Shirley Henderson

Scottish actress (born 1965) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shirley Henderson

Shirley Henderson (born 24 November 1965) is a Scottish actress. Her accolades include two Scottish BAFTAs, a VFCC Award and an Olivier Award, as well as BAFTA, BIFA, London Critics' Circle, Chlotrudis, Gotham, and Canadian Screen Award nominations.

Quick Facts Born, Nationality ...
Shirley Henderson
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Henderson in 2009
Born (1965-11-24) 24 November 1965 (age 59)
Forres, Moray, Scotland
NationalityScottish
Alma materAdam Smith College
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
OccupationActress
Years active1986–present
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Henderson's film roles include Gail in Trainspotting (1996) and its 2017 sequel, Jude in the Bridget Jones films (2001–2025), and Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). Her other notable credits include Rob Roy (1995), Wonderland (1999), Topsy-Turvy (1999), 24 Hour Party People (2002), Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself (2002), Intermission (2003), American Cousins (2003), Frozen (2005), Marie Antoinette (2006), Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008), Life During Wartime (2009), Meek's Cutoff (2010), Anna Karenina (2012), Filth (2013), Okja (2017), Never Steady, Never Still (2017), and Stan & Ollie (2018).

Henderson starred as Isobel Sutherland in the BBC series Hamish Macbeth (1995–97) and played Frances Drummond in the BBC drama Happy Valley (2016). She was nominated for RTS Awards for the BBC miniseries The Way We Live Now (2001) and the ITV television film Dirty Filthy Love (2004), and received a BAFTA nomination for her portrayal of Claire Salter in the Channel 4 miniseries Southcliffe (2013). She won the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Elizabeth in the original Old Vic production of Girl from the North Country.

Early life

Henderson was born on 24 November 1965 in Forres, Moray, and grew up in Kincardine-on-Forth, on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, in Fife.[1][2] She attended Dunfermline High School.[3] As a child, she began singing in local clubs, at charity events, holiday camps and even a boxing contest.[1][4] At age 16, Henderson completed a one-year course at Adam Smith College, resulting in a National Certificate in Theatre Arts.[5] At 17, she moved to London, where she spent three years at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 1986.[6][7]

Career

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Perspective
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Henderson in 2009

Henderson's first television performance was in the leading role of Elizabeth Findlay in the 1987 ITV children's television drama Shadow of the Stone, for which she was cast by Leonard White.[8] Having appeared in theatrical productions in Scotland in 1986 and 1987,[9][10][11] she was directed by Peter Hall at the Royal National Theatre as Fanny Lock in Entertaining Strangers from October 1987 to March 1988,[12] and as Perdita in The Winter's Tale from April to November 1988.[13]

In 1990, she played the title role in Eurydice at the Chichester Festival,[14] and also appeared on television in Wish Me Luck[8] and Casualty.[15] She landed the key role of Isobel in the popular BBC series Hamish Macbeth in 1995.

Henderson then moved into films, playing Morag in Rob Roy (1995) and Spud's girlfriend Gail in Danny Boyle's Trainspotting (1996). She continued her work in the theatre, including many productions at the National Theatre in London.[citation needed] The next year, she appeared in Mike Leigh's Topsy-Turvy, in which she demonstrated her singing skills, and Michael Winterbottom's Wonderland.

Henderson played Jude in all three Bridget Jones films and Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). She co-starred in the British film Close Your Eyes (2002) along with Goran Višnjić and Miranda Otto and played French princess Sophie-Philippine in Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette (2006).

She played the school matron in Nick Moore's 2008 film Wild Child.[16]

Small-screen appearances have included playing Marie Melmotte in The Way We Live Now (2001); Catherine of Braganza in Charles II: The Power and The Passion (2003); Charlotte in Dirty Filthy Love (2004); Ursula Blake in the Doctor Who episode "Love & Monsters" (2006); Emmeline Fox in The Crimson Petal and the White (2011); DS Angela Young in Death in Paradise (2011); and Meg Hawkins in Treasure Island (2012). She played Karen, the lead role, opposite John Simm in Channel 4's Everyday and Meme Kartosov in Anna Karenina.

In 2022, HBO Max announced that Henderson would star in Dune: Prophecy as Tula Harkonnen.[17] However, in early 2023, director Johan Renck and Henderson were reported to have exited the production due to a "creative shift" and production delays.[18]

In 2023 Henderson was awarded an Outstanding Contribution by BAFTA Scotland[19] for her contribution to Scottish Film and TV.

