Diana was born in South Africa of English parents. Growing up she loved physical pursuits, such as swimming and gymnastics, and was passionate about animals. She was also an avid reader; devouring anything and everything from modern novels to Shakespeare. Gymnast or vet might both have been possible careers but Diana hadn’t yet found one that truly captured her imagination.
When Diana completed school, she came to London where she worked as a trainee designer for a soft furnishings company before realising it was not a path she wanted to pursue.
However the experience helped to give her a much needed focus and direction and soon afterwards Diana enrolled on a training course as a professional actor.
Starting a new career in an already overcrowded and highly competitive profession was definitely a challenge but she persevered and with hard work, and some lucky breaks, started to gain recognition for her talent.
Since then Diana has gone on to appear in many roles on the stage, on television, and on film; playing in everything from classical theatre to tv sitcoms. She has also been fortunate to work with some very talented people in the course of her career.
She is still passionate about animals too . . .
Diana in 1978
Hi Diana,
I was wondering if you knew where was it in the UK that you filmed the Poirot episode of “The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge?”
Dan Bergeron, Denver Colorado USA
Hi Dan,
The exteriors were filmed on moorland outside Sheffield. It was snowing and so cold that the cameras froze up and we had to stop filming.
Can’t remember where the interiors were shot, I’m afraid, it was a long time ago
Diana
Greatly enjoyed your modest (in time) but significant (in impact) contribution to Whitechapel. Sublime nonsense but done with integrity and wit!! Should see more of you on TV
Glad you enjoyed it, Peter.Thanks for letting me know.
Diana
Fantastic gripping performance in ‘A Long Days Journey into Night’ at the Edinburgh Lyceum. As a Vet Anaesthetist I always wondered how Morphine affects the mind. It is well named after the god of dreams!
Thanks, Bryony. I did some research into morphine addiction but, from what I could find out, it affects people very differently. In the end I used my intuition about the character.
Hi Diana
I found your appearance in Band of Brothers quite significant.
I am adapting a book I wrote about a WWII RAF Squadron at the moment into a mini-series.
Hearing such a great English accent within the mayhem of the 501st really hit home.
I am also acting as technical consultant on another WWII themed film, so please drop me a line.
Kind regards
Ian
Thanks for the compliment, Ian. It was a tricky scene to do because the producers decided they wanted the accent changed in post-synch.
Ms. Kent: I just wanted to say that you are such a beautiful lady. When I saw that you like animals I knew that you are a good person.
—an old cowboy and admirer
Sage
Dear Sage,
Thank you kindly. Yes, it’s true I still like and respect animals (sometimes more than people, just between you and me)
Diana
I have just finished watching ‘Undeniable’ which I really enjoyed. Your screen daughter Emma looked so much like you that I thought maybe you and Christine Bottomley might be mum and daughter in real life? The resemblance was uncanny — great casting!
Best regards
Jane
Pleased that you enjoyed it. I’m definitely not related so I guess the credit must go to the casting director. Thanks, Diana
Ditto above. Your screen daughter MUST be your real daughter, surely? Great prog, by the way.
Nope — not at all related but I’m glad you liked it anyway.
regards, Diana
I just watched the episode of Goodnight Sweetheart where you played the character Jayne Mansfield.
I love the part where you whisper to Gary Sparrow that you are wearing stockings! Now I can’t remove this fantasy out of my mind of you wearing these stockings.
Thanks for making a middle-aged man happy!
Hi.
I saw you in “The Missing”, and recognised you — I’m sure you were in “The Villagers” a million years ago. You were as fab then, as you are now.
Hi there
I am amazed you recognised me! Yes, the Villagers, a lifetime ago. But a fun time. Hope you enjoyed The Missing. Thank you so much for your message.
Just saw ur ‘Midsummer Murders’ here in NY.a few days ago...congratulations..you were .excellent..Do u ever go back to South Africa...I was on vacation last year in Capetown and did a couple of days ‘Background’ on ‘Black sales’. unfortunatly,I’m.back in freezing NY now ..Smile...John Farrer on IMDB..
Nice to hear from you John.I have just been back in Capetown for a week. Gorgeous weather. I hope New York is not still freezing! Glad you enjoyed Midsomer Murders .best wishes Diana
time to see Diana Kent in a soap, best wishes
Hi Joe
Yes that would be good!! Thanks for your message.
Heavenly Creatures , every one in that film was out standing a masterpiece what are your thoughts (honestly) on making it , for years every few months this film pops into my head
Hi Michael,
It was a difficult decision to do ‘Heavenly Creatures’ because Stephen Daldry wanted me to stay in ‘An Inspector Calls’ which was due to transfer from the National Theatre to Broadway. But the script was very good and ultimately I’m glad I did it.
Diana
Hi Diana,
I loved your work in the Jesus Code as Helena, mother of Constantine. What a remarkable lady. Thank you for bringing her character, her Christian faith and her world so long ago to life.
