Victoria Wood

Born in Prestwich, England, comedian, actress and musical performer Victoria Wood was raised by her father Stanley, an insurance salesman, and his wife Nellie. Wood described her childhood as difficult, because she had social problems at school, and suffered from eating disorders. Around the time of her 15th birthday, however, Wood's father gave her a piano, in which she found a creative outlet for her pain and social discomfort. That same year Wood joined the Rockdale Youth Theatre Workshop where she finally felt that she fit in, and stood out because of her comedic skills. During her time as a student at the University of Birmingham, Wood began her career as a performer, appearing on a televised talent show in 1974. This foray into show business led to an appearance in a sketch comedy show on television, and later to her big break performance on BBC's "That's Life!" where she appeared as a novelty performer. In the 1980s Wood became a more established comedic performer with a sketch show "Victoria Wood as Seen on TV" (1985-87). Wood frequently collaborated with actors, Julie Walters, Duncan Preston and Celia Imrie. In addition to work as a comedic actress, Wood's act had interstitial bursts of song, which were her own original compositions performed on the piano. Wood's subject matter tended towards poking fun at British social interactions and activities. She won 4 BAFTAs, and was named as Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Wood died in April 2016.