From Royal Shakespeare actress to the architect of modern crime television and literature
In short: Lynda La Plante transformed from a stage performer into a powerhouse of crime fiction. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she pivoted to writing, creating iconic series like Prime Suspect and Widows. Her influence spans decades, earning her prestigious honors for both her storytelling and forensic accuracy.
Born in 1943 in Newton-le-Willows, Lynda La Plante initially pursued a career as an actress under the name Lynda Marchal. Her early professional life included performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and roles in various television programs. However, her trajectory shifted in 1974 when she secured her first scriptwriting role for the children's series The Kids from 47A. This transition proved pivotal, leading to her breakthrough in 1983 with the creation of the robbery drama Widows, which centered on the wives of deceased criminals executing a heist.
La Plante’s career is defined by her ability to bridge the gap between literature and television. Following the success of Widows, she published her debut novel, The Legacy, in 1987, which launched a prolific career as a best-selling author. Her most significant television contribution, Prime Suspect, debuted in 1991 and became a global phenomenon, earning her multiple Emmy Awards. She later established her own production company, La Plante Productions, which allowed her to oversee acclaimed series such as Trial & Retribution and The Commander, while simultaneously expanding her literary output with the Anna Travis series.
Her impact on the genre has been formally recognized by both the literary and scientific communities. In 2008, she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to drama, literature, and charity. Notably, in 2013, she became the first non-scientist to receive an honorary fellowship from the Forensic Science Society, an honor bestowed for the meticulous accuracy of the forensic details in her work. Most recently, in 2024, she received the Diamond Dagger award from the Crime Writers' Association of Britain, cementing her legacy as a titan of crime and mystery fiction.
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