There’s something about Jennifer Saunders that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret. For decades, she’s been the woman behind Patsy Stone’s outrageous hairstyles and the Fairy Godmother’s wicked laugh, but the quieter story lies in the relationships she’s kept close — from her marriage to Adrian Edmondson to her friendship with Dawn French.
Born: 6 July 1958 ·
Known for: Absolutely Fabulous, French and Saunders ·
Spouse: Adrian Edmondson (married 1985) ·
Children: 3 ·
Notable award: BAFTA for Best Comedy (1992)
Quick snapshot
- Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson are still married (Wikipedia (biographical entry)).
- French and Saunders split amicably (Wikipédia (French-language biography)).
- Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are friends (Mirror (celebrity news outlet)).
- Exact timeline of French and Saunders’ final performance.
- Details of Joanna Lumley’s hearing loss diagnosis.
- Number of grandchildren (reported as five but unconfirmed).
- Whether Saunders trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
- 1985: Married Adrian Edmondson (Wikipedia).
- 1992: Absolutely Fabulous premieres (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- 2017: French and Saunders officially end (Wikipédia).
- Jennifer Saunders continues occasional acting and writing.
- Adrian Edmondson’s health condition (leg pins and needles) reportedly resolved.
- Potential new projects from the French and Saunders duo remain unconfirmed.
Six key facts about Jennifer Saunders, drawn from verified sources:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jennifer Jane Saunders |
| Birth Date | 6 July 1958 |
| Occupation | Comedian, actress, singer, screenwriter |
| Spouse | Adrian Edmondson (m. 1985) |
| Children | 3 |
| Notable Works | Absolutely Fabulous, French and Saunders, Shrek 2, Harry Potter |
Key relationships compared:
| Relationship | Person | Status | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | Adrian Edmondson | Still married | Since 1985 (40 years) | Three daughters; stable private life |
| Comedy partnership | Dawn French | Professional split amicably; personal friendship intact | 1987–2017 | Remain best friends; no falling out |
| On-screen/friendship | Joanna Lumley | Close friends in real life | Since 1992 | Bond lasted beyond Absolutely Fabulous |
Are Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson still together?
The short answer is yes. Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson have been married since 11 May 1985, making it one of the longest-running marriages in British comedy. They met in the early 1980s as members of The Comic Strip, a group that launched several careers. According to TCM (classic film database), Edmondson was a fellow Comic Strip member and later became Saunders’s husband. The couple have three daughters: Ella (born 1986), Beattie (born 1987), and Freya (born 1990), as listed in Wikipedia (biographical entry).
How long have Jennifer Saunders and Ade Edmondson been married?
As of 2025, they have been married for 40 years. The wedding took place in Cheshire, and the couple celebrated their 38th anniversary in 2023 according to the Mirror (UK celebrity news).
Do Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson live together?
Yes, they share a home in the UK. There is no public evidence of separation. The relationship is described as stable and private.
Their marriage is a rare constant in the entertainment world. While many celebrity couples separate, Saunders and Edmondson have built a family and a career together without public drama. For fans wondering about “Jennifer Saunders and Ade Edmondson marriage,” the answer is straightforward: still married, still together.
The implication: their long-term partnership is a foundation for both personal and professional stability.
Is Jennifer Saunders friends with Joanna Lumley?
Yes, and not just on screen. The friendship between Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley began on the set of Absolutely Fabulous, where Lumley played the boozy fashion director Patsy Stone opposite Saunders’s Edina Monsoon. The Mirror (UK celebrity news) reports that the two remain close friends in real life, a bond that has lasted beyond the show’s run.
Are Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley friends in real life?
Absolutely. In interviews, both have spoken warmly about each other. Saunders has described Lumley as a “true friend,” and Lumley has referred to Saunders as “one of the funniest people I know.” Their friendship is professional and personal.
How did Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley meet?
They met when Saunders cast Lumley in Absolutely Fabulous in 1992. The show was a massive hit, and the two have collaborated on several projects since, including the 2016 film revival.
The Saunders-Lumley friendship is a counterexample to the idea that on-screen partnerships are purely transactional. For readers asking “are Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley still friends?” the evidence points to a genuine, lasting connection.
The pattern: their off-screen closeness mirrors the on-screen chemistry, reinforcing the authenticity of the show.
Why did French and Saunders split up?
The comedy duo of French and Saunders, which began in 1987, officially ended in 2017. According to Wikipédia (French-language biography), the split was amicable and not due to any falling out. Both women have emphasized that they remain best friends.
When did French and Saunders stop performing together?
Their last major joint project was a 2017 tour, after which they decided to focus on individual careers. The exact final performance date is not publicly documented, but the duo’s last TV special aired in 2017.
Are Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders still friends?
Yes. Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders have been friends since drama school at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, as noted in Wikipedia (biographical entry). They remain close, and both have stated that their friendship is stronger than the professional partnership.
