Hannah Waddingham, born on July 28, 1974, is an English actress, singer, and television presenter who has become one of the most celebrated performers of her generation, earning acclaim across stage and screen. She is best known for her breakout role as Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso, a performance that brought her widespread stardom and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Waddingham’s career is marked by a remarkable range, from her early days in West End musicals to her commanding presence in major television dramas and blockbuster films, all underscored by a powerful voice and magnetic charisma.

Waddingham’s journey began in the theater, where she established herself as a leading lady in London’s West End. She earned three Laurence Olivier Award nominations for Best Actress in a Musical, first for her portrayal of the Lady of the Lake in the Monty Python musical comedy Spamalot in 2007, a role she later reprised on Broadway in 2008. She received her second Olivier nomination for playing Desirée Armfeldt in the Stephen Sondheim musical revival A Little Night Music in 2010, and a third for her turn as Katharine in the Cole Porter musical romance Kiss Me, Kate in 2013. These stage triumphs showcased her exceptional vocal talent and comedic timing, laying the groundwork for her transition to screen.

On television, Waddingham gained significant attention for her role as the formidable Septa Unella in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones from 2015 to 2016, where her portrayal of the stern religious enforcer became a fan favorite. She also appeared in the ITV comedy series Benidorm as Tonya Dyke in 2014, and later took on the role of the villainous Jax-Ur in the Syfy series Krypton from 2018 to 2019. Her versatility was further demonstrated in the Netflix comedy-drama Sex Education, where she played Sofia Marchetti from 2019 to 2023. In 2020, she joined the cast of Ted Lasso, created by Jason Sudeikis, as the initially antagonistic but ultimately beloved club owner Rebecca Welton. The role earned her not only an Emmy but also two Critics’ Choice Television Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and two BAFTA TV Awards. She has since voiced the character Deliria in the animated series Krapopolis since 2023, earning another Emmy nomination.

Waddingham’s film career includes a supporting role in the 2012 musical Les Misérables, directed by Tom Hooper, and the thriller Winter Ridge in 2018. In 2024, she lent her voice to the animated feature The Garfield Movie and appeared in the action comedy The Fall Guy alongside Ryan Gosling. She is also set to appear in the upcoming action film Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in 2025. Beyond acting, Waddingham has become a sought-after presenter, co-hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 and hosting the Laurence Olivier Awards in both 2023 and 2024, further cementing her status as a versatile and beloved figure in entertainment.