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Debbie Chazen
Debbie Chazen
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Deborah Chazen (born 1 September 1971) is an English actress. She is best known for portraying Annie in the BBC comedy The Smoking Room, Big Claire in Mine All Mine, and various roles in the BBC sketch show Tittybangbang. Alongside these appearances, Chazen has had recurring roles on Trollied and Holby City.

Key Information

Early life

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Chazen was born in Hammersmith, London. After graduating from Manchester University in 1992 with a degree in Russian Studies, she trained at LAMDA.

Career

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Chazen has appeared in the Mike Leigh film Topsy Turvy, and other films, such as A Christmas Carol, and the 2001 version of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.

On television, she has acted in Gimme Gimme Gimme, Mile High, EastEnders and Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married.

Her theatre work includes Mother Clap's Molly House at the National Theatre, Dick Whittington and His Cat at the Barbican Theatre, and Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard in Sheffield. In 2006, she played Maribel in a new play called Crooked at the Bush Theatre, for which she received acclaim. An article in the International Herald Tribune compared the quality of her performance to the likes of Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Another role that she played to great acclaim was Tessa in The Girlfriend Experience, which she performed at the Royal Court Theatre and the Young Vic.

Chazen appeared in two episodes of Midsomer Murders, one episode of Doc Martin, and in the 2007 Doctor Who episode "Voyage of the Damned". In November and December 2008, she played Milton's sister Susan in Another Case of Milton Jones on BBC Radio 4. Chazen starred as Ruth in the stage play Calendar Girls from November 2009 to January 2010 at the Noël Coward in Leicester Square, during which time she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to withdraw halfway through the run in order to start treatment. She made a full recovery, and returned to Calendar Girls in the same role for a national tour at the end of 2010.

Chazen had a running story line in Doctors in 2010 as Sissy Juggins, who, along with her brother Ivor Juggins, kidnapped Dr. Jimmi Clay, and was nominated for a British Soap Award. Chazen has also appeared in an episode of EastEnders as Minty's blind date, and two episodes of Coronation Street as Miriam. She toured Calendar Girls from August to December 2011.[1] In 2013, she appeared in the Sky 1 comedy series Trollied. She played Ludmilla in the play The Duck House,[2][3] The show transferred to London's Vaudeville Theatre after a five-week tour.[2]

Chazen appeared on television as Ludmilla in Ambassadors. In 2014, she appeared in the Sherlock episode "The Sign of Three", and on 19 June 2014, it was announced that she would be joining the cast of Holby City. She subsequently appeared as Jessica in Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley.

In 2017, Chazen played Ruth in The Girls at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End.

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1998 Tess of the D'Urbervilles Marian TV film
1999 Topsy-Turvy Miss Kingsley
A Christmas Carol Fred's Maid TV film
2001 Barnie's Minor Annoyances Jenny Original title: Barnie et ses petites contrariétés
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Fanny Squeers TV film
Beginner's Luck Charlotte
2004 Tooth Fat Fairy
Suzie Gold Miriam Jacobs
2005 Feeder Pam Short film
2009 I Am Ruthie Segal, Hear Me Roar Short film
2010 Anton Chekhov's the Duel Olga
2013 Gnomeland Suzanne Short film
2018 Ploey: You Never Fly Alone Cormorant/Swan Voice role, English version
Red Joan Karen
2021 Pops Suzie Jacobs Short film