Kind regards,
Mark Bingham
Sydney, Australia
P.S. Just noticed the series is called Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery. However, “Jesus Code” was refered to on my screen as continuing with the next episode about Mary Magnalene. Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the compliment. I think Helena should be better known. It was a remarkable feat, travelling two years to fulfil her quest.
We filmed in Morocco in a place where they were simultaneously filming several other biblical epics — disconcerting to find a collection of Jesus’s all in the hotel swimming pool at the same time!
regards
Diana
You look very alike to Kate Winslet! When I watched Heavenly Creatures I really thought the casting of Juliet and Hilda was excellent. Great lookalikes.
Dear Diane,
Saw you in “Goodnight Sweetheart” thought you looked terrific!
Thank you, Robert
you don’t do enough T.v. .love your dark hair and beautiful dark eyes and your a wonderful actoress
Thank you, Brian
Just seen you in an old Bergerac Diana.
You dont age! Whats your secre ?
If only that was true! LOL
just watched you in the missing. i thought your performance was incredible, underplayed to perfection, specific
and suggestive of the terrible secret later conveyed whilst never giving it away. your performance stole the show for me. tricky, murky, duplicitous... loved it
Thanks for the compliment, Aaron. Glad you liked it
Hi Diana. Was enjoying your performance too in an episode of ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’. Some of your earlier photo’s
Remind me of Mila Kunis. I hope you take that for the compliment that it is intended.
Kind regards, David.
Diana, Just getting Midsomer Murders in the US via Netflix. Thought you were outstanding in the Fisher King. I know 2004 was a while ago, but that is what is great about cinema, it lives on. I will look for more of your work. Best wishes.
Kevin
Well ‘Lady Rose’ I have now checked out all your work and think what a fine actress you are, from an armchair critic.
Hi Lady Rose, just spotted what a fine actress you are in Father Brown and in all your other acting roles — from an armchair critic who may have called you Miss Rose in an earlier comment.
Hi Diana. I hope this finds you well. Just watched you in episode 7 of father Brown, one of my favourite dramas.
I would very much like to know more about you, perhaps dinner with a young man??
Just saw you in Goodnight Sweetheart and you played a great seductress auctioneer! How on earth could Gary refuse your charms rgds Fergal
Have recently discovered the superb ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ series,never watched them in their day,well written and acted sitcom,heads above many others,very funny and enjoyable episode when Gary rents the shop from the estate agents,regards,Blake,Cheshire.
To everyone who has left comments recently:
2017 was a difficult year for me and my family, so I apologise for not responding personally but thank you for getting in touch. This year has been better. I am taking life and work a little easier and getting more from both.
very best wishes, Diana
Hello Diana,
I saw you on the TV program Poirot, ‘Mystery at Hunter’s Lodge’.
I really love this épisode, you’re so Beautiful.
Regards,
Jullian, from France
Merci, Jullian
Diana
Hi, Diana,
Just saw Poirot the episode of “The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge” again. What a wonderful appearing!
Admirer from China
Haolin
Thank you, Haolin. I didn’t know they showed Poirot in China!
Diana
Beautiful participation in Band of Brothers,
deep and delicate at the same time.
Thank you, Joao.
Hi Diana. Just having a re-run of Goodnight Sweetheart and have just got to Series 3 where you make an appearance as Jayne Mansfield. You are quite simply stunningly beautiful. Kind regards.
You’re very kind, Garry. Thanks
Diana
Saw you on midsummer..beautiful lady
Thank you, Walt
Diana
Hi just saw you as lady rose in father brown. Wonderful acting.
Thanks, John,
Diana
You’re a fantastic actress, seen you in so many wonderful productions- are you related to the director Jonathan Kent?
Thank you for the compliment, Claudia. No, no relation to Jonathan Kent but I do admire his work.
Best wishes,
Diana
Hi Diana — I was 7 when TV first came to SA and one of the most memorable TV series was The Villagers. Did you play the part of Wendy McRae? (I sort of had a crush on you back then!!)
Kindest regards
Hi Clynton,
Yes, that was me, Wendy in the Villagers all those years ago.
Hello to your 7 year old self — well remembered!
Best wishes
Diana
No wonder Ron fell off his ladder
Which episode of Band of Brothers did you appear in?
Hope to hear from you
Regards
Dave
Hi Dave, it’s all there in the TV section if you look,
Dear Diana,
I only want to say that I have never heard of someone in the public eye replying to strangers in this way. Perhaps I should get out more. I appreciate your doing this. It´s a nice gesture. Praise.
Bob
That’s very sweet of you, Bob. It’s nice to hear from people and I usually try to reply if I can.
Diana
Hi Diana, just watched Belgravia and was struck by the quiet class and beautiful enunciation and empathy of your participation. Feeling I knew the face I looked for you on credits as Duchess of Richmond — lo and behold, I didn’t know you.
