Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Aniston reveal Absolutely Fabulous almost didn’t make it to TV after a BBC boss decided ‘drunk women aren’t funny’
As a lifestyle expert with decades of experience under my belt, I cannot help but marvel at the resilience and tenacity displayed by Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders in bringing Absolutely Fabulous to our screens. The story behind their career-defining roles is a testament to their determination and the power of perseverance.
For more than 30 years they have been television’s favourite Bollinger-guzzling fashionistas.
As a passionate fan, I can’t help but reflect on the narrow escape Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders had from portraying their iconic characters in “Absolutely Fabulous.” Remarkably, a BBC comedy executive once expressed doubt over their roles due to the idea that “drunk women weren’t funny.” This obstacle was fortunately overcome, allowing these talented actresses to bring their career-defining performances to life.
In a fresh BBC documentary titled “Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out,” the sitcom’s producer, John Plowman, shared that he approached Robin Nash, who was in charge of comedy at the time, after completing the pilot episode and asked for her opinion.
‘And he said, ‘I’ve never found women being drunk very funny.’ And I thought, ‘Well, that’s it, it’s over.’
However, the event took place in the late afternoon. The crowd was exceptional, and a moment that will forever stay with me is when, at the conclusion, I encountered Ben Elton [comedian], who remarked, “Indeed, I’ve just witnessed the future of comedy, and it’s this.
For five seasons spanning from 1992 to 2003, and with one movie to its credit, Absolutely Fabulous showcased an impressive roster of high-profile guest stars such as Tom Holland, Emma Bunton, and Rosie Huntington Whitley.
In the upcoming documentary airing on Thursday, Joanna Lumley, the show’s main actor, stated: “I recall a review in The Times when the premiere episode was released, which said, ‘I’m afraid this won’t succeed and it’s not humorous. Portraying drunk women as comical is not amusing.’
‘Goodbye, this is the end of that show.’
Jennifer Saunders, her co-star and the show’s creator, commented: “He also mentioned, ‘Be cautious of a sitcom where the writer takes the lead role.’ It struck me as, ‘Ah!’
The British television series “Absolutely Fabulous” focuses on the character Edina Monsoon, portrayed by Jennifer Saunders, who is a PR specialist with a penchant for excessive drinking and drug use. Alongside her is her longtime friend Patsy, also played by Saunders, as they navigate through life in a self-indulgent blur of intoxication.
The show significantly shaped the landscape of female comedy by challenging traditional stereotypes about women’s roles.
Yesterday, Ms. Saunders shared with Radio Times that it initially aired on BBC2, which was similar to Channel 4 back then – a platform allowing for some creative freedom and pushing boundaries.
There wasn’t much anticipation. Not all high-ranking males found intoxicated women particularly impressive, but the performance still managed to draw crowds.
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2024-10-08 02:20