Which actress played Elizabeth Bennet in the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice series?

Jennifer Ehle played Elizabeth Bennet in the 1995 BBC television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

The six-episode serial was adapted by Andrew Davies from Jane Austen’s 1813 novel and directed by Simon Langton. Ehle appeared opposite Colin Firth, whose performance as Mr. Darcy became equally famous. Their casting gave the production its central emotional contrast: Elizabeth’s lively intelligence and Darcy’s reserved self-command.

Ehle was chosen after auditions involving many actresses and was in her mid-twenties during production. Her performance earned the 1996 BAFTA Television Award for Best Actress. The series was broadcast on BBC1 from 24 September to 29 October 1995, with American broadcasts following on A&E in January 1996.

A common mix-up is confusing Ehle with Keira Knightley, who played Elizabeth in Joe Wright’s 2005 feature film. Julia Sawalha played Lydia Bennet in the 1995 series, while Susannah Harker played Jane Bennet. The adaptation’s success also helped make Firth an international romantic star.