Charles Yates Stephenson

Pamela Stephenson, born in New Zealand in 1949, is a psychologist, writer, actress, and comedian with Australian and British citizenship. After moving to Australia in 1953 and studying at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, she pursued a performing career in Australia before emigrating to the UK in 1976.

In the UK, Stephenson gained recognition for her roles in television shows like "Space: 1999" and "Tales of the Unexpected," and achieved a breakthrough with the satirical sketch show "Not the Nine O'Clock News." Her comedic performances earned her a BAFTA nomination. She also appeared in films such as "History of the World, Part I" and "Superman III," and was a cast member on "Saturday Night Live." Later in her career, Stephenson transitioned to clinical psychology, earning a doctorate and writing several books on the subject and related topics, including her autobiography.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, on December 4, 1949, Pamela Stephenson relocated to Australia with her family in 1953. She attended schools in Sydney before enrolling at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). According to her autobiography, an early traumatic experience at age 16 led to her expulsion from her family home. She initially studied at the University of New South Wales but later transferred to NIDA to pursue her acting studies.

Following her graduation from NIDA in 1970, Stephenson began her professional acting career with the National Theatre Company in Perth and appeared in various Australian television programs and films, including "Ryan" and "The Yeomen of the Guard." In 1976, she moved to the United Kingdom, where her television work included roles in "Space: 1999," "New Avengers," and "The Professionals." Her participation in "Tales of the Unexpected" marked an early UK appearance. She also performed in live comedy shows in London.

Stephenson achieved significant recognition for her role in the British satirical sketch show "Not the Nine O'Clock News" (1979–1982), alongside notable comedians. Her performances in the series, which was influenced by surreal humor, garnered critical acclaim and led to a BAFTA nomination for her acting. She also appeared in films such as Mel Brooks' "History of the World, Part I" and "Superman III." From 1984 to 1985, she was a cast member of the American sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live."

In the late 1980s, Stephenson co-founded Parents for Safe Food, a group that advocated for a ban on a plant growth regulator in food. Transitioning to a new career path, she pursued clinical psychology, obtaining a doctorate. She has since authored several books, including works on her husband Billy Connolly, "Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health," and "Sex Life: How Our Sexual Encounters and Experiences Define Who We Are." Stephenson also hosted a psychology-themed interview show, "Shrink Rap," and wrote a sexual-advice column for The Guardian. Her autobiography, "The Varnished Untruth," was published in 2012.

“I remember the feeling well, because I still experience it every time someone rejects me, even in some relatively small way”

“Doing stand-up was like a war with everyone playing this game of 'I can be funnier than you'”

“took up the punk ethic of outraging the audience with directness”

“most critics were united in their praise of Atkinson and Stephenson”

“clever and very funny”