Patricia Greene facts for kids

Patricia Honor Greene (born in 1931) is an English actress. She is famous for playing Jill Archer in the radio show The Archers. She has been in this role since 1957. This makes her the world's longest-serving actor in a soap opera. She has been on radio, TV, and the internet. Patricia Greene has also acted in some TV shows and movies.

Patricia Greene's Early Life and Acting Journey

Patricia Greene was born in Allenton, Derby, England, in early 1931. She was the second daughter of Edward Greene and Agnes Johnson. Her father sold pianos, and her mother was a housewife. Her grandfather, Edward Fitzgerald Greene, worked as a butler in Derby.

Her family later moved to the New Zealand area of Derby. Patricia went to Ashgate Infants School there. Later, she moved to Kirk Street in Chester Green. She then attended St Paul's Junior School and the Parkfields Cedars Grammar School.

Patricia Greene first worked at the Derbyshire Children's Hospital. She was also employed in a metal factory. One day, she saw her father crying during a play. This moment made her want to become an actress. She wanted to make people feel strong emotions.

In 1951, she went to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. During a class, a teacher told her she might not be good for TV. They said her voice sounded like a "fairy in hockey boots."

Joining The Archers Radio Show

In 1957, Patricia Greene tried out for the role of Jill Archer. This was for the BBC Radio 4 soap opera The Archers. Six experienced radio actresses auditioned before her. She thought she would not get the part. However, she was chosen for the role. She has played Jill Archer ever since. The first six weeks on The Archers were hard for her. This was because she was new to acting.

Family Life and Other Roles

Patricia Greene married English actor George Selway in 1959. They later divorced. In 1972, she married Cyril Austen Richardson. They had a son together that same year. She became a widow in 1986.

When her son was a toddler, Patricia thought about leaving The Archers. But she felt very loyal to the show and decided to stay. In March 2000, she appeared in the first episode of the BBC medical soap opera Doctors. She played a character named Margaret Richmond. She played this role again a month later. Also in 2000, she appeared in an episode of the BBC medical drama Casualty.

Awards and Recognition

Patricia Greene has received special honors for her work. In 1997, she was given the MBE. This is a special award from the British government. In 2017, the University of Derby gave her an honorary Master of Arts degree. This means they recognized her achievements in the arts.

What Patricia Greene Has Acted In