For many, the glamorous, quick-witted Dorien Green from the British sitcom Birds of a Feather remains an unforgettable character.

But as the actor behind the role nears 80, she is opening up about the realities of ageing, her health, and the bittersweet changes that come with a long career in the spotlight—especially following a close friend and co-star's dementia diagnosis.


Lesley Joseph’s career is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

While she’s been acting for decades, it was her role as Dorien Green that made her a household name, bringing laughter and joy to millions of viewers across Australia and the UK.

Now, as she nears her 80th year, Lesley is candid about the passage of time and the uncertainty that comes with it.


‘At my age, I don’t know how much longer I have left in the business,’ Lesley recently shared in an interview.

‘I’m still ambitious, but I know my time is limited.’

It’s a sentiment that many of us can relate to—acknowledging the reality of our own mortality while still holding onto our passions and dreams.


Lesley’s honesty is both refreshing and comforting, reminding us that it’s okay to look back with pride and look forward with hope, even as the years march on.

Birds of a Feather first graced our screens in 1989, running until 1998 before enjoying a successful revival in 2014.

The show finally wrapped up in 2021, and for Lesley, the ending was a relief.

‘I wouldn’t have wanted to see Dorien with a Zimmer frame,’ she joked, showing her trademark humour.

While she’s made peace with leaving Dorien behind, Lesley admits that being so closely associated with one character can be a double-edged sword.

‘I’ve laid her to rest now,’ she said, acknowledging the frustration that comes with being typecast.

Still, she credits her longevity in the industry to her willingness to take on new and varied roles, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of television.

One of the most heartening changes Lesley has witnessed is the growing presence of older women on television.

‘There’s been a renaissance of older women on screen recently,’ she observed.

It’s a long-overdue trend that offers hope and inspiration to women everywhere, proving that talent, wit, and wisdom only grow with age.

Lesley’s positive approach to ageing is deeply influenced by her mother, who lived to nearly 104.

‘My mum was dancing until she was 96 and only stopped playing badminton when she was 90,’ Lesley proudly shared.

To maintain her own vitality, Lesley follows a disciplined routine: she walks everywhere, practices yoga, prioritises rest, and keeps up with her vitamins.

‘Exercising both physically and mentally is key,’ she explained.

It’s a reminder to all of us that staying active and engaged—both in body and mind—can make a world of difference as we age.

The Birds of a Feather family has faced its share of challenges, most recently with Pauline Quirke’s retirement from acting following her dementia diagnosis.

Lesley, along with co-star Linda Robson, has spoken openly about the impact of Pauline’s illness.

Linda Robson recently confirmed that the show will not be returning, saying, ‘No, it’s not going to come back. Because of Pauline, she’s not going to work again now.’

Despite the sadness, Linda shared some uplifting news: ‘Charlie [Pauline’s son] rang me and just said she is doing really, really well at the moment. Sometimes, she has down days, but at the moment, she is quite up about everything.’

Lesley has paid tribute to Pauline, expressing her love and support during this difficult time.

It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of friendship, community, and compassion—especially as we and our loved ones face health challenges in later life.

Despite the ups and downs, Lesley Joseph remains optimistic.

She continues seeking new opportunities, embracing change, and encouraging others to do the same.

Her story is a powerful example of how to age with grace, humour, and resilience.
Has Lesley Joseph’s story inspired you? How have you adapted to the changes that come with ageing? Do you have tips for staying active and positive in your later years? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share them in the comments below.