What Happened to Hannah Waddingham?

Hannah Waddingham's journey to international stardom is a testament to her versatility and enduring talent, spanning over two decades in the entertainment industry. Born on July 28, 1974, in Wandsworth, London, Waddingham grew up immersed in musical theatre, with her mother and maternal grandparents being opera singers. She honed her craft on the West End stage, earning three Laurence Olivier Award nominations for her performances in "Spamalot" (2007), "A Little Night Music" (2010), and "Kiss Me, Kate" (2013). Her powerful four-octave vocal range became a hallmark of her theatrical career.

The early 2010s saw Waddingham begin a significant transition from stage to screen. While she had minor film roles like in "Les Misérables" (2012), her television career gained traction with memorable appearances as Septa Unella in HBO's "Game of Thrones" (2015–2016) and Sofia Marchetti in Netflix's "Sex Education" (2019–2023). These roles showcased her dramatic and comedic capabilities, setting the stage for her breakout success.

Her career reached new heights with her portrayal of Rebecca Welton, the formidable but ultimately endearing owner of AFC Richmond, in the Apple TV+ comedy series "Ted Lasso," which premiered in 2020. This role earned her widespread critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021 and two Critics' Choice Television Awards. The show's global popularity cemented her status as a household name.

Beyond "Ted Lasso," Waddingham has diversified her portfolio significantly. In 2023, she co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, receiving a BAFTA TV Award nomination for her performance, and released a Christmas album and accompanying Apple TV+ special, "Hannah Waddingham: Home For Christmas." Her film projects include "Hocus Pocus 2" (2022), "The Fall Guy" (2024), "The Garfield Movie" (2024), and "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" (2025). She also earned an Emmy nomination for her voice work in the animated series "Krapopolis" (2024).

As of June 2026, Waddingham continues to be in the spotlight. She is slated to star alongside Octavia Spencer in the Prime Video action-comedy series "Ride or Die," which is set to premiere on July 15, 2026. Furthermore, "Ted Lasso" Season 4 is scheduled for an August 2026 release, with Waddingham recently clarifying that rumors of a 'rift' with co-star Jason Sudeikis are "utter bollocks," emphasizing their strong friendship. In her personal life, after being a single mother since 2023, she publicly debuted her new relationship with spinal surgeon Nick Beresford-Cleary at the Variety Power of Women event in London on June 4, 2026, having previously been seen with him at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2026.