But I shall certainly look out for you in future, both in past productions and those still to come. Do you get a heads-up when re-showings ( is there such a word?) are due?
Congratulations on a successful career
Francesca
Hi Francesca,
Thank you for your kind words. They don’t usually tell us when they repeat tv shows but sometimes my friends let me know when they see me in something. The ones that seem to be most repeated are Poirot and Midsomer Murders.
Very best, Diana
I saw you tonight on Father Brown. I wasn’t familiar with you here in the US. Just wanted to say you were great in that episode. What a timeless beauty you are.
Thank you, Mike.
Diana
Hi Diana,just seen you in an old Bergerac.You played a strange ol character in it,where you believed you was a witch from a previous life.i enjoyed your Performance.What was John nettles like to work with ? Regards Jason Mee
Hi Jason,
Glad you enjoyed it. John Nettles is a very nice man. I worked with him again in 2004 on ‘Midsomer Murders’ and he remembered the Bergerac episode perfectly even though it had been many years — impressive because he was in a lot of them!
Diana
Just saw you in Goodnight Sweetheart on Forces TV Diana great acting so sexy
Thanks, Kevin. Hope you’re keeping safe.
Diana
Good afternoon Diana and a very Happy Easter,
I hope you are making the most of the lockdown and staying safe. I have to add that i just saw you in Goodnight Sweetheart and must admit i thought it was an amusing episode and i think that you more than lived up to the characters namesake.
Enjoy this sunny day and please stay safe.
Ty
Happy Easter to you too, Tyrone
Enjoy the weather and stay healthy!
Diana
Just watched your brief appearance in Band of Brothers. You may have only been on camera a couple of minutes, but you totally illuminated the scene you were in.
Hi Nic,
Yes, a brief but memorable experience for me. Glad you enjoyed it.
Diana
I remember you from The Villagers, way back in the 70’s. Still as beautiful as ever!
Hi Mike,
Gosh, that was a long time ago but thank you.
Diana
I have just watched The Last Letter from Your Lover. You are so beautiful. Trying to find how old are you. Of course I don’t ask you. Actually it doesn’t matter. Your beauty is eternal.
Hi Radovan,
Of course, you know a lady never reveals her age!
Thank you for your kind words though.
Eternally, Diana
Hi Diana, I have just watched Last Letter from your Lover. That last scene was beautifully acted and I cried. I hope you keep on working and don’t retire. Thank you.
Hi Doreen,
Pleased to hear you were moved by the film. It’s a beautiful story and I was glad to be part of it.
The good thing about being an actor is stories encompass all ages — so I won’t be retiring just yet.
Very best, Diana
Hi Diana. I have just seen you in an Episode of Heatbeat. My husband immediately said you had played Wendy Mc Rae in the Villagers in South Africa. Could he be correct.
Gail Browne
Surrey UK.
Hi Gail,
Your husband must have amazing recall. Yes, that was me in ‘The Villagers’. It’s hard to imagine nowadays with so many different channels to watch, that we opened South African tv with that series — and there was just the one channel !!!
All the best, Diana
Diana,
Are you related to Amanda Tapping at all? You gals could be twins! Just saw you in Midsomer Murders, and the resemblance is uncanny! You were wonderful in the show as well!
Thanks,
Paul
Hi Paul,
Glad you enjoyed ‘Midsomer Murders’. No, no relation to Amanda, I’m afraid.
Diana
Dear Ms Kent,
I am writing to express my admiration for your amazing portrayal in Poirot’s episode Hunter’s Lodge. I was captivated by your performance and how you brought your character to life.
I have been a fan of Poirot since I was a kid, watching the dubbed version on Iranian state TV twenty something years ago. I still enjoy watching one episode per night, and tonight it was Hunter’s Lodge. I loved how you played the only woman in the plot, who turned out to be a criminal (I know Agatha Christie’s methods too!). I have studied English literature and I share your passion for reading. I think it’s wonderful that you still maintain a blog instead of using social media. You have such a unique voice and perspective that I always look forward to reading your posts. I hope that someday I will have the opportunity to meet you in person, either in Iran or in England.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. It would mean so much to me if you could send me an autograph or a reply. You are an inspiration to me and many others who appreciate your work.
Best regards,
Mahyar Ebrahimi,
Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Dear Mahyar,
Thank you so much for complimentary letter. It is quite a long time since I recorded ‘Hunter’s Lodge’ but it seems to get shown quite often and it’s nice to be part of something that still gives enjoyment to people.
I don’t read as much these days as I used to but I enjoy listening to the occasional audiobook. My taste is more for biographies than crime fiction though!
Nice to hear from you,
Very best wishes,
Diana
Dear Diana,
I just wanted to express how much I enjoyed your character as Mrs. Lamb in Band of Brothers. As a dual citizen and former UK resident, I would likely have seen you in more recent productions.
However, you will remain in my heart as the lovely, hard-working and oh-so-sexy British milf of my dreams...
I hope you are well.
My Best Wishes,
Peter