Hannah Waddingham Biography

Born in London, England, Hannah Waddingham grew up in a family of performers. Her mother and both maternal grandparents were opera singers, which gave her an early appreciation for music and theater. She studied at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts before beginning her professional career in the interactive dinner theater comedy Joey and Gina's Wedding — a theater production in which the audience participates as guests at a fictional wedding. From there, she built a successful career in London's West End before gaining international recognition through film and television.

After more than two decades working in theater and then television, Hannah Waddingham became an international star through her Emmy Award-winning performance as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV's Ted Lasso (2020–present). Since then, she has continued to expand her screen career with major roles in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) and Netflix's The Woman in Cabin 10 (2025).

Long before audiences knew her from television, Hannah had already established herself as one of the West End's leading performers. Her powerful four-octave vocal range earned her starring roles in productions including Spamalot, The Wizard of Oz, and A Little Night Music, and she received multiple Olivier Award nominations along the way. She later transitioned into film and television, with memorable roles in Game of Thrones (2015–2016), Sex Education (2019–2023), Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), and The Fall Guy (2024), showcasing her versatility across comedy, drama, fantasy, and action.

Away from acting, Hannah remains closely connected to music and live performance. In addition to singing, she has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest (2023) and the Laurence Olivier Awards, celebrating the theater community where her career began. She is also an advocate for animal welfare and has spoken openly about balancing her career with raising her daughter from a previous relationship, often describing motherhood as the most rewarding role of her life.

Filmography:

High in the Clouds (2027)
Ride or Die (2026)
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
The Woman in Cabin 10 2025)
Smurfs (2025)
Lilo & Stitch (2025)
The Fall Guy (2024)
The Garfield Movie (2024)
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Ted Lasso (2020–present)
Sex Education (2019–2023)
The Hustle (2019)
Winter Ridge (2018)
Game of Thrones (2015–2016)
Les Misérables (2012)
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008)