Catherine Tate

Last updated on the 28 March 2024 by Maeve

Catherine Tate headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 5 December 1969, Bloomsbury, London, England. 

Catherine Tate’s early life was steeped in creativity. Her father, Bernard Tate, was a successful television and film producer, and her mother, Josephine Tate, was a housewife with a passion for amateur dramatics. Growing up in Hammersmith, West London, Tate found solace in the world of performance, attending the Catholic independent school Notting Hill High School and later the Arts Educational Schools in London.

Tate’s career took off in the early 1990s with appearances in various British comedy shows, including “The Show with Newly Discovered Talent” and “The Fast Show.” Her breakout role came in 2001 with the Channel 4 sketch show “Cackalacky,” which she co-created and starred in. The show’s success propelled Tate into the spotlight, showcasing her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to transform into a diverse range of characters.

In 2003, Tate’s career soared to new heights with the creation of her own BBC Two sketch show, “The Catherine Tate Show.” The show, which ran for six seasons, became an instant sensation, captivating audiences with its hilarious characters and absurdist scenarios. Tate’s portrayal of the self-absorbed teenager Lauren Cooper and the foul-mouthed grandmother Nan became iconic, cementing her status as one of the most celebrated comedic talents of her generation.

Beyond her comedic achievements, Tate has also demonstrated her versatility as an actress, taking on various roles in film and television. She starred in the BBC sitcom “Big School” (2013-2014), played the role of Donna Noble in the popular sci-fi series “Doctor Who” (2006-2010-2023), and lent her voice to the character of Mrs. Twiddle in the animated film “Arthur Christmas” (2011).

 

Suggested viewing

 

Doctor Who (1963)

Doctor Who poster (2023)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.6

“Doctor Who” is a science fiction television series produced by the BBC. The series depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor, an extraterrestrial being who appears to be human. With various companions, the Doctor combats foes, works to save civilisations, and helps people in need. The Doctor’s main mode of transport is the TARDIS, a time machine and spacecraft that resembles a blue police box.

Top cast: David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Bernard Cribbins, John Simm, Yasmin Finney, Karl Collins, Jacqueline King, Sarah Lancashire, Billie Piper, Don Gilet, Sarah Parish.

Big School (2013)

Big School poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.7

“Big School” is a sitcom written by and starring David Walliams, about a socially awkward chemistry teacher named Keith Church, who is smitten with the new French teacher, Sarah Postern. The show revolves around the mishaps and hijinks that occur at Greybridge Secondary School, a fictional school near Watford, North London.

Top cast: David Walliams, Catherine Tate, Philip Glenister, Frances de la Tour, Joanna Scanlan, Steve Speirs, Tim Frances, Sylvestra Le Touzel.

The Catherine Tate Show (2004)

The Catherine Tate Show poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3

“The Catherine Tate Show” is a television comedy sketch programme written by Catherine Tate and Derren Litten featuring a wide range of characters. The show aired on BBC Two and was shown worldwide through the BBC. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Tate won numerous awards for her work on the show. The show is best known for its catchphrases, such as “Am I bovvered?” and “How very dare you?”

Top cast: Catherine Tate, Mathew Horne, Niky Wardley, Derren Litten, Aschlin Ditta, Angela McHale, Ella Kenion, Rebecca Front.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

Catherine Tate Gallery

 

 

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