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1997 The Lakes Delilah Recurring role, 3 episodes
1998 An Unsuitable Job for a Woman Joanna Episode: "A Last Embrace"
Killer Net Sandra TV Mini-series
The Ruth Rendell Mysteries Jackie Episode: "You Can't Be Too Careful"
The Bill Nuala Hill Episode: "Team Play"
1999 Midsomer Murders Anna Santarosa Episode: "Strangler's Wood"
1999–2000 Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married Meredia Series regular, 16 episodes
2000 Casualty Danielle Adams Episode: "Blood Brothers"
2001 Gimme Gimme Gimme Art Teacher Episode: "Decoy"
2002 The Estate Agents Angie Episode: "Night Out"
Holby City Bernice Webster Episode: "Facing Facts"
2003 Grass Jenny Episode: "Series 1, Episode 7"
2004 Mine All Mine Big Claire Series regular, 6 episodes
2004–2005 The Smoking Room Annie Series regular, 17 episodes
2005 EastEnders Shivorne Episode: "5 May 2005"
The Bill Kathy Jones Episode: "Use of Protocol"
Murder in Suburbia Estelle Harcourt Episode: "Dogs"
Mile High Terri Episode: "Series 2, Episode 26"
Doctors Meriel Croston Episode: "Something to Hold Onto"
2005–2007 Tittybangbang Various roles Series regular, 8 episodes
2007 Doc Martin Alison Lane Episode: "The Apple Doesn't Fall"
Doctor Who Foon Van Hoff Episode: "Voyage of the Damned"
Comedy Showcase Garvey Episode: "The Eejits"
2008 Midsomer Murders Gemma Platt Episode: "Midsomer Life"
Uncle Max Bride Episode: "Uncle Max Goes to a Wedding"
2009 Psychoville Kelly Su Crabtree Recurring role, 4 episodes
We Are Klang Mayor Recurring role, 4 episodes
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson Daggy Episode: "Series 1, Episode 6"
2010 Doctors Sissy Juggins Recurring role, 12 episodes
2010–2011 Coronation Street Miriam Recurring role, 5 episodes
2011 White Van Man Pauline Episode: "The Morning After"
2013 Holby City Colette Barnes Episode: "Only Human"
Great Night Out Shop Assistant Episode: "Series 1, Episode 6"
Trollied Sarah Recurring role, 3 episodes
Ambassadors Ludmilla TV Mini-series
The Spa Davina Series regular, 8 episodes
2014 Sherlock Vicky Episode: "The Sign of Three"
The Job Lot Joy Coleman Episode: "Series 2, Episode 4"
2014–2019 Holby City Fleur Fanshawe Recurring role, 13 episodes
2015 Asylum Mercedes Episode: "Public Relations"
You, Me and the Apocalypse Myrta Episode: "T Minus..."
2016 Agatha Raisin Jessica Tarnick Episode: "The Walkers of Dembley"
2018–2020 The Last Kingdom Sable Recurring role, 6 episodes
2019 Dead Pixels Cara Recurring role, 3 episodes
Sticks and Stones Natalie TV Mini-series
2020 Urban Myths Beatrice Molinsky Episode: "When Joan Kissed Barbra"

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Deborah Chazen (born 1 September 1971) is an English actress renowned for her versatile performances across television, theatre, and voiceover work. She gained prominence through her role as Annie in the comedy series and as Foon Van Hoff in the Christmas special "." Chazen has also appeared in notable television productions such as Vicky in 's Sherlock, Sable in Netflix's (seasons 3 and 4), and various characters in the sketch comedy , as well as Octavia Hemlock in the series The Sister Boniface Mysteries (2024). In theatre, she earned critical acclaim for portraying Ruth in the West End production of The Girls, The Musical (2017), which led to an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Her stage credits further include roles in Jews in Their Own Words (2022) and Princess Dragomiroff in Murder on the Orient Express (2024 UK tour). Additionally, Chazen is an accomplished artist, contributing to commercials, documentaries, video games, audiobooks, and charity projects, showcasing her skills in , , and narration.

Early life and education

Family and upbringing

Debbie Chazen was born on 1 September 1971 in , . She is the daughter of Freda Chazen, a teacher of French and German, and Arnold Chazen, a singer. Her parents' professions significantly shaped her early linguistic abilities; Chazen became fluent in French as a result of her mother's influence. Chazen grew up in and identifies with her Jewish heritage, which she describes as a core part of her identity. Her father's career in music provided early exposure to the , fostering her artistic inclinations from a young age.

Academic and training background

Chazen's family placed a strong emphasis on education, encouraging structured academic pursuits alongside her early interests in performance. She attended , where she received a . She graduated from the in 1992 with a degree in Russian and Spanish. This academic foundation equipped her with fluency in Russian and Spanish, skills that have proven useful in her later work, such as narrating classic Russian children's tales for audio productions. Following her university graduation, Chazen pursued professional training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (), a prestigious institution known for its classical theatre program. At , she received the Patricia Lawrence Scholarship and the Bursary, and she possesses an voice that complemented her dramatic training and broadened her expressive range as a performer. The intensive curriculum at provided essential exposure to , voice work, and ensemble , laying the groundwork for her transition into professional theatre.

