Jane Seymour OBE, originally named Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg, was born on February 15, 1951. She is a British-American actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Seymour rose to international prominence with her role as the Bond girl “Solitaire” in Live and Let Die (1973). She is best known for portraying Dr. Michaela Quinn in the popular TV series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993-1998). Throughout her career, she has earned several prestigious awards including Golden Globes and an Emmy. Additionally, Seymour has written multiple books and launched her own product lines.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg |
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Hayes, Middlesex, England, UK |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Partners | Michael Attenborough (div.), Geoffrey Planer (div.), David Flynn (div.), James Keach (div.), John Zambetti (boyfriend) |
| Children | Four (two with David Flynn, twins with James Keach) |
| Occupations | Actress, Author, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Net Worth | $60 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Hayes, Middlesex, England, Seymour is the daughter of a nurse mother and a father who was a gynecologist and obstetrician. She has Polish Jewish and Dutch ancestry.
Growing up near London, she attended Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and Wimbledon High School. Initially training as a ballet dancer, she eventually shifted her focus to acting after her ballet aspirations did not pan out.
She adopted the stage name “Jane Seymour,” inspired by the third wife of King Henry VIII, for its distinctive appeal.
Career
Seymour’s acting career began with a small, uncredited role in Oh! What a Lovely War (1969). She gained worldwide recognition as Solitaire in the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973).
Her performances in TV miniseries such as East of Eden (1981) and War and Remembrance (1988-1989) earned her critical acclaim and awards.
She won a Golden Globe for East of Eden and an Emmy for her role in Onassis: The Richest Man in the World (1988). Seymour’s portrayal of Dr. Michaela Quinn in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman brought her further fame and another Golden Globe.
Beyond acting, she is an accomplished author of self-help and children’s books and has developed a range of products including jewelry and home décor.
Personal Life
Jane Seymour has been married four times: to Michael Attenborough, Geoffrey Planer, David Flynn (with whom she has two children), and James Keach (with whom she has twins). She became a U.S. citizen in 2005.
Seymour is a grandmother and actively supports child welfare causes as an ambassador for Childhelp. Since 2023, she has been in a relationship with musician John Zambetti.
Notably, at age 67, she became the oldest woman to pose for Playboy magazine.
Net Worth
Jane Seymour’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million, accumulated through her extensive acting career, writing, and entrepreneurial activities.
Filmography Highlights
- Oh! What a Lovely War (1969) – uncredited role
- Live and Let Die (1973) – Solitaire
- The Onedin Line (1972–1973) – TV series
- East of Eden (1981) – TV miniseries
- Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993–1998) – TV series
- Wedding Crashers (2005) – film
- Dear Prudence (2008) – Hallmark Channel film
- Love, Wedding, Marriage (2011) – romantic comedy
- Lake Effects (2012) – Hallmark Movie Channel film
- The Kominsky Method (2019, 2021) – recurring role
- The War with Grandpa (2020)
- Friendsgiving (2020)
- Ruby’s Choice (2022) – film
- Harry Wild (2022) – Acorn TV series
- Puppy Love (2023)
- Irish Wish (2024) – Netflix film
Selected Bibliography
- Jane Seymour’s Guide to Romantic Living
- Two at a Time: Having Twins
- Remarkable Changes
- Among Angels
Awards and Honors
- Golden Globe Awards: Winner for East of Eden and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman; multiple nominations
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Winner for Onassis: The Richest Man in the World; several nominations
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): Awarded in 2000 for contributions to drama and charity
