Born:
January 17, 1947
Birthplace: Lancaster, England
Trivia:
Father went bankrupt when she was ten, leading the family to lose all their possessions. Won a scholarship to the Elmhurst Ballet School at 13, but failed to get into the Royal Ballet School years later. Danced on stage in The Ocean Revue with Roy Hudd in Clacton-on-Sea, inspiring her to enroll at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in the 1960's. Adopted the stage name David, taken from her mother's first name, Davida. Big break was the BBC's Sense and Sensibility in 1971, after which she worked prolifically in costume dramas. Played Francesca Annis's daughter in Lillie in 1978, although she is only eighteen months younger. Underwent brain surgery in 1993 to correct a congenital malformation. Acted with daughter Emilia in Pride and Prejudice in 1995. Married Edward Fox in 2004 after 33 years of living together. Is a patron of the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity. Is vice-president of the Theatrical Guild. Contracted Ménière's disease in 2008. Has been friends with Downton Abbey co-star Dame Maggie Smith for over four decades. Is a trustee of the National Brain Appeal, the charity dedicated to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. Is a member of the RADA Council.