Hannah Waddingham: Finding Fame at 50

Despite facing obstacles in her life that have tried to discourage her success, Hannah's career has blossomed in recent years, propelling her into the spotlight she rightfully deserves. With a lifelong connection to the theatre, she has defied expectations, finding success at a time where other stars often peak.

A Natural Born Talent

With opera singers for a mother and grandmother, Hannah was destined for the stage. But her path was far from smooth.

As a child, she faced harsh criticisms about her looks and height. Schoolmates called her a “lanky freak,” and her drama teacher cruelly said she "will never work on screen because she looks like one side of her face has had a stroke." Despite these early blows, Hannah graduated from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts and dove into West End musical theatre.

Making her West-End debut in ‘Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens’ in 1998 at age 23, this role marked the beginning of a successful career. Standout performances followed, including ‘Spamalot’ from 2006-2007, for which she received an Olivier Award nomination.

The Big Screen Is Calling

Hannah was determined to showcase her talents beyond the walls of musical theatre, but directors often dismissed her, not considering musical theatre performers as true actors. It feels like we're only now witnessing her talent, which has long been underappreciated.

After growing as an artist and diversifying her skills, she made her film debut as Elizabeth Maddox in 'How to Lose Friends & Alienate People' in 2008 and took on small roles in several other popular films and TV shows, including the historical drama 'Les Misérables' in 2012, followed ironically by the ITV comedy 'Benidorm.'

Recognition At Last

Just nine weeks postpartum and at age 40, Hannah was offered the role of Septa Unella in ‘Game of Thrones’—the nun infamous for parading Cersei Lannister naked, and ultimately meeting a brutal end.

She became one of the most iconic characters from the show, with the word "shame" forever associated with her role.

This opportunity marked a turning point, slowly opening doors that had long been closed

Hannah’s Breakthrough Performance

Her breakthrough role in ‘Ted Lasso’ catapulted her to global recognition. Playing Rebecca Welton, the AFC Richmond football club owner, from 2020 to 2023, Hannah won more than just the hearts of her audience.

She secured the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021, as well as the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021 and 2022.

In her humble acceptance speech, she advocated for British musical theatre performers and their better chances at on-screen roles in Hollywood.

Social Media Stardom

As Hannah's career gains momentum, so does her online presence and popularity. Back in 2021, she had just 120,000 Instagram followers. Today, boasting 1.2 million fans, this witty and fashion-forward celeb even has fan accounts tracking her latest outfits.

What really caught our attention, though, was her recent response to sexism on the Olivier Awards red carpet in April. When a photographer asked her to “show me leg,” Hannah’s reply was pure brilliance.

“Oh my God, you’d never say that to a man…. Don’t be a dick, otherwise I’ll move off.”

Her fearless attitude, even in such a formal environment, makes her a genuine role model for women who may have faced similar situations but didn't feel empowered to speak up.

Follow her here

Family First

Her courage and integrity also shape her personal life, as Hannah shares that she owes all her success to her daughter, and that motherhood is her number-one priority.

“As much as all of this is my absolute dream come true, if I didn’t have her, I would be a little husk in the corner,” she smiles. “There’s no me without her.”

Even with great success, family is everything. It’s refreshing to see a celebrity who is so down-to-earth, relatable, and just like everyone else.

This Is Just The Beginning

“There is a little list of people who wouldn’t give me the time of day, but now want us to work together, I’m happy to say to them, ‘Please look somewhere else. I’m human. I remember. Bog off!’”

While others questioned Hannah's abilities, she never doubted herself.

With a new Amazon series on the way, a role in the film 'Fall Guy' with Ryan Gosling currently in cinemas, and 'Mission Impossible 8' with Tom Cruise set for release in 2025, this versatile and multi-talented woman is just getting started.