Dame Penelope Keith obituary: The Good Life's funny and formidable star

The text appears to be an excerpt from a biography or profile of the British actress Penelope Keith. It covers her early life, education, challenges in her acting career, notable roles, and personal life highlights. Here’s a summary:

**Early Life and Background:**
– Penelope Keith was born in Sutton, Surrey in 1940 and grew up in Clapham, South London, during World War II.
– Her mother, Connie, worked as a hotel child entertainment organiser and was often away, so Penelope spent a lot of time with her grandparents.
– Her father left when she was very young; although she took her stepfather’s surname, Keith did not discuss him.
– At age six, she attended a boarding school run by nuns, where she was encouraged to pursue performing arts and elocution.

**Education and Early Career:**
– Despite being tall (5’10”), which was considered an obstacle at drama school, she studied at the Webber-Douglas School of Acting after being rejected by RADA for her height.
– Her height often relegated her to supporting roles in repertory theatres and with the Royal Shakespeare Company, but this helped broaden her acting range across character parts.
– Gradually, she gained experience through radio plays and television shows including **The Avengers**.

**Breakthrough and Fame:**
– Penelope Keith landed her own TV series **Kate** (1970-72) playing a ruthless magazine editor.
– Her major breakthrough came in 1975 with the sitcom **The Good Life**, where she played Margo Leadbetter, initially a minor character whose role expanded due to her strong portrayal.
– Margo was a sharp, sometimes exasperating character described by Keith as having a “heart of gold” and voicing sentiments many people identified with.
– She won her first BAFTA award in 1977 and appeared on the **Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special** the same year.

**Personal Life:**
– In 1977, Keith met Rodney Timson, a policeman who later became her manager after they married in 1978.
– Despite being eight years younger and twice divorced, Timson and Keith’s marriage has been lasting and happy.
– They adopted twin boys ten years into their marriage.

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