From Austen to Oscar: The Ascension of the Stars of Pride and Prejudice

As one of the world’s most famous writers in English literature, Jane Austen’s name has been on the cover of countless books in countless readers’ book bags for more than a century. So what makes Jane Austen’s works so beloved and enduring? In answer to that, Historian Alice Loxton charmingly provides five reasons why Jane Austen still matters for Jane Austen’s House, the Hampshire cottage where Austen lived and wrote her six beloved novels that is now a museum dedicated to the author’s legacy.

Austen’s novels have been brought to life off the page in many unforgettable and award winning stage, radio, television and film productions. ONETV is bringing you the lauded 1995 BBC miniseries Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Emmy and BAFTA winning screenwriter Andrew Davies from Jane Austen’s beloved second novel, one of her most popular. The miniseries stars the wonderful pairing of Colin Firth as the smoldering Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as the independent and outspoken Elizabeth Bennet.

Watch our premiere airing of Pride and Prejudice weeknights at 6pm ET & 9pm PT March 16 through 23, 2023 or discover when you can watch it next here.

In the 25 plus years since the Emmy and BAFTA-winning series first won the hearts of audiences around the world, the incredibly talented cast have gone on to do some great work in many celebrated series and films. As we present Pride and Prejudice on ONETV, let’s take a look at what the series’ stars have been up to since and where we continue to recognize them!

Jennifer Ehle

Jennifer Ehle won a BAFTA for her performance as Elizabeth Bennet. Over the years, you may have spotted her in several Oscar nominated films, including Zero Dark Thirty, The Ides of March and The King’s Speech featuring her Pride and Prejudice co-star Colin Firth. She’s also continued to work in television with appearances in The Good Fight and currently plays Sister Mary in 1923, the prequel series to Yellowstone starring Harrison Ford and Dame Helen Mirren. We’re thankful this wonderful actress continues gracing the small screen!

Colin Firth

Colin Firth rose to stardom after his role as the enigmatic Mr. Darcy and his career as a heartthrob has continued to rise to new heights. Firth has lent his talents to fan favourite films like Mamma Mia!, Love Actually and the Kingsman movies, and dazzled critics in Oscar-winning The King’s Speech. Perhaps most notably, Firth reprised his Mr. Darcy persona in Bridget Jones’s Diary¸ a loose adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that was originally inspired by the success of the definitive mini series. Most recently, Firth has starred in the HBO true crime drama The Staircase and the Oscar-nominated Empire of Light alongside Olivia Colman.

Alison Steadman & Julia Sawalha

Alison Steadman, who plays Mrs. Bennet, and Julia Sawalha, who plays Lydia Bennet both had memorable performances in the series and have since both appeared in Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie’s Marple. Steadman has also appeared on ONETV as Gail in the limited ensemble drama series Life and on ONETV’s sister station VisionTV as Joyce in the hilarious Britcom Boomers. Sawalha also may look familiar to you as Saffy in Absolutely Fabulous. Oh, the small world of British TV!

Fall in love again with Pride and Prejudice weeknights at 6pm ET & 9pm ET from March 16 to 23!