Hattie Morahan has long been a familiar face on both stage and screen, earning acclaim for her compelling performances across television and film. A regular in period dramas, Hattie Morahan first gained wider recognition for her role as Elinor Dashwood in the BBC1 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility (2008), a performance that drew widespread praise. Born in Lambeth, London, in 1978, Hattie Morahan made her acting debut in the 1996 TV movie The Peacock Spring, which was directed by her father—an early introduction to the world of drama that would shape her future.
After studying English Literature at Cambridge, Hattie Morahan spent several years honing her craft in theatre, building a strong foundation before returning to television in the mid-2000s. During this time, she took on memorable recurring roles, including Dr. Beth in the gritty medical drama Bodies (BBC3, 2004–06) and the delightfully annoying Jane, a family friend in the beloved sitcom Outnumbered (BBC1, 2007–2014). These appearances helped solidify Hattie Morahan’s reputation as a versatile and dependable performer.
She also made a brief but notable appearance in the fantasy film The Golden Compass (2007), but it was her portrayal of Elinor Dashwood that truly marked a turning point in her career. Around the same time, Hattie Morahan delivered a powerful performance as Gale Benson in The Bank Job (2008), showcasing her ability to bring depth to real-life characters. Guest spots followed on popular British series such as Trial and Retribution (ITV1), Agatha Christie’s Marple (ITV), and Lark Rise to Candleford (BBC1), further expanding her presence on UK screens.
As her career progressed, Hattie Morahan continued to take on diverse and challenging roles. She starred in the BBC2 adaptation of Martin Amis’s Money (2010), appeared in the supernatural legal drama Eternal Law (ITV, 2012), and played a key role in the acclaimed mystery series The Bletchley Circle (ITV, 2012–14), which became one of her standout television performances. On the big screen, Hattie Morahan portrayed the bohemian artist Laura Knight in Summer in February (2013) and delivered a nuanced turn as Ann Kelmot in Mr Holmes (2015), opposite Ian McKellen.
Further demonstrating her range, Hattie Morahan took on emotionally complex roles such as Jean Leckie, the second wife of Arthur Conan Doyle, in Arthur and George (ITV, 2015), and the tragic Elizabeth in The Outcast (BBC1, 2015). That same year, she brought sharp wit and political savvy to her role as Tory MP Siobhan in the satirical comedy Ballot Monkeys (Channel 4, 2015). In 2017, Hattie Morahan reached a global audience with her enchanting performance as Agathe, the mysterious enchantress, in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast—a role that highlighted her enduring appeal and cinematic presence.
Throughout her career, Hattie Morahan has consistently demonstrated a quiet brilliance, moving seamlessly between genres and mediums. Whether in intimate period pieces or large-scale productions, Hattie Morahan remains a respected and quietly influential figure in British acting.
Hattie Morahan has had a solid career in film, and when it comes to her highest rated work, Black Dog from 2023 definitely stands out. It seems to have resonated well with both critics and audiences alike, earning Hattie Morahan some well-deserved recognition. On the other hand, looking back at her earlier projects, Summer in February, released in 2013, ended up receiving lower ratings overall. While every actor has their ups and downs, Hattie Morahan continues to deliver strong performances, and fans of Hattie Morahan often appreciate her range across different genres. Whether it’s a critically acclaimed role like in Black Dog or a more modest project such as Summer in February, Hattie Morahan remains a compelling presence on screen.