Born in 1934, she attended a succession of Convent Schools without any sense of direction until a new elocution teacher recognised her potential, and encouraged her to apply for a Guildhall School of Speech and Drama scholarship. She won it when she was just 15, coming top in the whole of England. She spent several years at the Players Theatre in London and was very much part of the new wave which brought a fresh and exciting mood to the stage and screen in the late Tony Richardson and starring Laurence Olivier . It was in Richardson's Tom Jones (1963) that she made her film debut . Patsy Rowlands has carved a niche for herself in 10 "Carry On..." films as the hard-done-by wife or the put-upon employee, she's now one of the last surviving major "Carry On..." stars. Along with the late legendary Joan Sims she is capable of a wide range of roles. Both comedy and straight roles have made her a familiar figure to TV viewers, especially her portrayal of Betty, the feckless neighbour in the popular sitcom "Bless This House" (1971), which starred fellow "Carry On..." Sid James . In recent years she has kept herself busy in guest roles in Bottom and playing Mrs Potts in the London stage version of Beauty and the Beast. She frequently makes star guest appearances in relation to her "Carry On..." work. In 2003 Patsy made a welcome return to "Carry On...", completing several audio commentaries along with other "Carry On..." stars such as Valerie Leon , Jack Douglas and Jacki Piper for the launch of the Carlton distributed later "Carry On..." DVDs.

Her first "Carry On..." film was Carry on Again Doctor (1969) and her last Carry on Behind (1975). She is considered to be one of the major regular "Carry On..." team. Others include, Barbara Windsor , Jim Dale , and Jack Douglas . Minor stars include June Whitfield ; Suzanne Danielle ; Larry Dann ; Peter Gilmore ; Jacki Piper ; Marianne Stone and Valerie Leon .Was cast in the film Carry On London (2004), although this film appears to have failed in its bids to get funding to go into production. Patsy last appeared in a "Carry On..." film in 1975.Kept a bottle green waistcoat worn during Carry on Behind (1975) for years following the completion of the film.Telephoned by Les Dawson when she broke her ankle on stage, and he asked her to be in a new show playing his wife. Two weeks later he died from a heart attack, Patsy was said to be devastated by the news.Due to her illness, was forced to give up her plans to become an acting teacher and retire.Fell of a horse with Susannah York during the Tom Jones (1963) rehearsals.Her public memorial service was held at The Actors Church (St. Andrews) at Covent Garden, London in April, 2005. Her son, Alan Sircom, and agent, Simon Beresford, were in attendance.She was pregnant, with her son Alan, during the filming of A Stitch in Time (1963).