Jessica Gunning: Usually if I get a script, I think, “Well, if I’m right for this, I’m right for it.” And I go in and I can usually put it to bed after I come out and think, “Well, what will be will be if, if I’m right.” But for Baby Reindeer, I just felt like I really understood what Richard wanted from the part. I had like a few little indicators early on. When I first had the first audition with Richard and [director] Weronika [Tofilska], I got a really great vibe from the room. In hindsight, I’ve learned that they were kind of always championing me. I’m about four or five years younger than they needed Martha to be, and I’d heard that was one of the concerns in terms of the chemistry reads. I was speaking to a friend of mine, who’s actually now won an Oscar—Nadia Stacey, she did the makeup design for Poor Things—she was like, “I would just put a wig on, I’d go and tape yourself.” So we did that in a very rushed way. Richard, in hindsight, I think, found it incredibly funny that I would go to those extents. I just kept thinking that if this part gets into the hands of somebody that sees her as bad or a villain, then it would be a real shame because I think she’s so much more than that.

‘Baby Reindeer’ Star Jessica Gunning Flaunts Major Fashion Transformation in Glamorous Photo

Jessica Gunning, who took the world by storm after starring in the Netflix hit series Baby Reindeer, showed off her fashion-forward side as she turned heads in a sparkling ensemble at a recent event.

Gunning completely transformed for her red-carpet appearance at the BFI London Film Festival Luminous Gala 2024 in London, England, on Oct. 1.

She looked completely different from her character in the TV series, with sleek brown hair and silver jewelry to match her sparkling black dress with a unique sequin pattern and sheer sleeves. Gunning topped the look off with a bright smile and pointed silver heels. 
The actress’ Baby Reindeer co-star and the show’s creator, Richard Gadd, also attended the star-studded event, along with other stars like Hugh Grant, Tilda Swinton, Joan Collins and more.

The glamorous outing came not long after Gunning took home the Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, saying in her acceptance speech, “I honestly feel like I’m going to wake up any minute now this whole thing has been a dream.”

Career of Jessica gunning

Jessica Gunning began her stage career at the National Theatre in productions including Much Ado About Nothing and Major Barbara in 2007/2008.

On television, she guest-starred in the 2008 Doctor Who episode “Partners in Crime” She also appeared in Mutual Friends before taking a recurring role as Angela in Law & Order: UK in 2009.

In 2012, she played the character of Orla in the BBC television series White Heat  This was followed by a lead role as Melissa Young in BBC drama What Remains In 2013, Gunning also played the part of Summer in an episode of Great Night Out for ITV and the following year starred as Siân James in the Golden Globe- and BAFTA-nominated film Pride

In other television work, Jessica Gunning was also seen in The Scandalous Lady W on BBC Two and played Shirley Allerdyce in Sky Atlantic’s series Fortitude. She played the character of WPC Kath Morgan in Prime Suspect 1973, DC Sophie Carson in In the Dark and Umm Walid in the Channel 4 drama The State (2017).

In 2019, Gunning performed on stage alongside Cate Blanchett at the National Theatre in When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other, written by Martin Crimp and directed by Katie Mitchell.

Jessica Gunning played Jan in the Channel 4 comedy Back, and in 2021 starred as Diane Pemberley in BBC One’s The Outlaws, created by Stephen Merchant. Gunning reprised her Outlaws role for series 2 and 3 in 2022 and 2024 respectively, joining the writing team of the show for one episode of the third series.

In 2024, Jessica Gunning played Martha Scott in the Netflix drama-thriller Baby Reindeer, which earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

What do you think Melissa’s life was like?

If you’d asked me that at the beginning of the project I think I would have mistakenly said lonely. But having worked through the series, I don’t think she was that at all really. There are times when she’s optimistic and hopeful and brave. I think she’s had quite a tough life. Yes she can be described as shy or reserved, but the moments when she reaches out to people or does something outside of her comfort zone, those were the moments that I held on to because I think she’s actually very brave and lived quite a special and eventful life really.

Early life of Jessica gunnimng

Jessica Gunning was born on 21 May 1986 in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. Her parents are Paul and Val Gunning. Her father works for Kirklees council while her mother was a drama teacher at the school Gunning attended Holmfirth High School. She has two siblings Harriet and Josh.

Jessica Gunning was educated at Holmfirth High School near Huddersfield before attending Rose Bruford College, graduating in 2007.

What was it like working with the rest of the cast?

It was great. The way the filming was scheduled actually meant that we all had a good week or so in our individual flats when we were at the studio. My character’s got to be with everyone in the block of flats so it’s really nice coming in every week and entering their world and seeing each of them in their own flats that they’ve lived in for that week. All the cast were brilliant so it was a really pleasure working with such talent actors.

Jessica Gunning channels her inner Martha, reveals preparation

Jessica Gunning, the actress behind the character of Martha in the Netflix hit mini-series “Baby Reindeer,” offered a glimpse into her preparation for the role and her deep admiration for the show’s creator, Richard Gadd, during a recent Q&A session in NYC. 

FAQs

Has Jessica Gunning appeared in theater productions?

Yes, Jessica Gunning has an extensive theater background. She has performed in various stage productions, including works at the National Theatre and other prominent venues.

Does Jessica Gunning have any upcoming projects?

There is no confirmed information about her current or upcoming projects as of now. However, her fans eagerly anticipate seeing her in more roles that continue to display her range and talent.