Haydn Gwynne is a British actress known for her versatile range on both stage and screen. Born on February 1, 1957, in Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, Gwynne began her acting career in the 1980s after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Gwynne made her Broadway debut in 1992 in the musical "City of Angels," for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She later returned to Broadway in 2015 to star in "Threepenny Opera" as Mrs. Peachum, for which she received critical acclaim.
In addition to her success on Broadway, Gwynne has an extensive list of stage credits in the UK. She has performed at the National Theatre in London in productions such as "The Recruiting Officer," "The Crucible," and "Billy Elliot the Musical." She also starred in the West End productions of "The Audience" and "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown."
Gwynne's talent extends beyond the stage and into television and film. She is best known for her role as Lady Portia Featherington in the hit Netflix series "Bridgerton." Her portrayal of the manipulative and cunning Lady Featherington earned her critical acclaim and a legion of fans. Gwynne has also appeared in popular television series such as "Doctor Who," "Peak Practice," and "Black Mirror."
In film, Gwynne has appeared in a number of notable productions. She played the role of Mrs. Wilkinson in the film adaptation of "Billy Elliot," and starred alongside Hugh Grant in "Notting Hill." She also appeared in the 2019 film "The Elephant Man" as Princess Alexandra.
Gwynne's talent extends beyond acting as well. She has lent her voice to several audiobooks, including "The Girl on the Train" and "The Cuckoo's Calling." She also performed in the 2014 BBC Proms, singing songs from "My Fair Lady" and "West Side Story."
Gwynne's success in the entertainment industry has not gone unnoticed. In addition to her Tony Award nomination, she has been nominated for several Olivier Awards for her work on stage. She was also awarded the Clarence Derwent Award for Most Promising Newcomer in 1986 for her performance in "The Way of the World."
Offstage, Gwynne is known for her charitable work. She is a patron of the charity Acting for Others, which provides financial and emotional support to theatre workers in times of need. She is also a patron of the charity The Passage, which provides resources and support to homeless individuals in London.
In her personal life, Gwynne is married to Jason Morell, a theatre director and producer. The couple has two children together.
Haydn GwynneWomen on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Haydn Gwynne, Billy Elliot
Haydn Gwynne, Billy Elliot the Musical
Haydn Gwynne, Billy Elliot
Haydn Gwynne, Billy Elliot, The Musical
Haydn Gwynne, the Musical
Haydn Gwynne, Billy Elliot
Haydn Gwynne, City Of Angels
Haydn Gwynne has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
Haydn Gwynne has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.
Haydn Gwynne's first West End show was City of Angels which opened in 1993
Haydn Gwynne has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout her career. These nominations include Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "Billy Elliot," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Billy Elliot the Musical," and a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "Billy Elliot." She was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Billy Elliot, The Musical," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for the musical "Billy Elliot," Best Actress in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for "Billy Elliot," and Best Actress in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for "City Of Angels."
Haydn Gwynne has won several awards for her performances on Broadway, including Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "Billy Elliot," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Billy Elliot the Musical," a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "Billy Elliot," and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for the same production.
Haydn Gwynne's next show will be Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends which opens on 9/16/2023 on West End.
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