Joanna Vanderham

Joanna Vanderham, a talented Scottish actress, was born on October 17, 1990. She made a notable entrance into the world of acting with her debut role in the Sky One crime drama series "The Runaway" in 2011. Vanderham's captivating performance in the series earned her a prestigious nomination for an International Emmy Award, highlighting her exceptional talent and promising potential in the industry.


Joanna Vanderham hails from Perth, Scotland, where she was born and raised. She spent her formative years in the picturesque towns of Scone and Dundee. Vanderham's family background is diverse, with her father, Tom, originating from the Netherlands and working as a businessman, while her mother, Jill Belch, is a respected Scottish professor specializing in cardiovascular research at Ninewells Hospital.


Growing up, Vanderham experienced the challenges of her parents' divorce during her childhood. Despite this, she found solace and support in her siblings, comprising two sisters and a brother. She began her academic journey at Robert Douglas Memorial School in Scone before continuing her education at the High School of Dundee.


Driven by her passion for the performing arts, Vanderham pursued formal training in acting at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff. Immersed in the rich cultural environment of the college, she honed her craft and developed the skills necessary to embark on a successful acting career.


Joanna Vanderham embarked on her onscreen journey in 2011 with a remarkable debut performance as Cathy Connor in the Sky TV crime drama "The Runaway," adapted from Martina Cole's novel. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career in television.
Shortly after, Vanderham showcased her versatility by taking on a supporting role in the BBC One biographical drama "Young James Herriot," further solidifying her presence in the industry.


Her breakout role came from 2012 to 2013 when she captivated audiences as Denise Lovett in the BBC television series "The Paradise." Set over two series, the show, based on Émile Zola's novel "Au Bonheur des Dames," showcased Vanderham's talent and range as an actress.
Vanderham made her foray into film with her debut role as Margo in "What Maisie Knew," sharing the screen with acclaimed actors Alexander Skarsgård and Julianne Moore.


Continuing to impress, Vanderham portrayed society girl Pamela Luscombe in the BBC drama "Dancing on the Edge," directed by Stephen Poliakoff. Her ability to inhabit diverse characters was further evident in her roles as Katherine "Kitty" McVitie in the BBC Two period drama "Banished" and Marian Maudsley in the BBC One romance television film "The Go-Between."
Throughout these projects, Vanderham's talent and dedication to her craft have shone brightly, establishing her as a formidable presence in both television and film. Her ability to breathe life into characters across various genres has garnered her acclaim and admiration from audiences and critics alike.


Joanna Vanderham's talent and dedication to her craft have earned her recognition and accolades throughout her career. In 2016, she received a Commendation at the prestigious Ian Charleson Awards for her outstanding portrayal of Queen Anne in "Richard III" at the Almeida Theatre in London. This commendation further underscored her prowess as a performer and her ability to inhabit complex characters on stage.


Continuing to showcase her versatility, Vanderham starred in the romance television film "The Boy with the Topknot" in 2016, opposite Sacha Dhawan. The following year, she delivered compelling performances as Claire Elliot in the miniseries "One of Us" (also known as "Retribution") and portrayed the younger version of Vanessa Redgrave's character, Flora, in the poignant two-part drama "Man in an Orange Shirt."


In 2019, Vanderham ventured into the American television landscape, joining the main cast of the action series "Warrior" as Penelope Blake, demonstrating her ability to excel in diverse roles across different genres. Additionally, she portrayed the recurring character Atropos in the fifth season of DC's "Legends of Tomorrow," further expanding her range and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.


Most recently, Vanderham starred as DS Amanda Drummond alongside Dougray Scott in the 2021 BritBox series "Crime," an adaptation of Irvine Welsh's novel of the same name. Her portrayal once again garnered acclaim, solidifying her status as a versatile and accomplished actress capable of delivering nuanced and captivating performances across various platforms. As she continues to grace both the small and big screens, Vanderham remains a talent to watch, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

References

1.  Banished: About Joanna Vanderham, BBC, access date 28 June 2016
2. ^ Rising Scots star Joanna Vanderham on Banished, The Herald (Glasgow), access date 29 June 2016
3. ^ McGinty, Stephen (4 February 2013). "Interview: Joanna Vanderham on nudity in Dancing On The Edge and 'fake drunk acting'". The Scotsman. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
4. ^ "Joanna Vanderham interview for Dancing on the Edge". The Telegraph. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
5. ^ "The Runaway: Joanna Vanderham Biography – Sky1 HD". Sky UK. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
6. ^ Mainwaring, Rachel (20 March 2011). "Joanna Vanderham lands role in Sky One's The Runaway". WalesOnline. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
7. ^ "Cast announced for Young James". Primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk. 3 July 2011. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
8. ^ "The Runaway by Martina Cole coming to the small screen". Dangerouslady.co.uk. Archived from the original on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
9. ^ "BBC Two – Banished – Katherine McVitie". BBC. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
10. ^ "The Go-Between: Meet the Characters". BBC One. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
11. ^ Hawkins, Helen (11 June 2017). "Paapa Essiedu wins the Ian Charleson award 2016". Sunday Times.
12. ^ Snow, Georgia (6 June 2017). "Paapa Essiedu wins 2016 Ian Charleson award". The Stage.
13. ^ "Ian Charleson Awards 2016". WestEndTheatre.com. 6 June 2017.
14. ^ Jamieson, Teddy (20 November 2021). "Joanna Vanderham on Irvine Welsh's Crime". Retrieved 20 February 2022.