Births on February 10

Keeley Hawes, English actress

Keeley Hawes, born Claire Julia Hawes on 10 February 1976, is a distinguished English actress and producer renowned for her remarkable versatility and compelling performances across various acclaimed television dramas and films. Her career, spanning several decades, is marked by a consistent ability to embody complex characters, making her a prominent figure in British entertainment.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles in British Television

Hawes' career began with a series of notable appearances in prestigious literary adaptations, demonstrating her early talent for bringing classic narratives to life. These included the BBC's adaptation of Charles Dickens' Our Mutual Friend in 1998 and the critically acclaimed lesbian historical drama Tipping the Velvet in 2002. These roles laid the groundwork for her ascent to wider recognition, showcasing her dramatic range and captivating screen presence.

Her true breakthrough arrived with the immensely popular BBC espionage series Spooks, where she portrayed intelligence officer Zoe Reynolds from 2002 to 2004. This role solidified her status as a leading actress in high-stakes drama. Following this, Hawes captivated audiences as DI Alex Drake, a police detective transported back in time, in the imaginative and much-loved BBC sci-fi police procedural Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010), a spin-off from the equally successful Life on Mars. Her performance as Alex Drake, navigating both a perplexing past and challenging police cases, earned her widespread critical acclaim and cemented her as a household name.

Acclaimed Performances and BAFTA Recognition

Keeley Hawes further demonstrated her exceptional talent in two of the most talked-about British dramas of recent years. In Jed Mercurio's gripping police corruption series Line of Duty, she delivered a mesmerising performance as the enigmatic DI Lindsay Denton (2014–2016). Her portrayal of Denton, a character shrouded in moral ambiguity and facing intense scrutiny, was lauded by critics and viewers alike, earning her a nomination for the prestigious British Academy Television Award for Best Actress. This role became one of the series' most memorable and complex antagonists.

She continued to captivate in the BBC One political thriller Bodyguard (2018), where she played the ambitious and sharp Home Secretary Julia Montague. The series became a sensation, breaking viewing records and earning significant critical praise for its thrilling plot and intense performances. Hawes' nuanced depiction of Montague, a powerful public figure targeted by an assassination plot, garnered her a second nomination for the British Academy Television Award for Best Actress, highlighting her consistent ability to deliver standout performances in high-profile productions.

Beyond these two roles, Hawes also received a British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination for her compelling portrayal of Dorothy Wick in the historical drama Mrs Wilson (2018). Her ability to convincingly play characters with significant depth and emotional complexity has been a hallmark of her career, leading to multiple recognitions from the UK's most esteemed television awards.

Diverse Leading Roles and Expanding Influence as a Producer

Hawes has continued to take on a variety of leading roles that showcase her versatility across different genres. She starred in the 2010 revival of the iconic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs, demonstrating her command of historical roles. Further notable appearances include the compelling limited series The Casual Vacancy (2015), based on J.K. Rowling's novel, and the critically acclaimed mystery drama The Missing (2016), where she delivered a powerful performance.

From 2016 to 2019, Hawes charmed audiences as Louisa Durrell in the beloved ITV comedy-drama The Durrells, a heartwarming series based on Gerald Durrell's Corfu trilogy. Her portrayal of the determined matriarch moving her family to a new life in Greece was a particular fan favourite. More recently, she delivered a poignant performance in Russell T Davies' powerful and critically lauded drama serial It's a Sin (2021), which explored the lives of young gay men during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Her role in this series was highly praised for its emotional depth and contribution to the show's significant cultural impact.

Expanding her creative footprint, Keeley Hawes has also transitioned into executive producing. She served as an executive producer and starred in the ITV drama Honour (2020), a true-crime miniseries focusing on a "honour killing" investigation. Additionally, she holds an executive producer credit and a starring role in the ITV comedy-drama Finding Alice (2021–present), where she plays a widow navigating the complexities of her husband's sudden death. These ventures highlight her growing influence beyond acting, demonstrating her commitment to bringing compelling stories to the screen from multiple vantage points.

Significant Contributions to Film and Voice Acting

Beyond her extensive television work, Keeley Hawes has also made her mark in the film industry with a range of memorable roles. She appeared in the dark comedy Death at a Funeral (2007), the dystopian science fiction thriller High-Rise (2015), and the historical drama Misbehaviour (2020). One of her most notable film performances came in To Olivia (2021), where she offered a sensitive and powerful portrayal of the legendary American actress Patricia Neal, depicting her life alongside husband Roald Dahl following a family tragedy.

Furthermore, Hawes has lent her distinctive voice to one of the most iconic characters in video game history: Lara Croft. For several years, she was the definitive voice of the adventurous archaeologist in the globally renowned Tomb Raider franchise. Her voice work can be heard in multiple installments, including Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, Tomb Raider: Underworld, and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. This contribution added significant depth and recognition to the character during a pivotal period for the franchise, further illustrating her diverse talents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeley Hawes

When was Keeley Hawes born?

Keeley Hawes was born Claire Julia Hawes on 10 February 1976.

What are some of Keeley Hawes' most famous television roles?

She is widely recognised for her leading roles as Zoe Reynolds in Spooks, DI Alex Drake in Ashes to Ashes, DI Lindsay Denton in Line of Duty, Home Secretary Julia Montague in Bodyguard, and Louisa Durrell in The Durrells. More recently, her role in It's a Sin has also received significant acclaim.

Has Keeley Hawes received any major awards or nominations?

Yes, Keeley Hawes is a three-time British Academy Television Award nominee. She received nominations for Best Actress for her roles in Line of Duty and Bodyguard, and for Best Supporting Actress for her work in Mrs Wilson. These nominations underscore her consistent critical acclaim in the UK television industry.

Has Keeley Hawes worked as a producer?

Yes, Keeley Hawes has expanded her career to include executive producing. She served as an executive producer on the ITV drama Honour (2020) and the comedy-drama Finding Alice (2021–present), in both of which she also starred.

Which video game character has Keeley Hawes voiced?

Keeley Hawes famously provided the voice for the iconic video game character Lara Croft in several titles within the Tomb Raider series, including Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, and Tomb Raider: Underworld.