| Real Name: | Harriet Jane Morahan |
| Birthday: | February 6, 1967 |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Height: | 172 cm |
| Occupation: | English Actress |
Harriet Morahan, a talented English actress, has captivated audiences with her diverse range of roles in television, film, and theater. Harriet Jane Morahan inherited the artistic prowess from her father, Christopher Morahan, a renowned television and stage director known for his work on The Jewel in the Crown (1984).
Throughout her career, Morahan has proven her versatility as an actress with stellar performances in projects like The Golden Compass (2007), The Bank Job (2008), The Bletchley Circle (2012-2014), Mr. Holmes (2015), My Mother and Other Strangers (2016), and her enchanting portrayal of Agathe/The Enchantress in the widely acclaimed Beauty and the Beast (2017). With each role, she continues to showcase her profound understanding of her characters and her commitment to her craft, making her a remarkable force in the world of acting.
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Early Life and Education
Harriet Jane Morahan, better known as Hattie Morahan, was born on October 7, 1978, in Lambeth, London, England, to a family deeply rooted in the world of theater and film. Her father, Christopher Morahan, was a renowned director, while her mother, Anna Carteret, was an accomplished actress. Tracing further along the branches of her creative lineage, Hattie’s half-brother, Andy Morahan, made a name for himself as a music video and film director.
Born and raised in London, Hattie Morahan was immersed in the arts from a young age. She attended Frensham Heights School, an independent institution known for its emphasis on individuality and culture. Passionate about literature, Hattie eventually moved on to pursue higher education at New Hall, Cambridge, where she studied English Literature.
Throughout her time at Cambridge, Hattie honed her acting skills by participating in student theater productions. This invaluable experience laid a solid foundation for her later career as a professional actress. Hattie Morahan’s early exposure to the world of theater and film, coupled with her formal education in both literature and acting, has indubitably shaped her into the versatile and accomplished performer she is today.
Acting Career
Hattie Morahan is a talented English actress with a diverse background in both stage and screen performances. Over the years, she has worked with some of the UK’s leading theatre companies such as the Donmar Warehouse, National Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, and Royal Shakespeare Company.
Hattie’s acting career began while she was still studying, with her first appearance in the television movie, The Peacock Spring. She later pursued a B.A. degree in English from Cambridge University before focusing her career fully on acting. As a stage actress, Hattie has performed in productions such as Love in a Wood, Hamlet, Night of the Soul, Prisoner’s Dilemma, Iphigenia at Aulis, Twelfth Night, ‘See How They Run, The Seagull, and Sense and Sensibility.
One of Hattie’s notable stage performances was in The Circle at the Tricycle Theatre, where she won critical acclaim. In addition to her stage work, Morahan has also appeared in a variety of television shows. She has made guest appearances on popular series like New Tricks, Out of Time, and BBC1’s Lark Rise to Candleford.
Hattie Morahan’s film career includes roles in The Bank Job, Summer in February, and Eternal Law. Her portrayal as Ann in the film Mr. Holmes’ garnered praise from both critics and audiences alike. Some of her other prominent roles include Alice in The Bletchley Circle, Agathe/The Enchantress in Beauty and the Beast, and Rose Coyne in My Mother and Other Strangers.
Hattie has worked with various directors and playwrights throughout her career, covering a wide range of genres and styles. This versatility has allowed her to continue landing significant roles in projects such as A View from the Bridge, The Prisoner’s Dilemma, Arthur and George, The Outcast, and Ballot Monkeys. With her impressive repertoire of work, Hattie Morahan remains a respected and sought-after actress in both the British theatre and film industry.
Filmography
Movies
Hattie Morahan has appeared in various films throughout her career. Among her notable roles, she portrayed Sister Clara in The Golden Compass (2007), Gale Benson in The Bank Job (2008), Ann in Mr. Holmes (2015), and Agathe/The Enchantress in Beauty and the Beast (2017).
Television
Morahan has also had a significant presence on television. Some of her notable TV appearances include her roles in:
- The Peacock Spring (1996)
- Bodies (2004-2006)
- Outnumbered (2007-2014)
- The Bletchley Circle (2012-2014)
- My Mother and Other Strangers (2016)
In addition to these roles, she has made appearances in various TV dramas such as Agatha Christie’s Marple and Lark Rise to Candleford.
Theatre
Hattie Morahan’s career has also encompassed theatre work. Her performances in plays such as Arsenic and Old Lace, reflect her talent and versatility as an actress. With her experience in movies, television, and theatre, Morahan has demonstrated a broad range of skills and artistry in her work as an actress.
Major Roles and Characters
Hattie Morahan is an accomplished English actress with numerous significant roles throughout her career. These roles span across film, television, and stage performances, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
One of her earlier screen roles was as Sister Clara in the 2007 film adaptation of Philip Pullman’s novel, The Golden Compass. In this fantasy film, Morahan’s character was a loyal and dutiful servant of the villainous organization, The Magisterium. Following this, she portrayed Gale Benson in the 2008 crime thriller The Bank Job, a film inspired by the true events of the 1971 Baker Street robbery.
