Inside Call the Midwife star Judy Parfitt's life from heartbreaking death to forgotten role

Best known for her role as Sister Monica Joan in the hit BBC series Call the Midwife, Judy Parfitt has had an illustrious career spanning several decades.

The 89-year-old actress, who has been a regular on Call the Midwife since 2012, has an impressive portfolio that includes stage, film, and TV roles. Her journey began in 1953 when she graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, sharing the stage with legendary actors like Laurence Olivier.

Over the years, she has received numerous BAFTA nominations for her outstanding performances in popular dramas such as The Jewel in the Crown and Pride and Prejudice.

Despite not winning the top prize for her supporting role in 2003's Girl with a Pearl Earring, Judy continued to enthrall audiences with her performances in beloved shows like Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, Jonathan Creek, and Vera.

In a touching tribute to her late husband, Judy shared memories of her marriage with actor Tony Steedman, famed for his roles in Coronation Street and Citizen Smith.

Speaking to the Express, she reminisced about their beginnings, she said: "Tony had the leading role and he was always trying to make me laugh as I was a terrible giggler. The first time I saw him he was wearing this absolutely hideous bright red jumper, so he definitely made an impression.

"He had people in stitches wherever we went and he was always playing the fool. Whereas I tended to worry, Tony didn't and he never took himself or anything too seriously."

The couple, who married in 1963, welcomed their son David in 1964. Tragically, Tony passed away in 2001, leaving Judy on her own since then, reports the Mirror.

During a 2014 interview with Mail Online, Judy reflected on their