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Writer's pictureKaren Hunter

English reading practice - Birth of Soap Opera Icon (B1/B2 intermediate level English)

Wendy Richard MBE was a famous actress who was loved by audiences for many years. She had a successful career in movies, plays, and TV shows, making her a well-known figure in British entertainment.


She was born on this day 20th July 1943, in Middlesbrough, England. Even as a child, she loved performing. She went to a special school to learn acting and worked hard to become a great actress. She started by acting in plays and small movies, where her talent stood out.


One of her most famous roles was as Miss Shirley Brahms in the popular British sitcom called "Are You Being Served?" The show aired from 1972 to 1985 and made her very famous. People loved her funny character, and she became a symbol of the show's success.


Wendy Richard played many memorable roles throughout her career. After "Are You Being Served?," she joined a soap opera called "EastEnders" and played the strong character Pauline Fowler for over 2000 episodes. People praised her acting and loved her character. She received her MBE in 2000 and later in 2007 received a lifetime achievement award. She showed that she could bring depth and authenticity to her roles.


Besides these soap operas, Wendy Richard also appeared in other popular TV shows like "Doctor Who" and "Crossroads." She was versatile and could act in both funny and serious roles. This made her one of the best actresses in Britain.


By Steve Bowbrick - https://www.flickr.com/photos/bowbrick/3518525481/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87685442


Wendy Richard was not just a talented actress; she also cared about helping others. She supported charities that focused on cancer research and animal welfare. She showed kindness and generosity, which made people admire her even more.


Wendy Richard's contributions to the entertainment industry will always be remembered. She made people happy with her performances and inspired many aspiring actors and actresses. Her impact on British television was huge, and even after her death in 2009, people still celebrate her work. Wendy Richard's legacy will always be bright, and she will be remembered as one of the greatest British performers.


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