Theatre

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Company Director Notes
1987The Gorbals StoryMaggie7:84David Haymanplay by Robert McLeish
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Filmography

Film

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref
1992Salt on Our SkinMary[20][15]
1995Rob RoyMorag[8]
1996TrainspottingGail[8]
1998Speak Like a ChildWoman in DreamUncredited[15]
1999Topsy-TurvyLeonora BrahamNominated London Film Critics Circle Award for British Supporting Actress of the Year[8][21]
WonderlandDebbie Phillips[8]
2000The ClaimAnnie[8]
2001Bridget Jones's DiaryJude[8]
2002The Girl in the Red DressGaynor[8]
Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsMoaning Myrtle[8]
Doctor SleepDetective Janet Losey[15]
Once Upon a Time in the MidlandsShirley[8]
24 Hour Party PeopleLindsay WilsonNominated London Film Critics Circle Award for British Supporting Actress of the Year[8][22]
Wilbur Wants to Kill HimselfAliceNominated British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actor/Actress
[15][23]
Villa des RosesEllaNominated British Independent Film Award for Best Actress[8][24]
2003American CousinsAlice[8]
IntermissionSally[8]
FishyGlenda Sands[8]
AfterLifeRuby[8]
2004YesCleaner[8]
Bridget Jones: The Edge of ReasonJude[8]
2005A Cock and Bull StorySusannah/Shirley Hendersonaka Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story[8]
The Girl in the Red DressGaynorShort[8]
FrozenKath SwarbrickBAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actress in a Scottish Film
Marrakech International Film Festival: Best Actress
[8][25][26]
Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireMoaning Myrtle[8]
2006Marie AntoinetteAunt Sophie[8]
Ma BoyAli[8]
2007I Really Hate My JobAlice[8]
2008Wild ChildMatron[8]
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a DayEdythe DuBarry[8]
2009Life During WartimeJoy JordanNominated Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Ensemble Cast[8][27]
2010Meek's CutoffGlory White[8]
The Nutcracker in 3DThe NutcrackerVoice[8]
2011A Portentous DeathRos[15]
2012EverydayKaren Feguson[8]
Anna KareninaOpera housewife[8]
2013The Look of LoveRusty Humphries[8]
In SecretSuzanne[8]
FilthBunty BladesNominated for British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actor/Actress[8][28]
2015Tale of TalesImma[8]
Urban HymnKate Linton[8]
2016Bridget Jones's BabyJude[8]
2017T2 TrainspottingGail[8]
OkjaJennifer[8]
Never Steady, Never StillJudyNominated Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress[8][29]
2018Stan & OllieLucille Hardy[8]
2019GreedMargaret[8]
Star Wars: The Rise of SkywalkerBabu FrikVoice[8]
2022See How They RunAgatha Christie[30]
2023 The Trouble with Jessica Sarah [31]
2025Bridget Jones: Mad About the BoyJude
ElioOOOOOVoice
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Television

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref
1987Shadow of the StoneElizabeth Findlay6 episodes[8]
1990Wish Me LuckSylvie5 episodes[8]
CasualtyDenise1 episode[15]
1991DreamingPaulineTV movie[8]
ClarissaSally3 episodes[15]
The AdvocatesAndrea3 episodes[8]
1994The BillKelly Rogers1 episode[15]
1995Lloyds Bank Film Challenge: You Know My StoryDiane[15]
1995–97Hamish MacbethIsobel Sutherland20 episodes[15]
1997Bumping the OddsLynetteTV movie[8]
2000Animated Tales of the World: The Green Man of Knowledgevoice[15]
2001The Way We Live NowMarie Melmotte4 episodes
Nominated Royal Television Society Award for Best Actor – Female
[15][32]
In a Land of PlentyAnne Marie10 episodes[15]
2003Charles II: The Power and The PassionCatherine of Braganza4 episodes[8]
2004Dirty Filthy LoveCharlotteTV movie
Nominated Royal Television Society Award for Best Actor – Female
[8][32]
2005ShakespeaRe-ToldKatherine MinolaThe Taming of the Shrew[15]
E=Mc2 (also known as Einstein's Big Idea)Mileva Maric1 episode[8]
2006Doctor WhoUrsula BlakeEpisode: "Love & Monsters"[8]
2007Wedding BellesKellyTV movie[8]
2008Agatha Christie's Marple: Murder Is EasyHonoria Waynflete[8]
2009May Contain NutsAlice Chaplin2 episodes[15]
2011The Crimson Petal and the WhiteEmmeline Fox3 episodes[33]
Death in ParadiseDS Angela YoungEpisode: "An Unhelpful Aid"[34]
The Gruffalo's ChildThe Gruffalo's Child[35]
2012Treasure IslandMeg HawkinsTV movie[8]
2013SouthcliffeClaire SalterNominated BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress[36][37]
Bob ServantKirsty[38]
2014Jamaica InnHannah[8]
2016Happy ValleyFrances DrummondSeries 2[8]
2018The ABC MurdersRose Marbury3 Part TV series[39]
2020The NestSiobhan5 Part TV series[40]
Worzel GummidgeSaucy Nancy[37]
2021Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of HousesHerselfSpecial appearance[41]
Summer Camp IslandSusie's MomVoice
2022The House Across The StreetClaudia
2023The MandalorianAnzellan CrewSeason 3; 4 episodes
Tom JonesAunt Western
Hilda Fairy Entity Voice, 1 episode
2024KiffRoo (voice)1 episode
2025SummerwaterAnnieMain cast[42]
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Theatre

