Longtime screen and stage actress Imelda Staunton is no stranger to iconic roles, from her celebrated performance as the Baker’s Wife in the West End production of to her Oscar-nominated turn as a working-class woman who performs illegal abortions in.
She’s also conjured up evil as Dolores Umbridge in the films and most recently reunited with Maggie Smith to slug it out as Lady Bagshaw in the film.
In January, it was confirmed that the 64-year-old actress will take over as Queen Elizabeth II in the fifth and final season of , which will easily be her most iconic role yet.
Staunton will replace Olivia Coleman, who makes her final appearance as the Queen in the upcoming fourth season of the historical Netflix drama. “I’m greatly honored,”