Pam Ferris, born Pamela Ferris on 11 May 1948 in Germany to Welsh parents, is a distinguished actress who has become a beloved figure in British television and film, renowned for her commanding presence and versatile performances across decades. Raised in Wales after her family returned there, she discovered her passion for acting early and trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, setting the stage for a career that would span stage, screen, and television with equal acclaim. Ferris first gained significant attention with her role in the British television series Connie in 1985, but it was her portrayal of Ma Larkin in the popular series The Darling Buds of May from 1991 to 1993 that cemented her status as a household name, bringing warmth and humor to the role alongside David Jason and Catherine Zeta-Jones. She continued to build her television legacy with a starring role as Peggy Snow in the long-running drama Where the Heart Is from 1997 to 2000, a performance that earned her three nominations for Most Popular Actress at the National Television Awards, highlighting her ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt and nuanced character work.

Ferris's film career is marked by unforgettable and often iconic roles, most notably her terrifying yet darkly comedic turn as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda in 1996, directed by Danny DeVito, a performance that remains a favorite among fans of the Roald Dahl adaptation. She later brought a different kind of memorable villainy to the screen as Marge Dursley in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in 2004, inflating to grotesque proportions in a scene that showcased her physical comedy and dramatic range. Her filmography also includes a poignant role as Miriam in Alfonso Cuarón's dystopian drama Children of Men in 2006, a warm turn as Mrs. Bevan in the Christmas comedy Nativity! in 2009 and its sequel Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger in 2012, and a voice role as Mrs. Bennett and Aunty Betty in the animated film Ethel & Ernest in 2016. More recently, she portrayed Mrs. Faulkner in the biographical drama Tolkien in 2019, further demonstrating her ability to inhabit diverse characters with depth and authenticity.

On stage, Ferris has also earned critical acclaim, particularly for her performance as Phoebe Rice in John Osborne's The Entertainer at The Old Vic in London, which earned her a nomination for the 2007 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role, a testament to her formidable talent in live theatre. In the 2010s, she reached a new generation of viewers with her recurring role as Sister Evangelina in the beloved period drama Call the Midwife from 2012 to 2016, with a return appearance planned for 2026, bringing a stern yet compassionate presence to the convent and birthing ward. She also starred alongside Felicity Kendal in the gardening mystery series Rosemary & Thyme from 2003 to 2006, playing the earthy and pragmatic Rosemary Boxer. With a career that effortlessly spans beloved children's classics, gritty dramas, and prestigious stage productions, Pam Ferris remains a highly respected and enduring talent in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her powerful screen presence and her ability to elevate every role she undertakes.