Career

Early career and breakthrough

Chazen made her professional acting debut in 1997 with a role as in the miniseries The Lakes, a gritty drama set in the that marked her entry into television. This initial appearance was followed by small supporting parts in various British television productions during the late 1990s, such as Joanna in the crime series An Unsuitable Job for a Woman, which aired from 1997 to 1999 and helped her gain initial on-screen experience amid a crowded field of emerging talent. By the early 2000s, Chazen's career gained momentum, culminating in her breakthrough role as Annie in the sitcom in , where she portrayed a witty and acerbic office colleague whose banter drove much of the series' humor and ensemble dynamic. The show's critical acclaim for its sharp workplace satire highlighted her comedic timing, establishing her as a reliable presence in . That same year, she took on the character of Big Claire in the comedy-drama Mine All Mine, playing a larger-than-life family member in a story centered on and small-town intrigue, which further demonstrated her ability to blend humor with dramatic depth. Chazen continued building her profile with recurring appearances in sketches for the comedy series from 2006 to 2007, where she embodied a variety of eccentric female characters, showcasing her improvisational skills and adaptability in fast-paced sketch format. Transitioning from training to consistent professional work proved challenging in the highly competitive British acting industry, where limited opportunities often required actors to juggle auditions with sporadic roles, but Chazen's persistence across television mediums allowed her to secure these foundational successes in both and .

Theatre career

Following her graduation from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (), Debbie Chazen made her professional stage debut in the National Theatre's production of Mother Clap's Molly House in 2001, playing the role of Mary Cranton under director ; the play transferred to the West End in 2002. In the mid-2000s, Chazen appeared as the obese, Bible-thumping Maribel in Catherine Trieschmann's new play Crooked at the Bush Theatre in 2006, directed by Mike Bradwell, earning praise for her portrayal of a character blending innocence and obtuseness in a story of family dysfunction and disability. She followed this with the role of Dunyasha in Jonathan Miller's production of Anton Chekhov's at Sheffield's in 2007, contributing to a critically noted ensemble that explored themes of loss and social change. Chazen took on the role of Ruth in Tim Firth's stage adaptation of at the in London's West End from November 2009 to January 2010, directed by , and later reprised it on tour in 2010 under Jack Ryder following her recovery from health issues. She returned to the Calendar Girls story in the 2017 musical adaptation The Girls, again as Ruth, at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End, directed by ; her performance in the production, which featured book and lyrics by Tim Firth and music by and , earned her an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical. She followed this with the role of Suzanne in the London premiere of The York Realist at Trafalgar Studios in 2018. Chazen's theatre contributions continued into the 2020s with roles in new works and revivals. In 2022, she starred as Millie Grable in the world premiere of Irrelevant by Avi Hami at the Seven Dials Playhouse, directed by Keith Merrill, a play examining luck's in personal narratives, and appeared as and Yammy Rothenberg in the verbatim production Jews. In Their Own Words at the Royal Court Theatre. She also performed roles in JW3's annual Jewish pantomimes, as Mother Hoodman in Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Pig (2023–2024) and as Mama Behr in Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah (2024–2025). In 2024, she performed multiple roles including Kathleen, Mrs. Gertz, and PC Harry in the musical at , directed by Adam Lenson, addressing the 1936 ; the production returned to the Theatre in 2025 with Chazen reprising her roles. Looking ahead, she is scheduled to play Princess Dragomiroff in the UK tour of Ken Ludwig's adaptation of Agatha Christie's , directed by Lucy Bailey, beginning in early 2025.

