Whether it’s an American fantasy drama like Game of Thrones (2011-2019), a British comedy like Benidorm (2007-2018) or a musical like Les Miserables (2012), Hannah Waddingham has graced our screens in some of the most popular TV shows and films available.
The established actress and musician has proven her versatility throughout her varied performances. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Hannah Waddingham movies and TV shows that have made her a household name within the entertainment industry.
Who is Hannah Waddingham?
Hannah Waddingham was born in 1974 in Wandsworth, London. She is best known for her contribution to the West End musical theatre scene and was involved in performing from a young age, due to her mother and grandparents profession as opera singers.
Since her acting debut in the early 2000s, Waddingham has starred in an array of different genre films and TV shows. She has earned critical acclaim for her ability to adapt to any role, from comedic characters to those of a more serious tone.
Top 10 Hannah Waddingham movies and TV shows
10. 12 Monkeys (2015)
This sci-fi mystery drama, based on the 1995 movie, follows the journey of a time traveller from the post-apocalyptic future who appears in the present day on a human race saving mission.
In 12 Monkeys, Hannah Waddingham plays Magdalena, a fanatical follower of the Army of the 12 Monkeys tasked with protecting the future leader of the organisation. She delivers an underrated performance throughout her time on screen.
9. Winter Ridge (2018)
An intense serial killer mystery, Winter Ridge follows a young detective who has to hunt a serial killer while his wife is battling for her life in a coma. Waddingham plays the role of Joanne Hill, a suspicious psychiatrist to the elderly where the serial killings are taking place.
The movie premiered at the London Independent Film Festival and won big awards in the categories of Best UK Feature and Best British Film.
8. How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008)
Hannah Waddingham’s very first film, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People, is a 2008 British comedy film that is based on the memoirs of Toby Young that were published in 2001. While her role in the movie is small, she makes the most of her screen time, and oozes fun from the get-go.
The movie also stars Simon Pegg as a version of Toby Young, as well as Megan Fox and Kirsten Dunst.
7. Tom Jones (2023)
The mini-series, based on the 1974 novel by Henry Fielding, stars Hannah Waddingham as the two-faced Lady Bellaston. She is one of the standout performers on the show with her snobbish sneers and extravagant big hair.
Tom Jones is an attempt to modernise a period drama through more comedic undertones and bold casting. The show hasn’t had the best reviews, but Waddingham is lauded as a scene-stealer and makes the show worth a watch.
6. Krypton (2018)
This series explores the untold story of Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El, who must fight for justice on his home planet. Hannah Waddingham portrayed Jax-Ur/Sela-Sonn in two seasons of the show, which was her longest time embodying the same character on screen other than in Ted Lasso.
Although it is not as well reviewed as 12 Monkeys from earlier in the list, Krypton allowed Waddingham to flex her acting muscles, as it gave her a character to really sink her teeth into.
5. Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
The Disney production, Hocus Pocus 2, follows two Salem teenagers, Becca and Izzy. They accidentally bring the Sanderson witch sisters back to life while performing a Halloween night ritual.
Waddingham only appears in one scene, as Mother Witch, but the pep talk she gives to the Sanderson sisters is iconic. She also looks amazing in the role with her fiery outfit and cool silver hair. The movie was nominated for three primetime Emmys, so it is definitely worth a watch.
4. Benidorm (2007)
This British comedy series follows holiday goers at the Solana Resort in Benidorm, Spain. It sees the same cast of eccentric characters come back at the same time every year, making for a hilarious show.
Hannah Waddingham starred in seven episodes of the show in season 6, portraying the character of Tonya Dyke. Benidorm won a number of UK awards, including Best Comedy Programme and Most Popular Comedy Programme at the National Television Awards.
3. Game of Thrones (2011)
One of the most popular television series of all time, Game of Thrones follows the story of nine families fighting for control over the lands of Westeros. Hannah Waddingham features in seasons 5 and 6 of the series as she portrays Unella, a Septa of the Faith of the Seven.
She did her own stunts throughout the series, which included being strapped to a table for 10 hours while Lena Headey poured wine on her face. Waddingham described this as “the worst day of her life”.
2. Sex Education (2019)
The Netflix original, Sex Education, comes close to topping our list. The plot follows a teenage boy who teams up with a high school classmate to set up an underground sex therapy clinic at school. The British series has received excellent reviews from critics throughout its three seasons so far.
Hannah Waddingham stars as Sofia Marchetti in the hit Netflix series. She does an exceptional job in the role, as she continues to be a professional scene-stealer.
1. Ted Lasso (2020)
The show that is taking the world by storm, Ted Lasso, follows an American college football coach who is managing the fictional AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League team. The show has become so big and successful that the AFC Richmond team was even included in FIFA 23.
The excellent performance by Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton has played a big part in this success. The on-screen chemistry she has with the rest of the cast is truly remarkable to watch. It will be remembered as one of the fundamental series of the early 2020s.
Hannah Waddingham’s future projects
Since Ted Lasso’s suspected end, Waddingham has kept busy and landed huge acting roles. She will star in Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two, which is due to hit cinemas in 2024.
She will also star in the new Garfield movie and The Fall Guy, both set for release in 2024. She will be sharing the screen with some of the most recognisable names in the industry, such as Ryan Gosling, Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.
Article by Jonathon Wilson
Jonathon is one of the co-founders of Ready Steady Cut and has been an instrumental part of the team since its inception in 2017. Jonathon has remained involved in all aspects of the site’s operation, mainly dedicated to its content output, remaining one of its primary Entertainment writers while also functioning as our dedicated Commissioning Editor, publishing over 6,500 articles.
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