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Last updated on the 8 September 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 13 May 1977, Nottingham, England.
Born to Pamela (née Mallek) and Peter Morton, Samantha Morton is the third offspring and has Polish/Irish heritage. Following her parents’ 1979 divorce, she gained six half-siblings through subsequent relationships. At eight years old, she became a ward of court due to her parents’ inability to provide care. Both her father, an abusive alcoholic and her mother, entangled in a violent relationship with her second husband, contributed to her inability to live with them again.
For the following nine years, she experienced a series of placements in foster care and children’s homes. Throughout this period, she attended West Bridgford Comprehensive School and became a member of the Central Junior Television Workshop at the age of 13. This led to minor roles in television shows like Soldier Soldier and Boon. However, due to being under the influence of drugs, she confronted an older girl who had been bullying her. As a result, she was found guilty of making threats to kill and served a sentence of 18 weeks in an attendance centre.
At the age of sixteen, she relocated to London and made several attempts to gain admission into drama schools, such as RADA, but was unsuccessful. In 1991, she enrolled at Clarendon College of Performing Arts with the intention of obtaining a BTEC award, but ended up leaving for personal reasons. Her first appearance on stage took place at the Royal Court Theatre.
In the critically acclaimed television drama “Longford”, Morton portrayed the character of Myra Hindley. This compelling portrayal earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. The series focuses on the relationship between Lord Longford, played by Jim Broadbent, and Hindley, who was convicted of multiple child murders in the 1960s.
Morton’s exceptional acting abilities were once again on display in the gripping miniseries “Rillington Place” . She portrayed the character of Ethel Christie, the wife of notorious serial killer John Christie, played by Tim Roth. The series examines the chilling true story of the Christie murders that took place in the 1940s and 1950s.
In the historical drama series “Harlots”, Samantha Morton portrayed the character of Margaret Wells, a brothel owner in 18th century London. The series explores the lives of brothel owners and prostitutes in a time when the industry faced significant challenges.
In 2022 Samantha Morton played Catherine de Medici in the Starz historical drama “The Serpent Queen”. Catherine de Medici, nicknamed the “Serpent Queen” due to her cunning nature and infamous affinity for poison, was once among the most influential women globally, commanding significant power.
Suggested viewing
The Burning Girls (2023)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.7
A reverend and her young daughter relocate to a quaint, idyllic village, hoping for a fresh start. However, beneath the charming facade, they soon discover a community steeped in ancient superstitions and a deep distrust of outsiders. The village’s history is shrouded in darkness and as the reverend looks deeper into its secrets, she uncovers a troubling past that threatens to tear the community apart.
Top cast: Samantha Morton, Ruby Stokes, Conrad Khan, Paul Bradley, John Macmillan, Janie Dee, Rupert Graves, Elodie Grace Orkin, Jane Lapotaire, David Dawson.
The Serpent Queen (2022)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7 Catherine de Medici, an immigrant to the 16th century French court, faced numerous challenges. Despite her husband’s love for another woman, unpaid dowry and inability to conceive, her intelligence and determination allowed her to maintain her marriage. She not only survived but thrived in the cutthroat world of monarchy, ruling France for five decades. Top cast: Samantha Morton, Liv Hill, Amrita Acharia, Barry Atsma, Enzo Cilenti, Sennia Nanua, Kiruna Stamell, Nicholas Burns, Beth Goddard. Similar to |
Longford (2006)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5 “Longford” is a biographical drama that depicts the life of Lord Longford, a British politician known for his controversial advocacy for prisoners’ rights. The story focuses on his unlikely friendship with notorious child murderer Myra Hindley and the public backlash he faces for his support, ultimately exploring themes of redemption and forgiveness. Top cast: Jim Broadbent, Samantha Morton, Andy Serkis, Lindsay Duncan, Kate Miles, Alex Blake, Sarah Crowden, Robert Pugh, Anton Rodgers. |
Rillington Place (2016)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.1 “Rillington Place” is a three-part miniseries based on real events. It tells the chilling story of British serial killer John Christie and the innocent Timothy Evans, who was wrongfully accused of Christie’s crimes. The narrative explores the dark secrets and manipulations that took place at 10 Rillington Place in London during the 1940s and 1950s. Top cast: Tim Roth, Samantha Morton, Nico Mirallegro, Jodie Comer, Eddie Marsan, Georgina Rich, Peter McDonald, Christopher Hatherall. Alternative version
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Harlots (2017)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7
“Harlots” is a period drama set in 18th century London that follows the lives of rival brothel owners and their courtesans. The story delves into the complex dynamics of power, survival, and ambition as the women navigate a patriarchal society, facing challenges, betrayals, and unexpected alliances along the way.
Top cast: Samantha Morton, Lesley Manville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Eloise Smyth, Dorothy Atkinson, Kate Fleetwood, Holli Dempsey, Rosalind Eleazar.