Morahan’s TV work includes playing Alice in the British drama series The Bletchley Circle from 2012-2014, bringing to life a code-breaking heroine who played a significant role in the intricate storyline. Another notable role on the small screen was as Rose Coyne in the 2016 period drama My Mother and Other Strangers, where she played a woman trying to navigate life in a small village in Northern Ireland during World War II.
In the 2017 live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Morahan took on the dual roles of Agathe and The Enchantress in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. With this performance, she portrayed the powerful being who cursed the selfish prince, transforming him into the iconic beast.
Additionally, she has worked extensively in theater, such as in the role of Catherine in Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge. Other notable stage roles include Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility, Nina in The Seagull, and Ann Kelmot in Mr. Holmes.
Throughout her career, Hattie Morahan has managed to captivate audiences with her talent, covering a wide range of characters, including Siobhan in TV series Outnumbered and Katie Mitchell in Bodies. With each performance, she brings depth and emotion to the characters she inhabits, showcasing her range as an accomplished actress in the world of film, television, and theater.
Collaborations and Associations
Harriet Morahan has had the opportunity to work with numerous respectable individuals in the entertainment industry, enhancing her experience and widening her acting range. One noteworthy collaboration was with Andrew Davies, a renowned screenwriter, on his adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility in 2008, where Morahan portrayed the character of Elinor Dashwood.
Another prominent association was with playwright Peter Flannery when she played the role of Elizabeth I in his historical drama The Devil’s Whore the same year. This role allowed her to showcase her strong acting skills when playing powerful historical figures. Morahan’s versatile acting talents are also evident in performances such as those in Euripides’ The Bacchae and Chekhov’s Three Sisters, where she worked closely with playwrights Nick Dear and Martin Crimp, respectively.
In her stage career, Morahan has worked with esteemed actors such as Douglas Hodge and Ben Whishaw. One memorable on-stage performance was as Penelope Toop in See How They Run, where she co-starred with Hodge. Additionally, her collaboration with Whishaw, one of Britain’s leading young actors, in the T.S. Eliot play The Family Reunion elevated her standing within the theater community.
Besides her work in classical theater, Harriet Morahan has also appeared in more contemporary plays like David Hare’s adaptation of The House of Bernarda Alba and Martin Amis’ The Pregnant Widow. Another notable collaboration was with the influential British painter, Laura Knight, in her biographical film The Real Laura Knight.
Throughout her career, Harriet Morahan has demonstrated her adaptability and the ability to work with prominent figures in the arts, ranging from screenwriters to playwrights, actors, and painters. This diverse array of collaborations and associations has greatly contributed to her continued success and recognition, firmly establishing her as a versatile and talented actress in the English-speaking entertainment world.
Personal Life
Hattie Morahan, born Harriet Jane Morahan on October 7, 1978, is a British actress hailing from Lambeth, London, England. With a height of 5’8″ (1.73 m), she made a name for herself in notable roles in films such as The Golden Compass and Beauty and the Beast.
Growing up in a family deeply involved in the entertainment industry, she inherited the passion for acting from her parents. Her father, Christopher Morahan, is an accomplished television and stage director, and her mother, Anna Carteret, is an esteemed actress. Hattie has four siblings – Andy, Ben, Lucy, and Rebecca Morahan.
As encouraged by her parents, Hattie pursued a Bachelor’s degree in English at New Hall, Cambridge college in 2000 upon completing her schooling at Frensham Heights School. Initially, she contemplated attending Newcastle University but eventually opted for Cambridge.
In her personal life, Hattie has been in a long-term relationship with actor Blake Ritson. Together, they have worked on various stage productions and shared their passion for the arts.
Throughout her career, Morahan has showcased her talent in various roles, earning significant recognition and accolades for her work. By exhibiting her exceptional portrayal of characters and maintaining a confident, knowledgeable, and clear presence on screen, she has cemented her position in the world of acting.
Awards and Recognition
Hattie Morahan, a talented English actress, has gained recognition for her outstanding performances both on screen and on stage. One of her acclaimed roles was in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, which earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. The win placed her amongst some heavyweights in the industry.
Morahan has also made her mark in television. With credits such as Sister Clara in The Golden Compass (2007), Gale Benson in The Bank Job (2008), Alice in The Bletchley Circle (2012-2014), Ann in Mr. Holmes (2015), and Rose Coyne in My Mother and Other Strangers (2016), she has shown her versatility and range. Her enchanting performance as Agathe/The Enchantress in Beauty and the Beast (2017) further solidified her reputation as an actress to watch.
As a young performer, Morahan participated in the National Student Drama Festival, an opportunity for budding actors to showcase their talents in front of peers and professionals. Hattie’s early involvement in the festival proved to be an excellent training ground, as she went on to pursue a successful acting career.
In summary, Hattie Morahan has earned various accolades and praise throughout her career and continues to be a prominent figure in the world of acting. Combining her early experiences at the National Student Drama Festival with her dedication and talent, she has built a noteworthy list of credits and recognitions in the industry.