Monica Dolan

Last updated on the 28 March 2024 by Evandrus

Monica-Dolan-headshot

Mini Biography

Born: March 15, 1969, Middlesbrough, England.

Born to Irish parents, Monica Dolan grew up in the town of Woking, surrounded by a supportive family who encouraged her artistic inclinations. From an early age, she displayed a keen interest in theatre and music, participating in school productions and singing in the choir. Her passion for storytelling and her ability to evoke emotions through her performances set the stage for a fulfilling career in the performing arts.

After completing her secondary education, Dolan embarked on a formal training at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. This nurturing environment provided her with the tools and expertise to develop her craft, expanding her repertoire and refining her ability to embody diverse characters. Upon graduating in 1991, she confidently ventured into the professional world, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaited her.

Monica Dolan’s early career was marked by a series of notable stage performances, showcasing her versatility and ability to command the stage. Her portrayal of Kate Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer, Regan in King Lear, and Masha in The Seagull, the latter two alongside renowned actor Ian McKellen, demonstrated her prowess in classical theatre.

Transitioning to the small screen, Dolan has established herself as a captivating presence in television dramas. Her portrayal of real-life stalker Maria Marchese in U Be Dead (2009) garnered critical praise, earning her a nomination for the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress. However, it was her portrayal of Rosemary West, the infamous serial killer, in the controversial ITV drama Appropriate Adult (2011), that cemented her reputation as a formidable actress. Her nuanced and chilling performance earned her the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress, a testament to her ability to transform into complex and challenging characters.

Monica Dolan’s versatility extends beyond her portrayals of dark and complex characters. She has demonstrated her comedic talents in the television series Midsomer Murders and Call the Midwife, showcasing her ability to blend humour with depth and emotion. Her versatility has also extended to the big screen, where she has appeared in films such as Pride (2014), The Falling (2014), and Eye in the Sky (2015).

In addition to her acting achievements, Monica Dolan  actively supports various charitable organisations, including the NSPCC and the National Theatre. Her commitment to social causes reflects her compassionate nature and desire to use her platform to make a positive impact on the world.

As Monica Dolan continues to evolve as an actress, she remains committed to pushing the boundaries of her craft and exploring diverse roles that challenge and inspire her. Her dedication to her art, coupled with her natural talent and undeniable presence on stage and screen, ensures that she will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Mr Bates vs. The Post Office (2024)

Mr Bates vs. The Post Office poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.0

Based on the true story of the Post Office Horizon scandal, Mr Bates vs. The Post Office chronicles the extraordinary journey of Alan Bates, a former sub-postmaster who fought tirelessly to expose the faulty IT system that led to the wrongful convictions of hundreds of innocent postmasters. Overturned convictions, multimillion-pound compensation payouts, and a public inquiry marked a groundbreaking victory for justice, but the scars of this miscarriage of justice remain etched in the lives of those affected.

Top cast: Toby Jones, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Monica Dolan, Will Mellor, Amy Nuttall, Susan Brown, Ifan Huw Dafydd, Conor Mullen, Shaun Dooley, Ian Hart, Katherine Kelly, Alex Jennings.

Appropriate Adult (2011)
Appropriate Adult poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

In 1994, housewife Janet Leach is asked to be the “appropriate adult” during the police interviews of Fred West, a man accused of murdering young girls. Drawn into West’s twisted world, Leach becomes his confidante, gaining his trust and unlocking a horrific history of abuse and murder. As West’s confessions unfold, Leach grapples with the moral complexities of her role, torn between her duty to protect him and her desire to seek justice for the victims.

Top cast: Dominic West, Emily Watson, Monica Dolan, Robert Glenister, Sylvestra Le Touzel, Samuel Roukin, Anthony Flanagan, Ben Smith.

The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe (2022)

The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2

Inspired by the real-life case of John Darwin, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe delves into the extraordinary tale of a prison officer who fakes his own death in a canoeing accident to claim life insurance and avoid bankruptcy. With the help of his wife, Anne, John orchestrates a daring plan to start a new life in Panama, leaving their two sons behind to grieve his supposed demise. However, as the years pass and Anne’s guilt grows, their elaborate charade begins to unravel, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the truth.

Top cast: Eddie Marsan, Monica Dolan, Mark Stanley, Dominic Apple White, Carrie Cohen, Ellis Jones, Alice Harding, David Fynn, Zé Bernardino.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

Monica Dolan  Gallery

 

 

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments