Kate Duchêne was born Catherine Anne Purves Duchêne on July 5, 1959. She is an English actress, best known for her role as Miss Hardbroom in the television adaptation of the children's books The Worst Witch.
Duchêne began her acting career at the age of 14. She then studied French and Spanish at Trinity College, Cambridge in the 1980s, where she became a member of the Footlights theatre group, writing and performing her own material. During her time at Cambridge, she also acted with the Cambridge Mummers, appearing in plays such as Measure For Measure.
In the 1980s, Duchêne joined the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, appearing in the premiere productions of Losing Venice and The White Rose. After taking a brief break to teach English in Spain, she returned in 1986 and continued to work in theatre, frequently appearing at the National Theatre in London.
Duchêne is perhaps best known for her role as Miss Constance Hardbroom, the strict deputy head and potions teacher, on the popular television series The Worst Witch. She appeared in the first episode of its spinoff, Weirdsister College, but did not return for the second spinoff, The New Worst Witch.
In addition to her work in television, Duchêne has also appeared in various radio dramas, including BBC Radio 4's Citizens and Cabin Pressure. She has also worked extensively in theatre, appearing in productions such as Afterlife and numerous other plays.
Duchêne spent her infancy in France and was brought back to England permanently in 1962, where she resides in the seaside town of Brighton. She is in a long-term relationship with Robert Hickson, with whom she has two children as of 2010.
Kate Duchêne's life and career are a testament to her dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt to a wide range of roles and mediums.
