Ashley Jensen, the Scottish actress and narrator known for her roles in "Extras," "Ugly Betty," and "Agatha Raisin," has navigated a multifaceted career while also facing personal challenges. Her journey includes experiences with body image, motherhood, career transitions, and profound loss.
Embracing Post-Pregnancy Body Image
Following the birth of her son Francis with her late husband Terence Beesley, Ashley Jensen adopted a relaxed approach to shedding baby weight. Unlike some celebrity mothers who feel pressured to quickly regain their pre-pregnancy figures, Jensen prioritized her well-being and the needs of her body.
Giving in to Cravings
Jensen admitted to indulging in cravings during breastfeeding, stating, "I put no pressure on myself at all and I was breastfeeding so sometimes I would say, 'I need a chocolate eclair - I'm going down the road for a cake'." She believed her body was signaling its need for extra calories to support breastfeeding, treating it as a demanding job. While she generally watched what she ate, she allowed herself treats like eclairs and even half a Guinness, with her doctor's approval.
Dealing with External Pressure
Despite her self-acceptance, Jensen acknowledged the pressures of living in Los Angeles, a city known for its focus on physical appearance. She anticipated public scrutiny, saying, "But I know I need to whip myself into shape or everyone will say, 'Look at Ashley's body'." She recounted instances of being photographed shortly after giving birth, even receiving unflattering comparisons. However, she tried to take it in stride, recognizing it as "part and parcel of the job."
A Diverse and Successful Career
Ashley Jensen's career spans various television roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress and narrator. From her early roles in Scottish dramas to her international success in comedies and dramas, Jensen has consistently demonstrated her talent and adaptability.
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Early Beginnings in Television
Jensen's early television work included roles in "Down Among the Big Boys," where she played the daughter of a Glasgow criminal, and "May to December," where she portrayed the eccentric secretary Rosie McConnichy. She also appeared in "Roughnecks," a series about workers on a North Sea oil platform, and had a small role in "Dangerfield."
Breakthrough Role in "Extras"
Jensen gained widespread recognition for her role as Maggie Jacobs in the BBC Two/HBO television program "Extras," co-starring alongside Ricky Gervais. Her portrayal of the socially awkward Maggie earned her critical acclaim, including British Comedy Awards for best television comedy actress and newcomer in 2005. She also received a BAFTA nomination in 2006 and an Emmy Award nomination for her role in the 2007 Christmas Special.
Transition to American Television with "Ugly Betty"
In 2006, Jensen landed her first major role on American television as Christina McKinney in the ABC series "Ugly Betty." Initially conceived as an American character, Christina's nationality was changed to Scottish after producers were impressed by Jensen's accent.
Continued Success in Comedy and Drama
Following "Ugly Betty," Jensen continued to work in both comedy and drama, appearing in the sitcom "Accidentally on Purpose" and the BBC comedy "Nativity!" She also starred in the BBC comedy drama "Accidental Farmer" and voiced Nanette the frog in the animated film "Gnomeo & Juliet." In 2017, she starred in the BBC TV series "Love, Lies & Records," depicting life working in a Leeds Registry Office.
Reuniting with Ricky Gervais in "After Life"
In 2019, Jensen reunited with Ricky Gervais in the Netflix black comedy series "After Life," a role she continued for all three series.
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Recent Projects
In recent years, Jensen has continued to be active in television, starring in the BBC TV drama "Trust Me" and taking on the lead role in the BBC drama "Shetland". She also appeared in the film "Christmas on Mistletoe Farm" and the TV series "Inside The Balmoral: Scotland's Finest Hotel" and "The Airport: Back in the Skies". Her role in the drama "Mayflies" further demonstrates her continued presence on screen.
Agatha Raisin
In Agatha Raisin, Sky1’s bright, funny new series, Jensen played a glossy PR executive who moves to the Cotswolds and ends up solving murders. In MC Beaton’s novels, the lead character is dumpy and a decade older; Jensen’s Agatha is slick and confident, her bright colour-block dresses standing out in a field of drab Barbours and tasteful Cotswold stone. She doesn’t, says Jensen, “apologise for what she looks like. She wears heels and lipstick. I think sometimes to be taken seriously as a woman you have to tone that down, which I feel sad about.”
Personal Life and Loss
Ashley Jensen's personal life has been marked by both joy and tragedy. Her marriage to actor Terence Beesley brought her happiness and motherhood, but his sudden death in 2017 was a devastating loss.
Marriage to Terence Beesley
Ashley Jensen was married to actor Terence Beesley for several years. Together, they had a son named Francis. The couple shared a love for acting and supported each other's careers.
Husband's Death
Terence Beesley's death in 2017 was a sudden and unexpected tragedy. Ashley Jensen was reportedly "devastated" by his passing. An inquest later revealed that Beesley had taken his own life.
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Finding Love Again
In November 2023, it was reported that Ashley Jensen had married Kenny Doughty, her co-star from the TV series "Shetland". The couple reportedly had a secret wedding ceremony.
Body Image and Confidence
Ashley Jensen has spoken openly about body image and her approach to aging. She embraces her imperfections and focuses on maintaining her health and well-being rather than striving for an unattainable ideal.
Embracing Imperfections
Jensen has stated that she embraces her imperfections and is "pretty happy" with her body as long as it works. She acknowledges that she could stand up straighter and lose a few pounds, but she is generally confident in her own skin.
Confidence and Self-Acceptance
Jensen attributes her confidence to her upbringing, where she was taught that hard work and single-mindedness could help her achieve her goals. She believes in embracing laughter lines and sadness wrinkles, rather than fearing the aging process.
Exercise and Healthy Eating
Jensen exercises not to lose weight but to maintain muscle control and improve bone density and cardiovascular health. She enjoys shopping at farmers' markets and eating organic food, recognizing the importance of nourishing her body with wholesome ingredients.
Reflections on Career and Success
Ashley Jensen has reflected on her career and the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. She acknowledges the challenges faced by actors from working-class backgrounds and the importance of arts education.
Overcoming Challenges
Jensen recognizes that it may be more difficult for actors from her background to break into the entertainment industry today due to cuts in arts education and the rising cost of further education. She emphasizes the importance of drama departments in schools, not only for aspiring actors but also for developing communication skills, self-confidence, and the ability to look people in the eye.
The Importance of Arts Education
Jensen is dismayed by cuts to arts education, believing that drama departments are crucial for developing essential life skills. She emphasizes that studying drama is not only for children who want to be actors but also for those who want to improve their communication skills, self-confidence, and ability to connect with others.
Career Philosophy
Jensen states that she became an actor to do different things and avoid stagnation. She values the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and collaborate with talented individuals.
Love, Lies & Records
Ashley Jensen played the lead registrar, Kate Dickenson. My character, Kate, is doing what a lot of women are doing in this world now. She's trying to juggle family life and be a good mum and a good partner as well as working. She has a son from a previous relationship, a daughter with her partner Rob [Adrian Bower], and a stepson. Life has got in the way of Kate and Rob's relationship. Deep down, they love each other, but they're not really finding a great deal of time for one another at the moment, with children pulling them in different directions.