HANNAH Waddingham says Ted Lasso marked a major turning point in how the industry sees her.
The 51-year-old actress, known for playing Rebecca on the hit Apple TV comedy, has spent six years with the show, with a fourth season arriving this summer.
She proudly recalls how the role helped her break free from being typecast as ‘a tall, bigger woman.’
“Ted Lasso was a turning point in terms of being seen for the first time as not just a tall, bigger woman, but someone who has the same foibles, insecurities, vulnerabilities as anyone,” Hannah told Women’s Health UK.
More than the acclaim and Emmy win, Hannah highlights the financial stability the role brought her, allowing her to “stand on my own two feet with my daughter.”
The actress has been a single mum to her daughter Kitty, 11, who faced serious health challenges as a young child.
Hannah revealed how single parenthood once threatened her career but also gave her strength: “I thought, ‘No, I’m not going to sit in the corner with a duvet over my head and think, Oh, poor me.’ I’m going to come out fighting because I know that I have so much to give in my career.”
She emphasises the unique challenges of being the sole provider: “It’s not the same as two parents. People forget it. She is undoubtedly my greatest achievement because of that.”
Eight years ago, Hannah’s daughter was hospitalised with an auto-immune disorder, forcing Hannah to prioritise roles close to home.
It was during this time she manifested the Ted Lasso role, hoping for a job that would challenge her but keep her near London.
Just two months later, she landed the part, which films a short drive from her home.
With the new season due on August 5, Hannah promises more strong female characters to look forward to, hoping viewers embrace the latest episodes as much as the first three.