Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 10, 2025 · Entertainment

Hannah Waddingham's Rise: From Mockery to Hollywood Stardom

Hannah Waddingham, 50, almost ditched her acting career entirely, when her former drama teacher mocked her appearance and knocked her confidence (pictured in May)

Hollywood Star Hannah Waddingham Opens Up About the Crushing Blow that Nearly Derailed Her Career

In a shocking revelation, actress Hannah Waddingham has spoken out about the brutal criticism she received from her former drama teacher at just 19 years old. The now 50-year-old star's glittering career, which boasts A-list connections and numerous red carpet appearances, was on the brink of being derailed by the cruel comments.

Hannah, who grew up in Wandsworth and attended The Academy Of Live And Recorded Arts, recalled the devastating words spoken by her drama teacher: "It looks like one side of your face has had a stroke." The hurtful remark not only knocked Waddingham's confidence but also led to a dark period where she stopped auditioning for TV roles altogether.

Hannah, who went to The Academy Of Live And Recorded Arts in Wandsworth, was 19-years-old when she was told she would 'never' make it (pictured in 2006)

The actress, who stands at 5ft 11in and is known for her stunning looks, revealed that she was also told she was "too big" to appear on camera. However, this didn't seem to be an issue when working with Jason Sudeikis, the creator and star of Ted Lasso, who happily accommodated Waddingham's need to wear heels, allowing her to tower above him on screen.

But it seems that not all men were as accepting. Hannah confessed that during filming for Ted Lasso, some male actors asked her to remove her heels in certain scenes. "I even had a couple of day players going, 'Is it all right if she doesn't wear shoes in this scene?'" Waddingham recalled.

Fortunately, the actress has long since moved on from those trying times and is now world-renowned for her beauty and talent. Fans marvel at her stunning looks on social media, but what they may not know is that Waddingham's journey to stardom was far from smooth sailing.

Hannah recalled the very cruel comments her drama teacher said about her face,

After graduating from drama school, Hannah focused on making it big in the theatre world, landing roles in productions such as Joni and Gina's Wedding and Space Family Robinson. Her breakthrough moment came when she starred as Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, earning her an Olivier Award nomination.

As Waddingham's career gained momentum, she began to make a name for herself on TV and film. In 2008, she made her big-screen debut in How To Lose Friends and Alienate People, followed by roles in Benidorm and Game of Thrones. The latter cemented her status as a Hollywood star, paving the way for future hits like Sex Education and Ted Lasso.

Waddingham's latest projects have seen her shine alongside Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning and voice-starring in the animated film Lilo & Stich. Despite facing setbacks early on, the actress has come out on top, proving that with determination and hard work, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Hannah also revealed she was told she was 'too big' to appear on camera because of her modelesque 5ft11 frame

The Rise of a Star

Hannah Waddingham's journey to stardom is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft. From her early days as a theatre actress to her current status as a Hollywood A-lister, she has consistently pushed herself to excel in the competitive world of entertainment.

In 2000, Waddingham released the single "Our Kind of Love," written by Andrew Lloyd Webber for his musical The Beautiful Game, to commemorate the composer's 50th birthday. This marked one of her earliest forays into music, but it was clear that her true calling lay in acting.

As Waddingham's profile grew, so did her list of credits. In addition to her role as Septa Unella in Game of Thrones, she also appeared in Benidorm and Sex Education, solidifying her position as a sought-after actress.

But it was her starring role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso that truly catapulted Waddingham into the stratosphere. Her portrayal of the warm-yet-icy football club owner earned her widespread acclaim, cementing her status as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

A Lesson Learned

Waddingham's experiences have undoubtedly taught her valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance. "I hope [my former drama teacher] is rotting somewhere," she quipped in a recent interview with The Sunday Times. "People like that are often motivated by their own insecurities."

This candid comment speaks volumes about Waddingham's growth as an individual and an artist. Having faced down the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, she has emerged stronger and more determined than ever.

As fans continue to marvel at her beauty and talent on social media, it's clear that Hannah Waddingham is here to stay. With a career spanning over two decades, numerous accolades under her belt, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, this Hollywood star is truly one of the most exciting talents in the industry today.

Stay Informed with The Scholarly Note

For the latest news and updates on Hannah Waddingham's career, subscribe to our showbiz newsletter at thescholarlynote.com. Stay ahead of the curve with exclusive content, viral moments, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of entertainment.