‘If I ever meet Olivia Colman (one can dream) I would love to chat to her about school, and our experiences of drama classes with Mr Hands, but I would also ask her about her faith, and encourage her that the God she worshipped in chapel choir at school, is the same God who wants a close walk with her today, and to bless her even more than she knows,’ says Jemimah Wright.
Movie superstar, Olivia Colman and I have something in common. Sadly it’s not my acting prowess being on a par with hers, although we did start off with the same drama teacher at school – the brilliant, Mr Hands. Olivia Colman went to the same school as me in Norfolk, and although she left before I arrived, I like to think having the same school background gives us some sort of connection. Clutching at straws…maybe.
But something else we have in common is being brought up in the Christian faith.
Raised in a Christian household, Colman has spoken about her upbringing and how it has influenced her life. In a 2018 interview with The Sunday Times, she said: “I was brought up in the Church of England, and I have a faith, but I don’t go to church. I think it’s a personal thing and I find peace in that.”
I have a faith, but I don’t go to church. I think it’s a personal thing and I find peace in that.
She was born Sarah Caroline Olivia Colman on January 30, 1974, in Norwich, Norfolk, (same birth place as me….ooh there’s another connection!). After leaving school, she pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge before moving into theatre and eventually television.
READ MORE: Was Maggie Smith a Christian?
Olivia’s career began with comedic roles in British television series such as Peep Show (2003-2015) and Green Wing (2004-2006), but it was her role in Twenty Twelve (2011), where she played Sophie, that brought her widespread recognition. Her real breakthrough came with the drama series Broadchurch (2013-2017), where she portrayed Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller. This role earned her numerous awards, including a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2014.
Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s The Crown (2019) further cemented her status as one of the most talented actresses in the UK. For this role, she won both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award, making her one of the most decorated actresses of her generation.
READ MORE: Christian singer Lauren Daigle balances fame with humility
Olivia’s ability to embody a wide range of characters, from royalty to working-class women, has established her as a fixture in both British and international film and television.
One role that particularly stands out in relation to her public discussion of faith is her portrayal of Camilla, the vicar’s wife, in the BBC series Rev. (2010-2014). The show, which focused on the life of a Church of England priest, explored the challenges and complexities of faith through the experiences of the characters, including Olivia’s role as the supportive yet occasionally conflicted spouse. Although Olivia has not spoken extensively about the personal connection between her role and her faith, her performance as Camilla was noted for its depth and sensitivity, reflecting the nuanced portrayal of spirituality in everyday life.
In discussing the role, Olivia once noted the authenticity of the show’s depiction of faith: “What I loved about Rev. was that it didn’t preach. It was about real people trying to navigate their lives, with all the complexities that come with faith and doubt.”
Despite her acclaim and high-profile career, Olivia Colman has been relatively private about her personal life, particularly when it comes to her faith. She has occasionally referenced her Christian background, but she prefers to keep her beliefs and spiritual practices out of the limelight. Her 2018 comment to The Sunday Times is one of the few direct quotes she has shared about her faith.
If I ever meet Olivia Colman (one can dream) I would love to chat to her about school, and our experiences of drama classes with Mr Hands, but I would also ask her about her faith, and encourage her that the God she worshipped in chapel choir at school, is the same God who wants a close walk with her today, and to bless her even more than she knows.
No comments yet