Hannah Waddingham is a British actress and singer born in 1974 who achieved international recognition for her Emmy Award-winning role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso.” Before her television breakthrough, she established herself in West End musical theatre with Olivier-nominated performances in “Spamalot” and “A Little Night Music,” while also appearing in “Game of Thrones” and films like “Les Misérables.” Her multifaceted career encompasses theatre, television, film, and music across multiple decades.
A versatile performer who has seamlessly shifted between West End stages and international television screens, Hannah Waddingham stands as one of Britain’s most accomplished musical theatre actresses turned television star. Born in 1974 in Wandsworth, London, she emerged from a family deeply rooted in performing arts, with her mother Melodie Kelly and both maternal grandparents establishing careers as opera singers.
Waddingham’s artistic foundation was built at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in South London, where she developed her craft without formal singing lessons while possessing an exceptional four-octave vocal range. This natural talent propelled her into West End musical theatre, where she established herself as a prominent figure through starring roles in major productions.
Waddingham’s exceptional four-octave vocal range emerged naturally without formal training, launching her distinguished West End musical theatre career.
Her theatre achievements include portraying the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, which earned her an Olivier nomination in 2007, and playing Desiree Armfelt in A Little Night Music, securing another Olivier nomination in 2010. She further demonstrated her range by taking on the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz revival, accumulating three Laurence Olivier Award nominations for Best Actress in a Musical throughout her stage career. She also created the role of Christine Warner in The Beautiful Game in 2000.
Television and film work expanded Waddingham’s reach considerably, with her breakthrough role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso bringing international recognition. This performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards. Standing at an impressive 5 feet 11 inches, her commanding physical presence has enhanced her memorable performances across both stage and screen.
Her television portfolio includes a recurring role as Septa Unella in Game of Thrones season five, appearances in Sex Education as Sofia Marchetti, and roles in films including Les Misérables, Into the Woods, The Fall Guy in 2024, and the upcoming Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in 2025.
Musical endeavors complement her acting career, beginning with her 2000 single “Our Kind of Love,” which peaked at number 41 on the UK Singles Chart. She contributed to Space Family Robinson’s soundtrack in 2002 and released her debut live album, Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, in 2023, which reached number 51 on UK Albums Downloads and number 43 on Soundtrack Albums charts.
Waddingham’s personal life reflects her international outlook, as she speaks fluent French and Italian and lived briefly in Australia in 2012. Following a decade-long relationship with Italian businessman Gianluca Cugnetto, she became a single mother in 2023, raising their daughter born in 2014.
Currently ranked as the 6,203rd most popular actor globally and 710th most popular British actor, Waddingham continues building her reputation across multiple entertainment platforms.
