Some people can be brutal toward workers in the entertainment industry, whether they made it or are learning. Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham recalled a story to BBC Radio that a drama school teacher insulted her face and said it was why she wouldn’t have a career on TV.
The star eventually made it on TV. Her best-known role was on Ted Lasso as Rebecca Welton. She has also starred in Sex Education, Krypton, Game of Thrones, and more.
Hannah Waddingham’s Story About a Mean Drama Teacher Insulting Her Face and Attempt at a Career on TV
On BBC Radio 2, Hannah Waddingham remembered when her teacher told her she “looks like one side of her face has had a stroke,” which was why she wouldn’t make it on TV. It reinforced her dreams as she thought at that moment, “I will do it. Come hell or high water, I will work on screen.”
The success and the moment in that classroom stuck with her. She cited that the incident inspired her to make a point during her Emmy speech that “West End musical theatre performers need to be on screen more. Please give them a chance because we won’t let you down.” Way back before she earned the award, she told herself, “If this weird moment comes and I get this award, and I get my foot in this door, I’m going to rip it off its hinges for music theatre people, or theatre people, to follow.”
What led Hannah Waddingham to take on bigger roles on TV was being fed up with her small parts, so she told her agents what was on her mind. Any offer for a single scene would be rejected because it was “insulting.” From there, “Game of Thrones happened,” which saw the turning point that would lead to other more substantial roles.
Over the years, the actress has done some movies, but she is about to take on her biggest project to date. Specifically, she’ll join Tom Cruise in the action-packed world of Mission: Impossible for the next installment, which is set for 2025. No details are currently known about her character.
