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Last updated on the 9 July 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 17 October 1990, Perth, Scotland.
Joanna Vanderham is half Scottish and half Dutch and a family background steeped in academia (her mother a professor and siblings doctors), Joanna found her own path on the stage. Her passion for acting blossomed early, leading her to join a local drama club at the age of nine. Throughout her school years, from Robert Douglas Memorial School to High School of Dundee, her love for the craft continued to grow.
Next she attended the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff. It was here, during her second year, that fate intervened. Casting director Emma Style spotted her potential and offered her the role of Cathy in the Sky One crime drama “The Runaway” (2011). This wasn’t just any debut; it was a breakout performance that earned her an International Emmy Award nomination, a remarkable feat for a newcomer.
This early recognition propelled Vanderham into the spotlight. Television became her primary playground, with her presence gracing numerous acclaimed miniseries and dramas. She entranced audiences in “The Paradise” (2012), a BBC period drama loosely based on Emile Zola’s novel, playing the central role of Denise. Her versatility shone through in projects like “What Maisie Knew” (2012), an adaptation of Henry James’s novel, and the historical drama “Banished” (2015), set in 18th-century Australia.
While her career flourished, Vanderham never forgot her theatrical roots. In 2016, she tackled the iconic role of Desdemona in a production of Shakespeare’s “Othello” with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
More recently Joanna Vanderham starred in the gritty crime drama “Crime” (2021) alongside fellow Scottish actor Dougray Scott.
Suggested viewing
Crime (2021)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.2
Detective Inspector Ray Lennox delves into the investigation of a young girl’s disappearance in Edinburgh. As he ontends with his own inner struggles and the internal conflicts within the police force, Lennox and his team strive to uncover the truth behind the incident.
Top cast: Dougray Scott, Joanna Vanderham, Jamie Sives, Michael Abubakar, Angela Griffin, Laura Fraser, Sarah McCardie, Ken Stott.
The Paradise (2012)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7
“The Paradise” is a BBC miniseries set in the Victorian era. It follows Denise Lovett, a young girl who finds herself working at the glamorous department store, The Paradise. As she grapples with the complexities of love, ambition and rivalry, Denise’s journey unfolds against a backdrop of opulence, secrets and the ever-changing world of retail.
Top cast: Emun Elliott, Joanna Vanderham, Elaine Cassidy, Sarah Lancashire, Matthew McNulty, David Hayman, Peter Wight, Sonya Cassidy.
Banished (2015)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4
Banished tells a tale of survival set in the unforgiving backdrop of Australia’s penal colony inception in 1788. However, it transcends the mere creation of the country, delving into profound themes of love, faith, justice and morality within a tightly knit community where life and death precariously coexist.
Top cast: Orla Brady, Ewen Bremner, MyAnna Buring, Ryan Corr, David Dawson, Ned Dennehy, Rory McCann, Russell Tovey, Joanna Vanderham.
One of Us (2016)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0
“One of Us” is a crime drama that delves into the aftermath of a double murder in a remote Scottish village. As the intertwining lives of two families become entangled in a web of secrets, suspicion and revenge, the search for the truth leads to shocking revelations and unexpected consequences.
Juliet Stevenson, Joanna Vanderham, Laura Fraser, John Lynch, Adrian Edmondson, Georgina Campbell, Joe Dempsie, Julie Graham.
