Impressionist, comedienne and actress. Born in Troon (South Ayrshire), where Ancona was educated at Marr College. Her father was a naval officer and her mother designed sets at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr. Ancona moved to London in the mid-1980s to continue her studies and then began her career in stand-up comedy.
She made several television appearances, perhaps most notably in the first series of The Sketch Show for ITV but gained fame through the BBC's Big Impression (2000-04). alongside Alistair McGowan, which won a BAFTA award. In 2003, this role also brought her the Best TV Comedy Actress award. She had her own short-lived series for the BBC Ronni Ancona & Co (2007) and has subsequently appeared in a number roles and as a guest, in dramas, comedy series and on the comedy panel show QI.
She still lives in London.