More information Dates, Title ...
DatesTitleRoleVenueNotesRef.
10 October–November 1986The Grand Edinburgh Fire BalloonRoyal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh[9]
December 1986 – January 1987A Wildcat Christmas CarolTiny TimKilmarnock[10]
April 1987The Threepenny OperaLucy BrownDundee Repertory Theatre[11][43]
9 October 1987 – 26 March 1988Entertaining StrangersFanny LockRoyal National Theatre, Londondirector: Peter Hall[44][12]
28 April–24 November 1988The Winter's TalePerditaRoyal National Theatre, Londondirector: Peter Hall[13]
March 1989My Mother Said I Never ShouldRosieRoyal Court Theatre, Londonauthor: Charlotte Keatley, director: Michael Attenborough[45][46]
7 June–28 July 1990EurydiceEurydiceFestival Theatre, Chichesterdirector: Michael Rudman[14]
1 August–5 September 1992The Life of StuffEvelynTraverse Theatre, Edinburghdirector: John Mitchell[47]
Opened 19 April 1993Lion in the StreetsIsobelHampstead Theatre, Londonauthor: Judith Thompson, director: Matthew Lloyd[48]
8–30 October 1993Romeo and JulietJulietCitizens Theatre, Glasgowdirector: Giles Havergal[49]
23 March–2 April 1994The Mill on the FlossMaggie TulliverNew Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (followed by tour)author: George Eliot, directors: Nancy Meckler, Polly Teale[50]
27 April–20 May 1995The Maiden StoneMaryHampstead Theatre, Londonauthor: Rosa Munro, director: Matthew Lloyd[51][52]
10–20 September 1997The House of Bernarda AlbaStuart DavidsThe Tramway, Glasgowauthor: Federico García Lorca, director: Stuart Davids[53]
9 November–10 December 1997Shining SoulsMandyOld Vic, London[54][55]
22 November−18 December 1999Anna WeissLynnWhitehall Theatre, Londonauthor: Mike Cullen, director Michael Attenborough[56]
8 July-7 October 2017Girl from the North CountryElizabeth LaineOld Vic, Londondirector: Conor McPherson
Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical
[57][58]
30 December 2017 – 24 March 2018Girl from the North CountryElizabeth LaineNoël Coward Theatre, Londondirector: Conor McPherson[59]
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Awards and nominations

More information Year, Award ...
Year Award Category Work Result
2001 London Critics Circle Film Awards Supporting Actress of the Year Topsy-Turvy Nominated
2002 British Independent Film Awards Best Supporting Actor/Actress Villa des Roses Nominated
RTS Television Awards Best Actress The Way We Live Now Nominated
2003 Mademoiselle Ladubay Awards Short Film The Girl in the Red Dress Won
London Critics Circle Film Awards Supporting Actress of the Year 24 Hour Party People Nominated
Golden Wave Awards Best Actress Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Won
British Independent Film Awards Best Supporting Actor/Actress Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Nominated
Cherbourg-Octeville Festival of Irish & British Film Best Actress American Cousins Won
2004 London Critics Circle Film Awards Supporting Actress of the Year Intermission Nominated
Newport Beach Film Festival Jury Awards Best Actress in a Feature Film (Comedy) American Cousins Won
Bowmore Scottish Screen Awards Actress of the Year American Cousins Won
2005 BAFTA Scotland Awards Best Actress in a Scottish Film Frozen Won
Chlotrudis Awards Best Supporting Actress Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself Nominated
Créteil International Women's Film Festival Special Mention for Acting Frozen Won
Marrakech International Film Festival Awards Best Actress Frozen Won
Angel Film Awards Best Ensemble Cast (with Danny Nucci, Dan Hedaya, Gerald Lepkowski & Vincent Pastore) American Cousins Won
RTS Television Awards Best Actress Dirty Filthy Love Nominated
2006 Cherbourg-Octeville Festival of Irish & British Film Best Actress Frozen Won
2010 Gotham Awards Best Ensemble Performance (with Ciarán Hinds, Allison Janney, Michael Lerner, Chris Marquette, Rich Pecci, Charlotte Rampling, Paul Reubens, Ally Sheedy, Dylan Riley Snyder, Renée Taylor & Michael K. Williams Life During Wartime Nominated
2013 British Independent Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Filth Nominated
SPIFF Awards Best Actress Everyday Won
2014 BAFTA Television Awards Best Supporting Actress Southcliffe Nominated
BAFTA Scotland Awards Best Actress – Television Southcliffe Won
2017 VFCC Awards Best Actress in a Canadian Film Never Steady, Never Still Won
2018 Canadian Screen Awards Best Actress in a Leading Role Never Steady, Never Still Nominated
Laurence Olivier Awards Best Actress in a Musical The Girl from the North Country Won
2019 BAFTA Scotland Awards Best Actress – Film Stan & Ollie Nominated
2020 LEJA Awards Best Voice or Motion Capture Performance Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Nominated
2023 BAFTA Scotland Awards BAFTA Scotland Outstanding Contribution[60] Won
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References

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