Actress Hannah Waddingham's Secret 'Little List' of Career Setbacks

Hannah Waddingham Stands Up to Red Carpet Photographer Who Asks Her to Show Leg

Hannah Waddingham Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Hannah Waddingham, the 49-year-old star of Ted Lasso, shared on the April 21 episode of the podcast Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist that she has no interest in reconnecting with those who turned her away when she was trying to make it in the film and television industry. In fact, she confessed that she maintains a mental list of these individuals.

Waddingham expressed her satisfaction in turning down those who previously ignored her but now seek collaboration. She confidently tells them to find someone else because she values her humanity and remembers their past behavior.

Her performance as AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso earned Waddingham an Emmy Award in 2021. The popular Apple TV+ comedy series, which aired from 2020 to 2023, also featured actors like Jason Sudeikis, Juno Temple, Phil Dunster, and Brett Goldstein.

Waddingham has recently ventured into the world of movies, starring alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in The Fall Guy and lending her voice to a character in The Garfield Movie. She will also be seen in the upcoming Mission: Impossible 8 with Tom Cruise.

Despite her success in Hollywood, the journey to becoming a screen star was filled with challenges. In a recent interview on the BBC podcast Michelle Visage’s Rule Breakers, she shared a memory from earlier in her career. A drama teacher once told her class that she would never work on screen because of her facial features. Determined to prove this teacher wrong, she was motivated to pursue her dreams no matter what obstacles came her way.

Waddingham, a seasoned theater performer, has showcased her talent on both Broadway and London's West End. She received praise for her roles in Spamalot and A Little Night Music, among others. In addition to her theater work, she also made brief appearances on television.

After realizing she was only being given small roles in theater and television productions, Waddingham decided she had reached a point where she had done enough. She questioned why she should continue to contribute to someone else's storyline when she felt it was no longer fulfilling or enjoyable.

She informed her agents that she was no longer willing to accept roles with only one scene because she found it disrespectful. After being a leading lady for 22 years, she felt she deserved better and wanted to be in a place where her talent was truly valued.

As a result of her decision, she took on the role of Septua Unella in seasons five and six of the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.

Waddingham is not afraid to speak up for herself now. During the Olivier Awards in London, a photographer asked her to "show leg" while posing. She immediately stood up for herself by saying, "Oh my god, you’d never say that to a man. Don’t be a dick otherwise I’ll move off. Don’t say ‘show me leg.’ No."

Editor's P/S:

Hannah Waddingham's resilience and determination in the face of rejection is both inspiring and empowering. Her unwavering belief in herself and her talent, despite the discouragement she faced, serves as a reminder to never give up on our dreams. Her refusal to compromise her self-worth and value by reconnecting with those who once dismissed her is a testament to her strength and integrity.

Waddingham's journey also highlights the importance of self-advocacy. By speaking up for herself and demanding respect, she not only protects her own boundaries but also sets a positive example for others. Her story reminds us that we have the power to shape our own destinies and that we should never allow others to define our limits.