Brenda Blethyn Expresses Pride in Female-Led Roles on Television
The "Vera" star reflects on the evolution of television dramas and the increased visibility of women in previously male-dominated roles.
Brenda Blethyn, 80, the star of the ITV crime drama "Vera," has expressed pride in the growing number of strong female characters on television, noting that roles previously reserved for men are now being filled by actresses.
Blethyn, who portrayed Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope for 14 years before concluding her role at the end of 2024, cited Vicky McClure's performance in "Trigger Point" as an example. "Ten years ago that role would certainly have gone to a man, no question," Blethyn told The Mail on Sunday. "She is terrific."
Blethyn, who received Oscar nominations for her roles in "Secrets & Lies" (1997) and "Little Voice" (1999), believes that the character of Vera Stanhope herself might have been male 20 years ago. She suggested that television programming should reflect its audience, noting that middle-aged and older women are a significant demographic.
"What I've noticed over the years is there's less focus on glamour," Blethyn said. "That's why I loved Vera. She wasn't reliant on lipstick or a love interest."
The actress is known for her portrayal of DCI Stanhope, who solved crimes across Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumberland. Her dedication to the role required her to spend six months of the year away from her home in Ramsgate, Kent.
Blethyn has also taken on other significant roles, including Elsie, a neglected pensioner, in the 2025 film "Dragonfly," and the older Emma Harte in the television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's novel, "A Woman of Substance." She is slated to begin filming a second series of the latter.
In addition to her acting work, Blethyn is an ambassador for Shooting Star Children's Hospices and will appear on their new podcast, "Shooting Star Unwrapped."
