Who is Gwyneth Strong aka Cassandra Parry in Only Fools and Horses and where is she now?
GWYNETH Strong is better known by her on-screen persona Cassandra — Rodney Trotter’s great love.
Here we get to know the Only Fools and Horses star, as well which other shows and movies she’s appeared in and what she’s up to now.
Who is Gwyneth Strong?
Gwyneth Strong was born on December 2, 1959, in London, England.
Her father Colin was a notable television director who worked on iconic shows in the sixties and seventies including The Old Grey Whistle Test and Late Night Line-Up.
Gwyneth married her long-term partner, the actor Jesse Birdsall, on July 15, 2000.
He is best known for his roles in Footballers Wives and Hollyoaks.
They have two children together — a son named Oscar born in 1988, and a daughter called Lottie, who followed in 1991.
In 2006 Gwyneth told the BBC: “We’ve done a really good job and neither of them are remotely interested in acting or having anything to do with our business at all! We did it!
“They’re going to be sensible and have jobs like normal people!”
Early career
Gwyneth began her acting journey at a young age.
She made her debut in the Royal Court Theatre’s production of Live Like Pigs at just 13 years old.
Her early television appearances include roles in The Adventures of Black Beauty (1974), Crown Court (1977) and The Flockton Flyer (1977-8).
Only Fools and Horses
Gwyneth gained mainstream recognition when she joined the cast of Only Fools and Horses in 1989.
As Cassandra Parry, she portrayed the intelligent and ambitious love interest of Rodney Trotter (played by Nicholas Lyndhurst).
Her character became an integral part of the show, with her relationship with Rodney developing throughout the series until its conclusion in 2003.
Acting portfolio
Beyond Only Fools and Horses, Gwyneth appeared in numerous films and TV shows including:
- EastEnders (2016) — Gwyneth portrayed Geraldine Clough in seven episodes of the gritty BBC soap.
- Casualty (1995-2013) — Spread out over three decades, she has appeared in three episodes of the hospital drama.
- Midsomer Murders (2010) — Taking on the role of Katie Soper, Gwyneth appeared in one episode of the beloved countryside crime series.
- Doctors (2004) — She played a character named Dee in the GP surgery-based show.
- Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married (1999-2000) — In one of her more substantial roles since Only Fools and Horses, Gwyneth played Hetty in 16 episodes.
- Real Women (1998-1999) — As Janet Crossley, she featured in seven episodes of the highly-rated programme.
- A Touch of Frost (1997) — As DSI Bailey, she was reunited with David Jason in the episode True Confessions.
- Silent Witness (1996) — Gwyneth was Patricia Denning in the episode titled Darkness Visible
Charity
Beyond her acting career, Gwyneth is involved in charitable work.
She serves as a patron for Ovarian Cancer Action, using her platform to raise awareness and resources for this important cause.
Since her 2016 appearance in Eastenders, nothing has been reported about what Gwyneth has been up to — it is also her most recent listed credit on IMDb.