Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Standing Tall: Hannah Waddingham Overcomes Industry Bias in Hollywood

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

HANNAH WADDINGHAM SPEAKS OUT: "I WAS TOLD I WAS TOO BIG"

In a shocking revelation, British actress Hannah Waddingham has come forward with a disturbing tale of body shaming and sexism in the entertainment industry. The 5ft 11in beauty claims she was repeatedly told that her model stature made her "too big" to appear on camera.

But what's even more astonishing is that this wasn't an isolated incident. Hannah revealed that it was a common sentiment among casting directors, producers, and even some actors on set. She recalled in an interview with The Sunday Times: "I had a couple of day players [actors on set briefly] in Ted Lasso going, 'Is it all right if she doesn't wear shoes in this scene?' The heels stayed on." This blatant disregard for her physicality was not only humiliating but also perpetuated the notion that women should be constantly policed and reduced to their body type.

This wasn't an issue when it came to working with Jason Sudeikis , the 6ft 1in creator and star of Ted Lasso, who was happy for her to wear heels and be taller than him on screen

But Hannah's struggles with body shaming didn't start in Hollywood. In fact, they began much earlier in her life when a drama teacher at her college cruelly told her that she wouldn't work much because "it looks like one side of her face has had a stroke." This harsh comment was not only devastating but also damaging to Hannah's self-esteem and confidence.

The actress, who previously worked as a plus-size model, also revealed that she faced similar treatment from a casting director during the early stages of her career. The director allegedly branded her a "lanky freak," further eroding her faith in herself and her abilities.

However, today Hannah is a world away from receiving negative remarks about her appearance. Fans and followers on social media can't get enough of her striking features and ravishing beauty. Born and raised in southwest London, Hannah attended private girls' school Streatham and Clapham High School before going on to study at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts.

Hannah's latest roles have seen her star alongside Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning (pictured) and Lilo & Stich

But what's truly remarkable is that despite facing such daunting challenges, Hannah persevered and eventually found success in the entertainment industry. She began her career as a theatre actress, landing roles in productions like Joni and Gina's Wedding and Spamalot. Her breakout role came when she was cast as Septa Unella in Game of Thrones, which catapulted her to international fame.

Hannah's subsequent roles have seen her star alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Jason Sudeikis in Ted Lasso. But it's clear that despite her success, Hannah still carries the scars of body shaming and sexism with her. She spoke candidly about how she was once asked to remove her heels on set because they made her "too tall" for certain scenes.

But when working with Jason Sudeikis on Ted Lasso, Hannah revealed that he was more than happy for her to wear heels and be taller than him on screen. This stark contrast highlights the blatant double standards that exist in the entertainment industry, where women are constantly expected to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

In a statement that has resonated with fans worldwide, Hannah said: "I'm not just a actress, I'm a woman who's been body shamed and bullied by people in power. And it's time for that to stop." With her courage and resilience inspiring millions, Hannah Waddingham is a shining example of what it means to rise above adversity and achieve greatness despite the odds.

HANNAH'S RISE TO FAME: FROM MODEL TO HOLLYWOOD STAR

Born and raised in southwest London, Hannah Waddingham began her career as a plus-size model before transitioning to acting. After graduating from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, she landed roles in productions like Joni and Gina's Wedding and Spamalot.

But it was her breakout role as Septa Unella in Game of Thrones that catapulted her to international fame. Her subsequent roles have seen her star alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Jason Sudeikis in Ted Lasso.

In addition to her work on Ted Lasso, Hannah has also starred in Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning and Lilo & Stich. With her talent, beauty, and unapologetic attitude inspiring millions, it's clear that Hannah Waddingham is here to stay.

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HANNAH'S MESSAGE TO YOUNG ACTRESSES: "YOU ARE ENOUGH"

In an inspiring message to young actresses everywhere, Hannah Waddingham said: "Don't let anyone make you feel like you're not enough. You are worthy of love, respect, and success, no matter what your body looks like or how tall you are." With her courage and resilience serving as a beacon of hope for millions, it's clear that Hannah Waddingham is more than just an actress – she's a true icon and inspiration to us all.

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