Born in 1941 in Oxford, England, she is a celebrated British-Australian actress known for her distinctive voice and character roles across film, television, and stage. Educated at Cambridge, she began her career in radio and theatre before transitioning to film. Her notable works include roles in "The Age of Innocence," for which she won a BAFTA, and the "Harry Potter" series. Beyond acting, she is recognized for her candid personality and advocacy on social and political issues.