Olivia Coleman’s 5 Best Performances

Her accolades include 1 Oscar, 4 BAFTAs and 3 Emmy nominations

Olivia Coleman has grown elegantly from known face on UK sitcoms to one of the world’s most in-demand stars. Whether it is comedy or drama, this is an actress who can pull it off. We doubt there’s ever a need for a take 2.

We have put together our 5 favourite performances of the star – have a scroll and let us know your thoughts!

5. PC Doris Thatcher in Hot Fuzz (2007)

A relatively small role but a cracker nonetheless. Edgar Wright’s Hot Fuzz pairs Simon Pegg and Nick Frost police officers in a small town who must uncover a serious of murders birthed from an age old conspiracy. Coleman stars as one of the police officers working alongside Pegg and Frost.

The actress works perfectly as a piece of comic relief. Every time she pops up on screen, she brightens the mood with her country accent and beaming smile.

Fun fact: The character is named Doris as a nod to female police officers always being referred to by this regardless of their name prior to equality in the UK police service.

4. Fleabag and Claire’s godmother/stepmother in Fleabag (2016-19)

One of the best parts of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s theatre-show-turned-hit-TV-show is of course the hateful godmother/stepmother of the title character. Pretentious and always looking for a cheap shot, this character puts Coleman in a new light.

It is reported that the role was written by Waller-Bridge with Coleman in mind. The pair worked together on The Iron Lady (2011) and the second series of Broadchurch (2015).

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3. Queen Anne in The Favourite (2019)

The role that earned Coleman an Oscar in 2019. the story follows Sarah Churchill (played by Rachel Weisz) and her cousin Abigail (played by Emma Stone) as they compete for the affection of Queen Anne.

The film marks the second collaboration between director Yorgos Lanthimos with Rachel Weisz and Olivia Coleman. The first was on The Lobster (2015).

2. Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown (2019-20)

The Oscar winner famously took over the role of Elizabeth II from Claire Foy who marked the first two series. Coleman perfectly gives her own take on the older, wiser Queen of England whilst also honouring the portrayal that Foy gave.

Coincidentally, Coleman’s first series as Elizabeth II aired the year she won her Oscar as a previous member of the royal family, Queen Anne.

1. DS Ellie Miller in Broadchurch (2013-17)

The role that put this actress on the map, and for good reason. Coleman plays a police officer paired with hard-as-nails David Tennant as they try to uncover the identity of the murderer of a young boy.

Throughout the three series of Broadchurch, Coleman brings her A-game and the part earned her a BAFTA for Best Actress in 2014. If you’re looking for Olivia Coleman in her most honest, groundbreaking performance…look no further.

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Agree or disagree with our choices? Let us know in the comment section below.