Tuppence Middleton

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28 Feb 2024

Tuppence Middleton

Tuppence Amelia Middleton, born on 21 February 1987, is a British actress acclaimed for her diverse performances across film, television, and theatre. Notably, in 2010, she earned a nomination for the London Evening Standard Film Awards for Most Promising Newcomer.
Middleton's career trajectory included appearances in various films before she garnered widespread recognition with her role in Morten Tyldum's historical drama The Imitation Game (2014). She subsequently showcased her talent in The Wachowskis' science fiction epic Jupiter Ascending (2015), Alfonso Gomez-Rejon's historical drama The Current War (2017), and David Fincher's acclaimed film Mank (2020). Additionally, Middleton portrayed significant roles in the historical drama films Downton Abbey (2019) and its sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022).

Her television journey commenced with a guest appearance in Bones (2008), followed by roles in New Tricks (2010), Friday Night Dinner (2011), and Lewis (2013). Middleton's versatility shone through in notable roles such as Jem in the Black Mirror episode "White Bear" (2013), Miss Havisham in Dickensian (2015–2016), Russian princess Hélène Kuragina in War & Peace (2016), and Riley "Blue" Gunnarsdóttir in Sense8 (2015–2018).

Tuppence Amelia Middleton was born in Bristol on 21 February 1987, to Tina and Nigel Middleton. She grew up alongside her older sister Angel and younger brother Josh. The moniker "Tuppence" was bestowed upon her in honor of her mother's childhood nickname, given by her grandmother. Raised in Clevedon, Somerset, Middleton reflected on her early years, describing herself as shy and reserved at school, yet lively and outspoken at home. She found solace and confidence in youth theatre, where she could freely express herself.

Middleton attended Bristol Grammar School, actively participating in school productions like Guys and Dolls. Additionally, she honed her skills at Stagecoach, a performing arts school in Portishead, and appeared in local drama productions, including a pantomime alongside her sister at the Princes Hall in Clevedon. She later pursued her passion for acting by studying at the Arts Educational School in London, where she earned an honors degree in acting.

Tuppence Middleton gained recognition for her role in the 2009 British comedy horror film Tormented, where she portrayed head girl Justine Fielding. Her character's discovery of her boyfriend's involvement in a classmate's demise captivated audiences. Additionally, Middleton appeared in advertisements for Extra chewing gum and Sky TV.
In 2010, Middleton's talent was acknowledged with a nomination for Most Promising Newcomer at the London Evening Standard Film Awards. She also starred in Samuel Abrahams's BAFTA-nominated short film Connect. The following year, she appeared in the British sitcom Friday Night Dinner as Tanya Green and in the series Sirens as Sarah. Middleton's versatility was showcased in 2012's spy thriller film Cleanskin.

Her career continued to flourish with notable roles, including her professional theatre debut in The Living Room in 2013. Middleton's performance in Danny Boyle's psychological thriller Trance and her acclaimed portrayal in the Black Mirror episode "White Bear" further solidified her standing in the industry. In 2014, Middleton joined the main cast of the Netflix science fiction series Sense8, following her work on the Wachowskis' film Jupiter Ascending.
Middleton's portrayal of Russian aristocrat Princess Hélène Kuragina in the BBC drama War & Peace garnered critical acclaim. She showcased her versatility by starring in Vicky Jones' play The One at the Soho Theatre in London and portraying Lucy in the feature film Downton Abbey (2019) and its sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). In 2019, Middleton took on the lead role in the mystery drama Disappearance at Clifton Hill, followed by roles in Possessor (2020), The Defeated (2020), and Mank (2020).

She expanded her repertoire by narrating BBC World Service documentaries and an immersive audiovisual tour for Hyde Park in London in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Middleton starred in ITV1's drama Our House (2022) and is slated to appear in the folk horror film Lord of Misrule. Currently, she graces the stage of the National Theatre as Elizabeth Taylor in the Sam Mendes-directed play The Motive and the Cue, alongside Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton and Mark Gatiss as Sir John Gielgud.

Tuppence Middleton has been open about her battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which manifested when she was just 12 years old. In 2021, she delved into this topic through a series of interviews on BBC Radio 4, engaging with a clinical psychologist and individuals grappling with the disorder. Middleton candidly shared her struggles with self-imposed routines that sometimes hinder her from leaving the house, as well as obsessive mental counting and compulsive checking behaviors. Additionally, she disclosed her emetophobia, a fear of vomiting, which exacerbates her fixation on cleanliness.
In August 2022, reports surfaced announcing Middleton's joyful milestone of becoming a mother for the first time. She welcomed her child with Swedish film director Måns Mårlind, marking a new chapter in her personal journey.