Joanne Froggatt (/ˈfrɒɡət/; born 23 August 1980) is a British actress. From 2010 to 2015, she portrayed Anna Bates in the ITV period drama series Downton Abbey, for which she received three Emmy nominations and won the 2014 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. From 2017 to 2020, she starred as Laura Nielson in the ITV/Sundance drama series Liar.

Joanne Froggatt
Froggatt in 2022
Born (1980-08-23) 23 August 1980 (age 44)[1]
OccupationActress
Years active1996–present
Notable workDownton Abbey
Spouse
James Cannon
(m. 2012; sep. 2020)

Froggatt rose to prominence with her portrayal of Zoe Tattersall on the soap opera Coronation Street (1997–1998). She played Ruth Tyler, Sam Tyler's mother in original UK version of the fantasy police drama Life on Mars (British TV series) (2006). She went on to star in the television films Danielle Cable: Eyewitness (2003), See No Evil: The Moors Murders (2006), and Murder in the Outback (2007), before winning the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her leading role in In Our Name (2010). Other film credits include Filth (2013), A Street Cat Named Bob (2016), Mary Shelley (2017), and Downton Abbey (2019).

Early life and education

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Froggatt was born and brought up in the village of Littlebeck[2][3] in North Yorkshire. Her parents, Ann and Keith Froggatt, having run a corner shop, next started a rare-breed sheep farm on a smallholding near Whitby.[4] Froggatt has likened her childhood setting to the backdrop of Emily Brontë's classic novel Wuthering Heights.[5] Froggatt initially joined a drama group in Scarborough,[6] and then left her family home at the age of 13 to attend the Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Career

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In 1996, Froggatt made her TV debut in the long-running ITV drama The Bill, and shortly afterwards landed the role of teenage mother Zoe Tattersall in Coronation Street. She left the programme in 1998, when her character was written out.[6] In 1999, she appeared in the first four episodes of the first series of prison drama Bad Girls, portraying teenage mother Rachel Hicks.

In 2003, Froggatt played the leading role in the controversial one-off drama Danielle Cable: Eyewitness, based on the true story of a teenage girl who witnessed the murder of her boyfriend in a reputed road rage attack. While researching the role, she met Cable, who later contacted her to commend her on her portrayal.[7] The film earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Single Drama.[8]

Froggatt played the role of Angelique Mahy in the ITV mini-series Island at War, which tells the story of the German occupation of the Channel Islands. It aired on 11 July 2004. In the same year, she played Myra in the BBC Radio 4 drama My Turn to Make the Tea by Monica Dickens.[9]

Froggatt starred as a main character in the drama Missing, made by SMG Productions in 2006, alongside Gregor Fisher. The two-part thriller was not broadcast on STV until November 2008, because ITV had changed its format to 60-minute time slots and Missing was two 90-minute time slots.[10][11]

Also in 2006, Froggatt played the sister of Myra Hindley in the ITV drama See No Evil: The Moors Murders. She later appeared in another controversial role as the title character in Joanne Lees: Murder in the Outback, which first aired on Channel Ten in Australia on 18 March 2007, and was screened in Britain on ITV on 8 April 2007.[3] The role involved the depiction of a real-life kidnap, in which Froggatt had to perform scenes tied up with tape around her mouth as a gag. She appeared on the London stage in the adaptation of All About My Mother in the part of Sister Rosa, which ran from July to November 2007 at the Old Vic Theatre.[12]

Froggatt portrayed Kate, a peasant, in the third season of the BBC TV series Robin Hood.[4] She played Hannah in Spooks: Code 9, and features in the BBC Radio adaptation of Solaris as Rheya. In May 2009, she played Kelly in the BBC drama Moving On.[13]

On 25 September 2009, Froggatt played the title role in the BBC Radio Four play I Am Emma Humphreys. On 3 October of that year, Froggatt played Princess Yvonne in the BBC Radio Four Saturday play The Von Trapps and Me.[14]

On 15 April 2010, Froggatt appeared opposite Lee Ingleby in the BBC Radio Four play The Disappearance by Peter Walley. In her film début, In Our Name, Froggatt played Suzy, a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She garnered critical acclaim for her performance, and won Best Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards.[15][16]

 
Joanne Froggatt at the Television Academy Downton Abbey Tea and scone party at Paramount studios 2014

Starting in 2010, Froggatt appeared in Downton Abbey as Anna, lady's maid to Lady Mary Crawley, for which she received an Emmy nomination in both 2012 and 2014. On 11 January 2015, she was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-Series, or TV Movie for the role.[17]

On 25 December 2010, Froggatt appeared in the Royle Family Christmas special, "Joe's Crackers", as Saskia, the girlfriend of Antony Royle. Despite having been mentioned by name in earlier episodes, this was the first time that Saskia had appeared in person.[18] Froggatt starred in John Donnelly's play The Knowledge at the Bush Theatre, West London, from 12 January to 19 February 2011.[19]

