Hannah Waddingham reveals drama teacher's insult that spurred her on to be TV star
Hannah Waddingham, known for playing a lead role in the hit show Ted Lasso, recently shared her experience of being told by one of her drama teachers that she could not become successful in the television industry because of her looks.
The actress recounted a time when one of her drama instructors told the entire class that she wouldn't be successful on screen due to the appearance of one side of her face seeming as if it had been affected by a stroke.
Waddingham mentioned that the rude remark actually motivated her to keep going.
"I decided to pursue my goal no matter what obstacles come my way. Despite any challenges, I am determined to work in the entertainment industry."
Waddingham has been bestowed with an Emmy, a Critics' Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance as the owner of Richmond FC, Rebecca Welton, in the Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso.
The celebrity hailing from the southern region of London has also appeared in Game of Thrones and Sex Education. She was quite popular amongst the audience when she shared the hosting duties during the Eurovision Song Contest held last year.
The source of the image is from PA Media.
Waddingham gained attention throughout Europe when they were named as a co-host for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
Prior to achieving success in the world of film and television, she was prominently featured as a female lead in theater productions on both sides of the Atlantic, performing in the renowned West End and Broadway stages.
During the Michelle Visage's Rule Breakers podcast on BBC Radio 2, a person mentioned how the comment of their drama teacher had a lasting effect on them, causing them to experience a complex for several years.
That's the reason why, during my acceptance speech at the Emmys, I emphasized something very important to me. I had promised myself that if I ever received this award, I would use it as an opportunity to pave the way for the people in music theatre or theatre. I wanted to make sure that the door was wide open so that others could follow in my footsteps.
The teacher, as mentioned by her, did not find the comment to be of any use or encouragement or motivational in any way.
In my opinion, that was the greatest rule violation I have ever committed - just deciding to say, "Why not? I'm going to try it out."
She put a lot of effort into proving them incorrect that she stated "I used to exhaust myself completely".
In the past, I performed in a theatrical production during the evening and I would do anything to appear on camera.
In 2021, Waddingham was awarded the Emmy for her exceptional performance as a supporting actress in a comedy series for her role in Ted Lasso.
Nevertheless, she ultimately concluded that she was not receiving the television roles that she was entitled to.
I reached a moment where I comprehended that I was solely being assigned to just one scene in a project or one single episode in another. I pondered and concluded that I had put in enough effort and work. It was no longer fun or satisfying. Why should I continuously contribute to someone else's plotline?
I told my representatives that I would no longer take on any roles that only involved one scene. I found it demeaning and felt that my talent as a leading actress, which I have shown for over two decades, deserved better. Instead, I wanted to work in an industry where my contributions were valued and respected.
"I completely withdrew from the situation. However, the television series Game of Thrones grabbed my attention."
Waddingham's initial significant appearance on the screen was in the fantasy series, where she played the role of Septa Unella, also referred to as the Shame Nun. This happened in the show's fifth season.
The performer remembered how a principal at her school hindered her aspiration of becoming an actress. The reason being the headteacher believed that Waddingham was squandering her scholarly talents.
The leader of my school told me, "You have the intelligence to comprehend drama." In response, I stated, "I lack the interest in reading drama. I aspire to participate in drama."
I asked her for a referral, but she declined. However, I was able to secure a scholarship to attend the drama school and I triumphantly presented it to her by placing it on her desk. I then exited the room without bothering to close the door.
Waddingham stated that she was constantly disregarded by this person. It wasn't due to her lack of intelligence or academic prowess. Rather, it was because she had a clear idea of her goals and decided not to pursue an academic career. This person would actively prevent Waddingham from participating in school plays and instead assign her as an understudy.
When Visage asked Waddingham for guidance on how to pursue their ambitions, Waddingham suggested taking a risk and being bold. She emphasized that even if the plan doesn't go as expected, it's important to fully immerse oneself in their current circumstances and accept them. Ultimately, Waddingham emphasized the need to give it a shot and see where it takes you.
