Kathy Burke was born in Camden, London in the year 1964, specifically at the renowned Royal Free Hospital. Unfortunately, her life took a tumultuous turn when her mother passed away shortly after her birth, leaving her to be placed in a series of foster homes for a brief period before her father, who struggled with heavy drinking, was able to regain custody of Kathy and her two brothers. This tumultuous early life had a profound impact on Kathy's future, shaping her into the resilient and creative individual she would become.
Kathy's early years were marked by a strong interest in the performing arts, which was encouraged by her teachers at the Maria Fidelis Secondary School in Euston. This led her to enroll in the prestigious Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington, where she honed her craft and laid the foundation for a successful acting career.
At the tender age of 17, Kathy's life took a dramatic turn when she was spotted by the acclaimed film director Mai Zetterling, who was on the hunt for talented young actresses to star in her film Scrubbers (1982). This chance encounter catapulted Kathy into the world of professional acting, and she has since appeared in a wide range of film, television, and stage productions.
In addition to her acting career, Kathy is also a gifted playwright and director. At the tender age of 22, she wrote and directed her first play, "Mr Thomas," which premiered at the Old Red Lion and featured the talented Ray Winstone in the title role.
Kathy's love of art and literature is evident in her extensive collection of first edition books, a testament to her enduring passion for the written word. Today, she resides in the charming neighborhood of Highbury, London, just a stone's throw from the iconic Arsenal football ground.