenting, writing, and activism. Audiences recognize her from classic series like The New Avengers and Sapphire & Steel, as well as modern travel documentaries. Her contribution to culture earned her an OBE in 1995 and a Damehood in 2022, cementing her national status.
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Joanna Lamond Lumley |
| Profession | Actress, Presenter, Author, Activist |
| Honours | OBE (1995), Dame (DBE, 2022) |
| Famous Roles | Patsy Stone, Purdey |
How Did Joanna Lumley Go Viral?
Joanna Lumley’s fame grew through eras rather than one viral clip. Her portrayal of Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous became endlessly quoted and shared, keeping her culturally visible long after the original run. She later captured public attention through documentaries and interviews, while her leadership in the Gurkha Justice Campaign sparked national debate. These moments refreshed interest and steadily boosted searches around Joanna Lumley net worth.
| Era | Reason for Visibility |
| 1970s | Action fame in The New Avengers |
| 1990s | Global cult status from Absolutely Fabulous |
| 2000s–2020s | Documentaries and activism |
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What Is Joanna Lumley Doing Now?
In recent years, Joanna Lumley has remained publicly active through selective screen appearances and media interviews. She continues to support legacy projects tied to Absolutely Fabulous, including retrospectives that revisit the show’s impact. She also promotes her book My Book of Treasures, released in updated editions. This steady activity keeps Joanna Lumley net worth relevant in modern searches.
| Recent Activity | Description |
| Screen Work | Guest roles and appearances |
| Publishing | My Book of Treasures |
| Media | Interviews and documentaries |
Where Does Joanna Lumley Live Now?

Joanna Lumley lives a largely private life while maintaining ties to both city and countryside. She and her husband reside in central London, allowing easy access to studios and cultural events. The couple also owns a home near Penpont in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, which offers privacy and retreat. This balanced lifestyle suits her current pace while sustaining interest in Joanna Lumley net worth.
| Location | Purpose |
| Central London | Primary residence |
| Dumfriesshire, Scotland | Secondary home |
Net Worth
Joanna Lumley net worth is not officially disclosed, but respected entertainment finance sites provide reliable estimates. Celebrity finance databases often cite figures near $25 million, while UK lifestyle publications suggest values around £13 million. The difference reflects currency conversion, asset valuation, and long-term royalties. A realistic media range places Joanna Lumley net worth firmly in the eight-figure bracket.
| Source | Estimated Value |
| Celebrity Finance Sites | ~$25 million |
| UK Lifestyle Media | ~£13 million |
| Practical Range | £13M–$25M |
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Key Earning Streams
The foundation of Joanna Lumley net worth lies in multiple income streams developed over decades. Acting in television and film remains her strongest pillar, especially from long-running series and repeats. Documentary presenting formed a second major stream, followed by publishing and voice work. This diversified structure protected her earnings across changing media trends.
| Income Stream | Contribution |
| Acting | TV, film, theatre roles |
| Presenting | Travel and factual series |
| Publishing | Books and audiobooks |
| Voice Work | Narration and animation |
Comparison With Peers
When comparing Joanna Lumley net worth with peers from British comedy and television, she often ranks higher. Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French each hold strong careers, yet Lumley’s additional documentary work and activism expand her earning reach. Julia Sawalha, while successful, represents a younger cohort with a smaller financial footprint. Longevity and versatility clearly favor Lumley.
| Name | Estimated Net Worth |
| Joanna Lumley | ~$25M |
| Jennifer Saunders | ~$16M |
| Dawn French | ~$16M |
| Julia Sawalha | ~$10M |
Career Highlights
Joanna Lumley’s career includes several defining milestones that shaped public perception and earnings. Playing Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous stands as her most iconic achievement. She also received a BAFTA Fellowship in 2017 and earned widespread respect for leading the Gurkha Justice Campaign. These highlights directly support Joanna Lumley net worth growth.
| Year | Achievement |
| 1992 | Breakthrough in Absolutely Fabulous |
| 2017 | BAFTA Fellowship |
| 2022 | Damehood (DBE) |
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Social Media Presence
Joanna Lumley maintains a limited digital footprint, which suits her traditional public image. An X account exists under @JoannaLumleyUK, but it states that posts are managed and not written personally. Instagram and Facebook host fan or public pages, while YouTube features interviews rather than an official channel. This controlled presence still supports visibility for Joanna Lumley net worth searches.
| Platform | Status |
| X (Twitter) | Managed updates account |
| Fan-run accounts | |
| Public figure pages | |
| YouTube | Interview content |
| TikTok | No confirmed official profile |
Biography
Born in Srinagar when it was part of British India, Joanna Lumley grew up with international exposure before settling in the UK. She began her career as a model, then transitioned into acting without formal drama school training. Early television roles led to steady success, and her later comedic performances made her a household name. This journey underpins Joanna Lumley net worth.
| Birthplace | Srinagar, British India |
| Career Start | Modelling, late 1960s |
| Breakthrough | British television |
Age
Joanna Lumley was born on 1 May 1946. As of 2026, she is 80 years old and remains professionally active. Her age often impresses fans, as she continues to work selectively while maintaining public influence.
| Birth Date | Age |
| 1 May 1946 | 80 (2026) |
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Height
Joanna Lumley stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches, or 1.73 meters. Her tall frame contributed to early modelling success and later screen presence.
| Measurement | Value |
| Height | 5′8″ (1.73 m) |
Family
Family has played a central role in Joanna Lumley’s private life. She has one son, born in 1967, and values privacy around family matters. Her background and relationships influenced her grounded public persona.
| Family Member | Detail |
| Children | One son |
| Parents | British military family |
Relationship
Joanna Lumley married conductor Stephen Barlow in 1986, and the couple remains together. She previously married actor Jeremy Lloyd briefly in the early 1970s. Her long marriage reflects stability behind her public career.
| Partner | Status |
| Stephen Barlow | Married since 1986 |
| Jeremy Lloyd | Former spouse |
Education
Joanna Lumley attended the Lucie Clayton Finishing School in London. She was famously turned down by RADA, yet this setback did not hinder her success. Her career proves that alternative paths can still lead to exceptional results.
| Institution | Outcome |
| Lucie Clayton School | Completed |
| RADA | Rejected |
FAQs
Is Joanna Lumley still acting?
Yes, she continues to appear in selected projects and documentaries.
How did Joanna Lumley become famous?
She rose to fame through Absolutely Fabulous and earlier TV roles.
What book did Joanna Lumley recently publish?
She released My Book of Treasures in updated editions.
Does Joanna Lumley use social media?
Her accounts are mostly managed or fan-run, not personal.
What is Joanna Lumley net worth?
Estimates place Joanna Lumley net worth between £13 million and $25 million.
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Conclusion
Joanna Lumley’s career reflects endurance, adaptability, and cultural impact. From iconic comedy roles to respected documentaries and activism, she built a reputation that transcends trends. Although exact figures remain private, Joanna Lumley net worth consistently ranks among the highest in British television. Her legacy proves that talent, purpose, and longevity can create both influence and financial success.

Doris Wesley is a versatile writer covering multiple topics. She delivers in-depth insights, trends, and expert analysis, keeping readers informed and engaged across a range of subjects.
