Gemma Whelan
Introduction:
Gemma Whelan is a British actress and comedian, known for her versatile range of roles on both stage and screen. She is best known for her portrayal of Yara Greyjoy in the HBO fantasy series, Game of Thrones. Whelan is also an accomplished stage actress, having worked with some of the most prestigious theater companies in the UK, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
In addition to her acting career, Whelan is a prolific comedian, having performed at numerous comedy festivals throughout the UK. She has also appeared on several popular British TV shows, including The Bill, Casualty, and The Catherine Tate Show.
Social:
Whelan is very active on social media, with over 50,000 followers on Instagram and Twitter. Her posts often feature behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life as an actress and comedian, as well as candid snapshots with her friends and family.
Education:
Whelan was born on April 23, 1981, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. She attended Trinity and All Saints College in Leeds, where she received a degree in drama and English. Following her graduation, Whelan went on to study at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales.
Achievements:
Whelan’s career in the entertainment industry began in earnest in the mid-2000s, when she began performing as a stand-up comedian at various clubs and festivals throughout the UK. In 2006, she won the Funny Women Variety Award, which helped to propel her career to the next level.
Whelan’s breakthrough role came in 2012, when she was cast as Yara Greyjoy in the HBO series, Game of Thrones. Her portrayal of the fierce and determined warrior princess quickly made her a fan favorite, and she remained a recurring character on the show until its final season in 2019.
Whelan has also made a name for herself on the stage, having performed with some of the most prestigious theater companies in the UK. In 2011, she won critical acclaim for her portrayal of Morwenna in the National Theatre’s production of The School for Scandal. She has also worked extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in productions of Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, and The Roaring Girl, among others.
Tragedy:
In 2016, Whelan suffered a personal tragedy when her two-year-old daughter, who had been born prematurely, passed away. Whelan has been very open about her grief in the years since, using her platform to raise awareness about infant loss and to advocate for better support for parents who have experienced similar tragedies.
In an interview with The Guardian in 2019, Whelan said, “I’ve had so many messages from people who’ve gone through the same thing. I think it’s important to talk about it, to not hide it away.”
More:
Whelan has continued to work steadily in the years since Game of Thrones ended, appearing in a variety of TV shows and films. In 2019, she starred in the BBC One sitcom, Gentleman Jack, playing the role of Anne Lister’s sister, Marian. She has also appeared in the films Surviving Christmas with the Relatives and Emma.
In addition to her acting work, Whelan is also a writer, having penned several comedy sketches and screenplays. She has also lent her voice to a number of audiobooks, including the popular children’s book series, The Worst Witch.
Conclusion:
Gemma Whelan is a talented and versatile actress who has made a name for herself in the UK entertainment industry through her work on stage, screen, and as a comedian. Despite facing personal tragedy, Whelan has remained an outspoken advocate for those who have experienced infant loss, using her platform to raise awareness and break