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Jessica RaineBritish theatre and television actress
Date of Birth: 20.05.1982
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Jessica Helen Lloyd, known professionally as Jessica Raine, was born on May 20, 1982, in Eardisley, Herefordshire, England. Raised on a farm alongside her older sister, Raine's parents, Alan Lloyd and Sue, instilled in her a love for the arts. Inspired by her mother's dancing aspirations and her father's amateur dramatics, Raine knew from the age of 13 that acting was her true calling.
After studying drama and photography at Hereford College of Arts, earning a BA degree, Raine left the picturesque landscapes of Eardisley for the vibrant atmosphere of Bristol. She pursued further education at the University of the West of England, but after failing to gain admission to drama schools, she took a year-long sabbatical to teach English in Thailand. Upon her return, Raine successfully entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and worked part-time as a waitress.
Theater and Film Career
Graduating in 2008, Raine embarked on a successful theater career, performing in Mike Bartlett's "Earthquakes" at the National Theatre and receiving the Manchester Evening News Award for Best Supporting Actress in Simon Stephens' "Punk Rock." Her screen debut came in 2009 with a minor role in the TV series "Garrow's Law."
Raine's film career took off in 2010 when she landed a supporting role in Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood." Starring alongside Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, she subsequently appeared in "The Woman in Black" with Daniel Radcliffe, a guest role in "Doctor Who," and a recurring role in the drama "Call the Midwife."
For three seasons, Raine's portrayal of naive young midwife Jenny Lee captivated audiences, her character based on Jennifer Worth's memoir about her experiences as a midwife in the 1950s. Despite the show's high ratings and two BAFTA awards, Raine departed in the season 3 finale, citing her desire to pursue a Hollywood career. Though she expressed gratitude for her time on the drama, she felt the need to branch out and avoid becoming typecast.
Later Roles
The following year, Raine secured diverse roles in several series. She portrayed Anne Boleyn in the historical drama "Wolf Hall," alongside Mark Rylance and Claire Foy, then teamed up with Richard Dormer in the mystical "Fortitude." Raine went on to star in the Agatha Christie adaptation "Partners in Crime" and the Western miniseries "Jericho."
In 2018, she starred in two acclaimed productions: the limited series "Patrick Melrose" with Benedict Cumberbatch and the thriller "Informer" with Paddy Considine. Raine's portrayal of a journalist in the latter earned her critical praise.
While filming the crime thriller "Baptiste," Raine was pregnant but kept it a secret from the production team, taking part in fight and chase scenes without hesitation.
Personal Life
Raine is currently in a relationship with actor Tom Goodman-Hill, who starred in "Mr. Selfridge." They met in 2010 while performing in "Earthquakes." The couple married in 2015 after Goodman-Hill divorced Kerry Bradley, with whom he had two children.
In February 2019, Raine gave birth to her first child at the age of 36. As she maintains no social media presence, news of her pregnancy was only revealed after she was seen out with a stroller. Fans have created unofficial fan accounts to keep abreast of her career and personal life.
Recent Work
2022 saw Raine appear in the historical drama "Becoming Elizabeth" as Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and final wife. The series, which also starred Alicia von Rittberg, John Heffernan, Tom Cullen, and Jamie Blackley, received positive reviews and sparked renewed interest in the Tudor era.
In the fall of 2022, Raine starred alongside "Doctor Who" veteran Peter Capaldi in the thriller "The Devil's Hour."
