Dame Joanna Lumley has certainly earned her place amongst English acting royalty. Netflix’s Fool Me Once star created a legend while portraying the iconic Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, after transforming into a Bond Girl, and capturing the hearts of audiences in her breakout The New Avengers role as Purdey.
However, before pursuing an incredible career on our screens, Joanna made a name for herself as a model. The star worked in the fashion industry in the years leading up to when she was cast in 1969 James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Joanna, now 77, initially fell short on breaking into acting, when she failed an exam to join the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at the age of 16. The disappointing setback prompted her to take a detour into modelling while still fighting to achieve her dream.
From the ages of 18 until she turned 21, Dame Joanna established herself as a successful model and now boasts an incredible collection of photoshoots from her past life.
As her new role in Fool Me Once opposite Michelle Keegan leaves viewers gripped, Express.co.uk has taken a look back at some of the star’s most head-turning pictures from her younger years, prior to her transformation into a serious actress.
Fool Me Once is available to stream now on Netflix.