How formidable sitcom star Penelope Keith won the nation's hearts

Dame Penelope Keith was one of Britain's best-loved comedy actresses thanks to her inimitable portrayal of Margo Leadbetter in 1970s sitcom The Good Life, among other roles. As Margo, the formidable social-climbing snob with a cut-glass voice but a soft interior, Keith ensured her place in the nation's hearts. And her transition to her next comedy hit To the Manor Born, playing true-blue aristocrat Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, felt seamless. Keith starred in several other sitcoms before later fronting shows about her passion for the British countryside. Over a career that began in the late 1950s, Keith also remained devoted to her theatre roots, performing up and down the UK. For her contribution to entertainment and charity, Keith was rewarded with TV Baftas, an Olivier, an OBE, a CBE and ultimately a damehood in 2014 - not forgetting the rose named in her honour. In an interview with the Daily Mail, she summed up her love of making people smile. "Humour is power and a force for good because if you can laugh, particularly at yourself, you are some way to being able to make sense of things," she said. While Keith's voice contributed to her success, it also gave a false impression of he

Jun 29, 2026 → Jun 29, 2026