Along with Downton Abbey in 2013, Froggatt had roles in the comedy drama based on Irvine Welsh's novel Filth, in the thriller uwantme2killhim?, and an indie directed by Uberto Pasolini, Still Life.[18][20]

In 2015, she played Wendy in the new Bob the Builder series, voicing her in both the UK and US versions.[21] In 2016, she starred in a two-part ITV mini-series titled Dark Angel, based on the true story of Victorian poisoner Mary Ann Cotton. Also in 2016, she co-starred in a dramatisation of a real-life story, "Starfish", as Nic, wife of Tom Ray.

In 2017, Froggatt appeared in the lead role of schoolteacher Laura Neilson in the six-part thriller mini-series Liar on ITV. Her character awakens, convinced that she was raped by respected surgeon Andrew Earlham (Ioan Gruffudd), who is also the father of one of her students, even though she cannot remember the incident, nor does forensic evidence bear out her version of events. The series aired in the US on SundanceTV.

Froggatt began performances on 25 February 2019 as Frances Thorpe in the thriller Alys, Always, at the Bridge Theatre in London. The play was directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by Lucinda Coxon, and based on the book by Harriet Lane.

In 2022, she starred in Last Light, an apocalyptic thriller TV series on Peacock.[22]

Personal life

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Froggatt married long-time boyfriend James Cannon in a private ceremony in October 2012.[23] In February 2020, she confirmed they had separated.[24]

In 2013, Froggatt became an ambassador for global children's charity Plan UK's "Because I Am a Girl" campaign.[25]

At the 2024 Into Film Awards in London, Froggatt revealed her pregnancy.[26]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2002 Miranda Jacquie
2009 Echoes Anya Short film
2010 In Our Name Suzy British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer
2013 Filth Mary
uwantme2killhim? Detective Inspector Sarah Clayton
Still Life Kelly Stoke
2016 Starfish Nicola Ray Producer
A Street Cat Named Bob Val
2017 A Crooked Somebody Chelsea Mills
Mary Shelley Mary Jane Clairmont
Bob the Builder: Mega Machines Wendy (voice) US & UK Releases
2018 One Last Thing Jaime
2019 Downton Abbey Anna Bates
2022 Downton Abbey: A New Era
2025 Untitled Downton Abbey: A New Era sequel Post-production

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1996 The Bill Kelly Martin Episode: "Unlucky in Love"
1997–1998 Coronation Street Zoe Tattersall 126 episodes
1999 Bad Girls Rachel Hicks 4 episodes
dinnerladies Sigourney Episode: "Catering"
2000 Nature Boy Jenny Macalister Mini-series, 3 episodes
Other People's Children Becky 2 episodes: "#1.2" and "#1.3"
Lorna Doone Lizzie Ridd Television film
2001 A Touch of Frost Anne 2 episodes: "Benefit of the Doubt", Parts 1 & 2
Casualty Lucy Curry Episode: "Better Safe Than Sorry"
2002 Nice Guy Eddie Mandy Episode: "#1.2"
Paradise Heights Julia Sawyer 6 episodes
The Stretford Wives Dawn Richards Television film
2003 Danielle Cable: Eyewitness Danielle Cable Television film
Nominated—Royal Television Society Award for Best Actress
Red Cap Pte. Tracy Walters Episode: "Crush"
The Last Detective Celia / Josie Episode: "Pilot"
2004 Island at War Angelique Mahy Mini-series, 6 episodes
2006 Missing Sybil Foster 2 episodes
Life on Mars Ruth Tyler 3 episodes
See No Evil: The Moors Murders Maureen Smith 2 episodes: "#1.1" and "#1.2"
The Street Kerry Episode: "Sean and Yvonne"
Rebus Gail Maitland Episode: "Strip Jack"
2007 Murder in the Outback Joanne Lees Television film
2008 Spooks: Code 9 Hannah Episodes: "#1.1" and "#1.2"
2009 Moving On Kellie Episode: "Butterfly Effect"
Robin Hood Kate 11 episodes
2010 Identity Jane Calshaw Episode: "Chelsea Girl"
The Royle Family Saskia Episode: "Joe's Crackers"
2010–2015 Downton Abbey Anna Bates (née Smith) 52 episodes
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries, or Television Film (2014)
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2012, 2014, 2015)
Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2012, 2014, 2015)
Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2013)
2012 True Love Ruth Episode: "Nick"
2014 The Secrets Lexie Episode: "The Lie"
Doc McStuffins Florence Nightingale (voice) Episode: "Let the Nightingale Sing"
2015–2018 Bob the Builder Wendy (voice) 112 episodes
2016 Dark Angel Mary Ann Cotton 2 episodes: "#1.1" and "#1.2"
2017–2020 Liar Laura Nielson Main role. 12 episodes
2019 The Commons Eadie Boulay Main role. Mini-series, 8 episodes
2021 Angela Black Angela Black Main role. 6 episodes[27]
2022 Sherwood Sarah Vincent 6 episodes
2023 North Shore Abigail Crawford Main Role. 6 episodes
Last Light Elana Yeats Main Role. Mini-series, 5 episodes
2024 Breathtaking Dr. Abbey Henderson Main Role. Mini-series, 3 episodes

