Gemma Arterton's Biography
Gemma Arterton is a British theatre and film actress who gained fame after her role as Strawberry Fields in "Quantum of Solace," a part of the James Bond series. She beat out more than 1,500 contenders in casting to become James Bond's leading lady opposite Daniel Craig. She's been hailed as Hollywood's new hope, with famous actresses trying to emulate her style, yet she still doesn't consider herself outstanding and genuinely blushes when complimented.
Childhood and Youth
Gemma Christina Arterton (full name of the actress) was born in the winter of 1986 to a British family of Barry Arterton and Sally-Anne Heap. Her parents were working-class: her father worked as a welder, her mother as a cleaner. The girl surprised everyone right after birth: she was born with six fingers on each hand and unusually shaped ears. The baby's condition was corrected through surgery in early childhood.Three years later, Gemma's younger sister Hannah Jane was born, who also became an actress, though as a child she preferred singing.
Gemma was fourteen when she appeared on the stage of a local theater in three productions. Two years later, she left the grammar school and entered a theater college. After two years there, she earned a full scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, graduating in 2007. After graduation, Gemma joined the Globe Theatre company, making her debut in William Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost."I was a permanent member of the drama club: we read, discussed, and staged classic plays. I got hooked on the classics, always prepared seriously for rehearsals, learned every role down to the last comma. I wasn't very popular with boys, didn't hang out... I was a well-read but desperately sad girl.
In London, the actress says, she met good people, learned a lot from them, and became more confident:
...working in a karaoke bar changed me a lot - I got a job there as a hostess when I was eighteen. As it turned out, some pretty sketchy characters hung out there - real gangsters, and there were constant fights. I remember once a drunk, screaming bar patron threatened me - he had a broken bottle in his hand. And I very calmly and quietly told him: "Shut up! Yes-yes. Have you shut up? Now get out of here!"
Acting Career
Gaining confidence in her abilities, Gemma, while still studying at the academy, began attending auditions at film studios. In her final year, she landed the role of Lisa in the British-American drama by Steven Poliakoff, "Capturing Mary". The rising actress delivered a standout performance and also shone in Oliver Parker's comedy "St. Trinian's", where she played the somewhat mischievous Kelly. The film was well received by the audience and a sequel was made.
Gemma Arterton's Personal Life
Growing up, Gemma was convinced she couldn't attract boys. But moving to London gradually helped her shake off that ugly duckling complex, and in 2007, the rising actress started dating animator John Nolan. After almost a year together, the couple broke up.
In 2017, the actress was spotted with Irish actor Rory Keenan, and they were even photographed kissing at the British Summer Festival. Two years later, the couple went public with their relationship.
The actress avoids social media and keeps her personal life private, preferring to stay out of the spotlight.
Gemma Arterton Now
2021 started strong for the actress with a stunning photo session for Red Magazine UK's January issue, shot by British photographer Chloe Mallett. In addition, the comedy thriller "The King's Man" was released, in which Arterton played the role of Polly. This story about a super spy organization saving the world takes some pretty unexpected turns. Along with Gemma, the film starred Harris Dickinson, Tom Hollander, and Ralph Fiennes.