Television career

Chazen first established her television presence in the mid-2000s with the recurring role of Annie, a graphics department employee, in the BBC workplace comedy The Smoking Room (2004–2005), where she appeared across both series alongside a cast including Robert Webb and Katy Cavanagh. This role marked her breakthrough into sustained television work, blending sharp humor with ensemble dynamics in a confined office setting. She followed this with a guest appearance as the devoted wife Foon Van Hoff in the Doctor Who Christmas special "Voyage of the Damned" (2007), a high-profile episode directed by James Strong that drew over 12 million viewers and showcased her ability to convey emotional depth amid science-fiction spectacle. Her performance as the tragic figure navigating a spaceship disaster highlighted her versatility beyond comedy. Additionally, Chazen earned a longlist nomination for Villain of the Year at the 2010 British Soap Awards for her portrayal of the manipulative Sissy Juggins in 12 episodes of the BBC daytime drama Doctors (2010), underscoring her impact in serialized storytelling. In the 2010s, Chazen expanded into recurring characters across multiple genres, including the hapless alternative therapist Davina Stewart in the Sky Living comedy-drama The Spa (2013–2014), where she featured in all eight episodes as part of an ensemble led by Rebecca Front, exploring themes of wellness industry absurdities. She also appeared recurrently as various customers and staff, such as Sarah, in the supermarket sitcom Trollied (2011–2013) on Sky One, contributing to its satirical take on retail life over multiple series. Her role as Fleur Fanshawe, a cunning surgeon, in Holby City brought her back to BBC medical drama; initially recurring for nine episodes in 2014, she reprised the character in additional appearances in 2018 and 2019, totaling over a dozen episodes and allowing her to delve into complex interpersonal conflicts within the hospital setting. Guest spots in major series further diversified her portfolio, including Vicky, a florist, in the BBC's Sherlock episode "The Sign of Three" (2014), and Miriam, a social worker, across seven episodes of ITV's Coronation Street (2010–2011). Later in the decade, she played the recurring role of Sable, Æthelflæd's loyal attendant, in six episodes of Netflix's historical drama The Last Kingdom (2018–2020), contributing to its depiction of Anglo-Saxon intrigue. Other notable appearances included Myrta, a doomsday prepper, in the Sky 1 apocalyptic comedy-drama You, Me and the Apocalypse (2015). By the 2020s, Chazen's television work continued to emphasize comedy-drama hybrids, reflecting a career shift toward multifaceted supporting roles in ensemble formats. In 2024, she guest-starred as Octavia Hemlock, a quirky collector entangled in a murder mystery, in the period comedy-drama , appearing in the episode "House of Misfit Dolls" and adding to the series' blend of cozy crime and humor. This role exemplifies her ongoing presence in British television, where she balances recurring arcs with impactful guest turns, evolving from early comedic ensembles to more layered dramatic comedies.

Film career

Debbie Chazen made her film debut in Mike Leigh's 1999 period drama Topsy-Turvy, portraying Ethel Kingsley, a chorus member in the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company during the creation of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado. This British production marked her entry into cinema, showcasing her ability to embody ensemble roles in historical settings with subtle comedic undertones. Throughout the 2000s, Chazen appeared in supporting parts in British independent films, including the role of Miriam Jacobs, the protagonist's sister, in the 2004 Suzie Gold, a exploring Jewish family dynamics in . She also featured in the 1999 television film adaptation of as Fred's Maid, contributing to the in this Dickensian tale produced by the . These early roles established her as a versatile performer in period and family-oriented narratives. In more recent years, Chazen has gravitated toward short films, taking on the lead role of Danielle in the 2023 drama Sleepyhead, which delves into themes of and personal reflection. She followed this with the part of Stacey in the 2024 comedy short , a quirky of everyday absurdities. Across her film work, Chazen frequently plays supporting comedic or dramatic characters in ensemble-driven stories, with a strong emphasis on British productions that highlight cultural specificity and relational depth.

Personal life

Relationships

Debbie Chazen has been in a long-term relationship with Michael Korel, a , card reader, and , since the mid-2000s. The couple married following Korel's proposal in December 2009, and they reside in North West London. Chazen and Korel share a supportive partnership that aligns with her demanding acting career, often bonding over London's theatre scene through joint outings and discussions. In interviews, Chazen has described their relationship as a source of stability, emphasizing Korel's encouragement during professional challenges and their mutual appreciation for as key to maintaining balance. The couple has no children, and Chazen has noted that their child-free life allows focus on personal and creative pursuits amid her schedule. Korel provided steadfast support to Chazen during her health recovery in 2009-2010, attending medical appointments and offering emotional reassurance.

