Joanna Scanlan

Joanna Marion Scanlan (born 27 October 1961) is a British actress and writer. On television, she is known for her roles in The Thick of It (2005–2012), Big School (2013–2014), Puppy Love (2014), No Offence (2015–2018), Requiem (2018), and The Larkins (2021). She was nominated for three BAFTA TV Awards for Getting On (2009–2012), including two for Best Writing. Scanlan's film appearances include Girl With a Pearl Earring (2003), Notes on a Scandal (2006), The Invisible Woman (2013), and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016). She won a British Academy Film Award and a British Independent Film Award for her performance in the film After Love (2020). Early life Scanlan was born on 27 October 1961 in West Kirby, then in Cheshire, the daughter of hoteliers Michael and Patricia Scanlan. Although born in England, her family comes from North Wales. She moved to North Wales with her parents at the age of three, where she grew up. She attended Brigidine Convent and Howell's School in Denbigh, as well as New Hall School in Chelmsford, Essex.