Radio

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Year Title Role Notes
2007 Solaris Rheya BBC Radio 4
2010 The Disappearance Alice BBC Radio 4
2014 The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty: In Freedom's Cause Lady Marjory
Shirley Caroline BBC Radio 4

Awards and nominations

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Year Awards Category Work Result
2003 Royal Television Society Award Best Actress Danielle Cable: Eyewitness Nominated
2010 British Independent Film Awards Most Promising Newcomer In Our Name Won
2012 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Downton Abbey Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Won
Monte-Carlo Television Festival Outstanding Actress Nominated
2013 Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Nominated
2014 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Nominated
Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film Won
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Won
2015 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Won
Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Famous birthdays for Aug. 23: Andrew Rannells, Shelley Long - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  2. ^ Walker, Andy (20 November 2009). "Wensleydale Railway, at Leeming Bar used for TV filming". Northern Echo. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  3. ^ a b Maynard, Roger (23 August 2006). "Backpacker murder ordeal to be made into TV drama". The Guardian. UK. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  4. ^ a b Stokoe, Jon (1 August 2008). "Joanne Froggatt to star in Robin Hood". Whitby Gazette. UK: Johnston Publishing. Archived from the original on 11 January 2009. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  5. ^ "Joanne Froggatt of Downton Abbey: Five Things to Know About Anna Bates". people.com. Archived from the original on 7 February 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  6. ^ a b Gilert, Gerard (24 March 2012). "The housemaid's tale: Joanne Froggatt rips off her pinny and sets her sights on Hollywood". The Independent. UK. Archived from the original on 2 January 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  7. ^ "M25 murder fiancée backs drama". BBC News. 20 March 2003. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  8. ^ "Winners announced at British Academy Craft Awards" (PDF). headlinepictures.co.uk. BAFTA. 16 April 2004. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  9. ^ "My Turn to Make the Tea – BBC Radio 4 FM – 15 September 2004 – BBC Genome". genome.ch.bbc.co.uk. 15 September 2004. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  10. ^ "Missing – S1 – Episode 1". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  11. ^ "New Drama Production from stv – allmediascotland…media jobs, media release service and media resources for all". allmediascotland.com. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  12. ^ "First Night: All About My Mother, Old Vic, London". The Independent. 5 September 2007. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  13. ^ "BBC – Press Office – Moving On press pack: Joanne Froggatt". bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 December 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  14. ^ "Saturday Play: The Von Trapps and Me". BBC. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
  15. ^ Bradshaw, Peter (9 December 2010). "In Our Name – review". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  16. ^ Masters, Tim (6 December 2010). "King's Speech reigns at British Independent Film awards". BBC News. Archived from the original on 17 October 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  17. ^ Williams, Sally (20 September 2015). "Joanne Froggatt: 'The end of Downton Abbey is a bit strange – there is an element of grieving'". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  18. ^ a b Gilert, Gerard (24 March 2012). "The housemaid's tale: Joanne Froggatt rips off her pinny and sets her". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2 January 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  19. ^ Spencer, Charles (18 January 2011). "The Knowledge, Bush Theatre, review". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  20. ^ Bradshaw, Peter (5 February 2015). "Still Life review – Eddie Marsan in a sad search for the bereaved". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  21. ^ Furness, Hannah (23 June 2016). "Bob the Builder gets an equality makeover as Wendy wins promotion". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  22. ^ Fienberg, Daniel (7 September 2022). "'Last Light' Review: Matthew Fox's Inept New Peacock Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  23. ^ "Joanne Froggatt: Robin Hood's Bay to Downton Abbey". The Yorkshire Post. 14 September 2014. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  24. ^ Gordon, Naomi (9 February 2020). "Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt confirms split from husband James Cannon". Harper's BAZAAR. Archived from the original on 6 February 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  25. ^ "Downton star to help world's girls". Plan UK. 19 September 2013. Archived from the original on 3 January 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
  26. ^ "'Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt Is Pregnant, Debuts Bump on Carpet". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  27. ^ "ITV commissions psychological thriller Angela Black starring Joanne Froggatt". itv.com. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
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