Health challenges

In November 2009, while starring as Ruth in the West End production of Calendar Girls, Debbie Chazen was diagnosed with on November 6 after noticing a leaky since , which had initially been misdiagnosed as benign. She underwent a full on December 8, 2009, followed by four months of , four weeks of daily radiotherapy, one year of Herceptin injections, and five years of ; a portacath was inserted in January 2010 to facilitate treatment. Chazen withdrew from the production after her final performance on December 5, 2009, taking time off from acting to focus on recovery. Following treatment, Chazen made a full recovery and received support from her partner during this period. She triumphantly returned to in the same role for the 2010 national tour of , demonstrating resilience amid physical challenges like limited arm mobility post-surgery. This marked the continuation of her career, with subsequent roles in , television, and film. Chazen has reflected on her experience as transformative, using humor in a personal diary to cope and emphasizing the importance of living fully without fear, viewing each birthday post-diagnosis as a blessing. She advocates for by supporting charities like Walk the Walk and sharing her story to inspire body confidence and early detection.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes/Director
1999Topsy-TurvyMiss KingsleyDir. Mike Leigh
2001Beginner's LuckCharlotteDir. James Callis, Nick Cohen
2001Barnie's Minor AnnoyancesJennyDir. Fabien Onteniente
2004ToothFat FairyDir. Edouard Nammour
2004Suzie GoldMiriam JacobsDir. Ric Cantor
2005FeederPamShort film
2010Anton Chekhov's The DuelOlgaDir. Dover Kosashvili
2013GnomelandSuzanneShort film
2018Ploey: You Never Fly AloneCormorant / Swan (voice)Animated; Dir. Árni Óttarsson
2018Red JoanKarenDir. Trevor Nunn
2021PopsSuzie JacobsShort film; Dir. Lewis Rose
2023SleepyheadDanielleShort film; Dir. Milly Garnier
2024Finger FoodStaceyShort film; Dir. Jacob Dudman
Note: This list focuses on feature films and notable shorts; TV films and series excluded. Sources primarily from for verification.

Television

Debbie Chazen began her television career in the late with guest and recurring roles in British series. Early guest appearances include roles in series such as The Lakes (1997), An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (1998), (1999), (1999; 16 episodes), Casualty (2000), (2010–2011; 5 episodes), and (2016), among others. Her early appearances include Delilah in the ITV drama The Lakes (1997), where she featured in three episodes as a . In 2004, Chazen gained prominence with the role of Annie in the sitcom (2004–2005), a recurring lead character across both seasons totaling 16 episodes. She also appeared as Big Claire in the BBC Wales comedy-drama Mine All Mine (2004), in a recurring capacity over the six-episode series. Chazen's subsequent roles included various sketches in the comedy (2006–2007), contributing to multiple episodes across two series. In 2007, she portrayed Foon Van Hoff in the Christmas special "," a one-off guest role. From 2009 to 2011, she played the recurring character Kelly Su Crabtree in the dark comedy , appearing in 4 episodes of series 1. Chazen then took on recurring roles in the Sky1 sitcom (2011–2013), featuring in several episodes as various supporting characters. In 2013, she appeared as Davina in the comedy The Spa, a regular role across the eight-episode first series. The following year, Chazen guest-starred as Marie in the ITV comedy-drama Great Night Out (2013), in one episode. She also played Ludmilla in the miniseries Ambassadors (2013), a guest role in the three-episode production. Chazen recurred in the ITV workplace comedy The Job Lot (2013–2014), appearing in multiple episodes as a supporting character. In 2014, she guest-starred as Vicky in the BBC series Sherlock episode "The Sign of Three." That same year, she joined Holby City as Fleur Fanshawe, initially for a recurring stint of 11 episodes in 2014 (series 17), and returned for additional appearances in 2018 and 2019, totaling 13 episodes as the character. From 2018 to 2020, Chazen portrayed Sable in the historical drama The Last Kingdom, a recurring role across six episodes in seasons 3 and 4. In 2019, she appeared as Cara in three episodes of the E4 comedy Dead Pixels (recurring) and as Natalie in the ITV miniseries Sticks and Stones (three episodes). Chazen continued with guest roles in 2020, playing Barbara in two episodes of the Max sci-fi comedy . In 2021, she recurred in the Channel 5 adaptation Dalgliesh, appearing in multiple episodes of the first season. More recently, Chazen has appeared in the series as Octavia Hemlock in the season 3 episode "House of Misfit Dolls" (2024). As of 2025, her television work includes narration for The 1980s Supermarket (2024, three episodes).

References

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