Hannah Waddingham Movies and TV Shows: Full Filmography

Hannah Waddingham has a way of staying with you — whether she’s casting a unforgiving glare from behind a monastery wall or commanding a football pitch with razor-sharp wit. The British actress built her reputation in London’s West End before HBO gave her a role that became instantly iconic. Since then, she’s traded shame bells for Emmy trophies, and the screen portion of her career has only accelerated.

Game of Thrones Role: Septa Unella · Debut Film: Into the Woods (2011) · Krypton Role: Jax-Ur (2018–2019) · Benidorm Role: Tonya Dyke (2014) · Recent Credits: Ted Lasso, Hocus Pocus 2

Key biographical data anchors her career trajectory and major credits.

What is Hannah Waddingham famous for?

Hannah Waddingham first captured wider attention playing Septa Unella in HBO’s Game of Thrones, a role that lasted just two seasons but left an indelible mark. The actress, born 28 July 1974, had already built an impressive resume in musical theater, earning three Laurence Olivier Award nominations for productions like Spamalot (2007), Into the Woods (2010), and Kiss Me, Kate (2013) before transitioning to screen work.

Her breakthrough into mainstream television fame came with Ted Lasso (2020–present), playing team owner Rebecca Welton. The role earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021, solidifying her position as a rising star in American television while maintaining her UK theater credentials.

Breakout TV roles

Waddingham’s television career accelerated quickly after her West End success. She appeared as Tonya Dyke in Benidorm (2014), a British comedy series, before landing her Game of Thrones role. Following the HBO series, she took on roles in 12 Monkeys and Krypton (where she played Jax-Ur, a DC Comics villain) before Ted Lasso transformed her career trajectory.

Stage background

Her theatrical foundation gave Waddingham a confidence on camera that translated to memorable performances. Critics noted her ability to disappear into contrasting characters — from the dour, zealous Septa Unella to the confident, fashionable Rebecca Welton — a range that has become her calling card.

Who was Waddingham in Game of Thrones?

Hannah Waddingham portrayed Septa Unella in Game of Thrones seasons 5 and 6 (2015–2016). As a member of the Faith of the Seven and devoted follower of the High Sparrow, her character played a crucial role in one of the show’s most memorable storylines involving Cersei Lannister’s downfall.

Character details

Septa Unella is best remembered as the “Shame Nun” for her part in Cersei’s walk of atonement. She forced the queen to march naked through King’s Landing while ringing a bell and chanting “shame” — a scene that became instantly iconic among the show’s most devoted viewers.

According to production notes, Waddingham was just 10 weeks postpartum when she traveled to Croatia to film these sequences, demonstrating the dedication that would later define her television career.

Impact on career

The role, though limited in screen time, elevated Waddingham’s profile significantly. Casting directors took notice of her ability to deliver memorable performances in supporting roles, opening doors to projects like Krypton and ultimately Ted Lasso.

Hannah Waddingham Movies

Fourteen films and counting anchor Waddingham’s movie career, with her most recent releases positioning her for continued mainstream success. Her filmography spans musical adaptations, action-comedies, and family-friendly animated features.

Early films

Waddingham made her feature film debut in Into the Woods (2011), Stephen Sondheim’s musical anthology. She followed this with Les Misérables (2012), another musical adaptation that added to her growing filmography. Both roles leveraged her theater background effectively.

She appeared in additional early films including How to Lose Friends & Alienate People and The Only Boy for Me, though these garnered less mainstream attention than her stage and television work of the same period.

Recent movies

Waddingham’s recent film appearances demonstrate her expanding range. Winter Ridge (2018) offered a darker dramatic turn, while The Hustle (2019) brought comedic work alongside Anne Hathaway. She appeared in Hocus Pocus 2, the Disney+ sequel to the 1993 cult classic.

The year 2024 proved particularly busy: The Garfield Movie brought her into the animated family film space, while The Fall Guy paired her with Ryan Gosling in an action-comedy. Looking ahead, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is reportedly slated for 2025 release.

Hannah Waddingham TV Shows

Television has become Waddingham’s most visible platform, with recurring roles across British and American productions. Her ability to inhabit distinct characters — from period dramas to contemporary comedies — has established her as a versatile screen performer.

Supporting roles

Before her leading role in Ted Lasso, Waddingham built television experience through supporting appearances. Benidorm (2014) gave her a recurring comedic role as Tonya Dyke, while Game of Thrones (2015–2016) provided the platform that introduced her to international audiences.

She appeared in 12 Monkeys and Krypton (2018–2019), where she played Jax-Ur, a villain from DC Comics lore. This DC Extended Universe connection positioned her alongside major franchise players before her Apple TV+ breakthrough.

Lead appearances

Ted Lasso (2020–present) represents Waddingham’s first major leading television role. As Rebecca Welton, owner of AFC Richmond, she anchors one of streaming’s most celebrated comedies alongside Jason Sudeikis. Her performance earned her the Emmy in 2021.

She also voices Deliria in Krapopolis (2023–present), Dan Harmon and Debbie Osserman’s animated comedy series on Hulu, earning an Emmy nomination for her work. In Sex Education (2019–2023), she played Sophia Marchetti, Jackson’s mother, a recurring but memorable supporting role.

Hannah Waddingham New Show and Upcoming

Waddingham’s schedule remains packed with projects across film, television, and voice work. Following her Emmy win, industry interest in her casting has only increased, with several high-profile announcements confirming her trajectory.

Voice work

Beyond The Garfield Movie (2024), Waddingham continues to build her animated portfolio. Krapopolis keeps her visible in the voice acting space, while reportedly appearing in the live-action Lilo & Stitch adaptation would mark her entry into Disney’s live-action universe.

Specials

She released Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, a musical special showcasing her theatrical roots. The special drew on her West End credentials, offering fans a glimpse of the stage skills that preceded her screen success.

Waddingham represents a rare breed: an actress who conquered musical theater, transitioned seamlessly to television, and continues expanding into new formats like voice work and live event hosting. Her Emmy win for Ted Lasso wasn’t a fluke — it was recognition of a performer who’d been building toward that moment for over a decade. For viewers discovering her through Ted Lasso, her Game of Thrones work offers a reminder of her range, while her upcoming projects suggest the screen chapter is far from over.

Related reading: Hannah Waddingham Movies and TV Shows: Complete List · Percy Jackson Movies – Complete Guide to List, Cast and Future

Waddingham earned acclaim for her chilling portrayal of Septa Unella role explained in Game of Thrones seasons 5 and 6.

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