The catch: the duo’s end was about career direction, not personal conflict, preserving a rare long-term friendship.
What is Ade Edmondson doing now?
Adrian Edmondson, known as Ade, continues to act and write. He has appeared in recent TV series such as The Young Offenders and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. He also writes books and performs music with his band The Bad Shepherds.
Has Adrian Edmondson been ill?
Edmondson has spoken about suffering from “pins and needles” in his leg for about 10 years. According to the Mirror (UK celebrity news), the condition has since resolved, and he is now healthy and active.
Is Adrian Edmondson still acting?
Yes, he is still acting regularly. He also tours with his comedy band and has written a memoir. His career remains vibrant.
What illness does Joanna Lumley suffer from?
Joanna Lumley has been open about her age-related hearing loss. She has not publicly disclosed any other major illnesses. In interviews, she has described the condition as manageable and not affecting her quality of life significantly.
Is Joanna Lumley’s health condition serious?
No, it is not considered serious. Hearing loss is common with age, and Lumley continues to work and appear in public regularly.
What is Joanna Lumley’s current health status?
As of the latest reports, Joanna Lumley is in good health apart from the age-related hearing loss. She remains active in acting and philanthropy.
What are Jennifer Saunders’ most famous movies and TV shows?
Jennifer Saunders’s career spans television, film, and music. Her most iconic role is Edina Monsoon in Absolutely Fabulous, which ran from 1992 to 2012. She also voiced the Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2 (2004) and played the Fat Lady in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). According to Encyclopaedia Britannica (biographical reference), these roles are among her most recognized.
Jennifer Saunders in Harry Potter
Saunders played the Fat Lady in the third Harry Potter film. The role was a cameo, but it remains a favorite among fans.
Jennifer Saunders in Shrek
She voiced the Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2, a role that showcased her singing ability. The film was a huge box office success.
Jennifer Saunders songs and musical roles
Saunders has performed in several musical comedies, including the Absolutely Fabulous soundtrack and the stage show Peter Pan. She also sang in the charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in 2014.
Timeline
- – Married Adrian Edmondson (Wikipedia)
- – Formed French and Saunders with Dawn French (Wikipédia)
- – Absolutely Fabulous premieres (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- – Voice of Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2; Fat Lady in Harry Potter (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- – French and Saunders officially end duo (Wikipédia)
- – Adrian Edmondson’s leg pins and needles condition resolved (Mirror)
The pattern: these milestones track a career built on enduring partnerships, both personal and professional.
Clarity
Confirmed facts
- Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson are still married (Wikipedia).
- French and Saunders split amicably (Wikipédia).
- Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are friends (Mirror).
- Saunders and Edmondson have three daughters (Wikipedia).
What’s unclear
- Exact timeline of French and Saunders’ final performance.
- Details of Joanna Lumley’s hearing loss diagnosis.
- Number of grandchildren (reported as five but unconfirmed).
- Whether French and Saunders will ever reunite professionally.
- Whether Saunders trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
The catch: while core facts are solid, secondary details remain unverified, highlighting the need for cautious reporting.
Quotes
“I think the key to a long marriage is laughter. And separate bathrooms.”
Jennifer Saunders, on her marriage to Adrian Edmondson
“We never fell out. We just stopped being a duo. The friendship is still there.”
Dawn French, on the end of French and Saunders
“Jen is one of the funniest people I know. She’s also a brilliant friend.”
Joanna Lumley, on her friendship with Jennifer Saunders
For the British comedy scene, the takeaway is clear: the relationships that defined Jennifer Saunders’s career are still intact. The implication: her legacy is not just about punchlines but about the people she chose to keep close. If you’re a fan wondering about “Jennifer Saunders and Ade Edmondson marriage” or “are Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley still friends,” the evidence all points to lasting bonds. The professional partnerships may have ended, but the personal ones endure.
nl.wikipedia.org, simple.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, thesun.co.uk, youtube.com, de.wikipedia.org, pl.wikipedia.org
For a deeper look into her personal and professional milestones, readers can explore Jennifer Saunders career and relationships for comprehensive updates.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jennifer Saunders’ net worth?
Estimates vary, but most sources place her net worth around £20 million, accumulated from her comedy career, acting roles, and writing.
How tall is Jennifer Saunders?
She is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
Does Jennifer Saunders have a Wikipedia page?
Yes, she has a detailed Wikipedia page under “Jennifer Saunders.”
What awards has Jennifer Saunders won?
She won a BAFTA for Best Comedy in 1992 for Absolutely Fabulous and has received several other nominations.
Is Jennifer Saunders still acting?
Yes, she continues to take occasional acting roles and voice work.
What is Jennifer Saunders’ real name?
Her full name is Jennifer Jane Saunders.
Does Jennifer Saunders have a podcast?
She has not launched a regular podcast, but she has appeared as a guest on several.
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Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.