Patricia Greene facts for kids

Patricia Honor Greene (born in 1931) is an English actress. She is famous for playing the voice of 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, television, and the internet. Patricia Greene also acted in a few TV shows and movies.

Early Life and Education

Patricia Greene was born in Allenton, Derby, England, in early 1931. She was the second daughter of Edward and Agnes Greene. Her father sold pianos, and her mother was a housewife. Her family later moved to the New Zealand area of Derby. She went to Ashgate Infants School there. Later, she attended St Paul's Junior School and the Parkfields Cedars Grammar School.

Patricia Greene first worked at the Derbyshire Children's Hospital. She also worked in a factory that made metal sheets. She decided to become an actress after seeing her father cry at a play. She wanted to make people feel strong emotions too. In 1951, she went to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.

Acting Career

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 had already auditioned. She thought she would not get the part. However, she was chosen for the role. She has played Jill Archer ever since.

Her first six weeks on The Archers were challenging. She was new to acting. On her second day, she accidentally threw water on Norman Painting. He played Phil Archer. This almost caused an electric shock. The show's creator, Godfrey Baseley, was impressed. He decided to keep her on the show.

Other Roles in TV and Film

In 1957, she had a small part in the TV movie A Man For All Seasons. In 1961, she played Anne in the British film The Kitchen. She also played Mary in the TV series It's a Woman's World in 1964.

Between 1965 and 1969, Patricia Greene had several roles. She appeared in the British soap opera Crossroads. These are some of her most well-known on-screen parts.

In 1990, she voiced her character Jill Archer for an episode of One Foot in the Grave. In March 2000, she was in the first episode of the BBC medical soap opera Doctors. She played Margaret Richmond. She returned to this role a month later. Also in 2000, she appeared in an episode of the BBC medical drama Casualty.

Personal Life

Patricia Greene married English actor George Selway in 1959. They later divorced. In 1972, she married Cyril Austen Richardson. They had a son that same year. She became a widow in 1986. Patricia Greene thought about leaving The Archers when her son was young. But she felt loyal to the show and stayed.

In 2025, at 93 years old, Patricia Greene moved to an assisted living facility. She continues to record her lines for The Archers from there.

Awards and Recognition

Patricia Greene received the MBE in 1997. This is a special award from the British government. In 2017, the University of Derby gave her an honorary Master of Arts degree.

Filmography