Standing tall at 5’11” without heels has become Hannah Waddingham’s secret weapon in Hollywood, thanks partly to “Ted Lasso” creator Jason Sudeikis, who embraced her towering presence when others saw it as a limitation. His supportive casting approach transformed what industry professionals once called a liability into the actress’s greatest asset, proving that confidence and talent tower above prejudices.
The journey to stardom wasn’t always smooth for the London-born actress. According to The Sunday Times, Waddingham faced repeated rejections from roles simply because of her impressive height, with industry professionals telling her she was “too big” to appear on camera and should “stay in your lane.” Even more troubling, a drama teacher at her college delivered a devastating critique, claiming she wouldn’t find much work because it “looks like one side of her face has had a stroke.”
Despite these early setbacks, Waddingham persevered through two decades of West End performances, earning three Olivier nominations for productions including “Spamalot,” “A Little Night Music,” and “Kiss Me, Kate.” Her theatrical background provided the foundation for what would eventually become a breakout television career when Sudeikis recognized her potential.
Sudeikis Champions Authentic Casting Choices
The actress’s transition from stage to screen proved challenging initially, as she struggled to secure British television roles throughout her thirties. “I could not get arrested on British television at all,” Waddingham recalled in her recent interview with The Sunday Times. Her breakthrough came with smaller parts in “Benidorm” in 2014 and “Game of Thrones” in 2015, where she portrayed the memorable Septa Unella.
Everything changed when the 6’1″ Sudeikis cast her as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso. Unlike other industry figures who viewed her height as problematic, Sudeikis embraced Waddingham’s stature, encouraging her to wear heels and stand taller than him on screen. This supportive approach contrasted sharply with the reactions of other actorsâsome of whom, according to the outlet, actually requested that she remove her shoes for scenes on the Ted Lasso set. Waddingham’s response was firm: “The heels stayed on.”
Her portrayal of the complex football club owner earned her an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2021, launching her into Hollywood stardom. The role showcased her impressive four-octave singing range and proved she could effortlessly blend vulnerability with strength under Sudeikis’s direction.
Conquering Hollywood While Staying Grounded
Today, Waddingham finds herself in demand across entertainment media. She recently appeared alongside Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible â The Final Reckoning,” filming on an aircraft carrier off the Italian coast. The experience highlighted her adventurous spirit and ability to match the energy of established action stars. Her hosting duties have further demonstrated her versatility. She presented Eurovision in 2023, showcasing her French language skills, and has fronted the Olivier Awards in both 2023 and 2024.
As a single mother to a ten-year-old daughter, Waddingham carefully balances her career choices with parenting responsibilities. She runs potential projects past her daughter, whom she describes as “my greatest champion and my most horrific critic,” according to The Sunday Times. By doing this, she makes sure work doesn’t take away from time with her daughter.
Looking ahead, Waddingham continues to build her impressive resume with roles in Prime Video’s “Ride or Die,” alongside Bill Nighy and Octavia Spencer, as well as “Lilo and Stitch,” and “High in the Clouds,” an animated musical film featuring Paul McCartney. Season four of “Ted Lasso” is also on the horizon, promising to bring her beloved character back to screens worldwide.
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