### The Hollywood Actor Who Came Close to Playing Baby Reindeer’s Martha
Jessica Gunning is having a moment. The veteran actress has earned raves for playing the unhinged stalker Martha in Netflix’s critically acclaimed limited series, **Baby Reindeer**, opposite Richard Gadd. It’s a part she’s embracing as the role of a lifetime, but she’s no overnight sensation. West Yorkshire native Gunning, 38, has been acting ever since graduating from drama school at London’s Rose Bruford College. Her long list of credits includes **Doctor Who**, **White Heat**, **The Outlaws**, and **Pride**.
**Baby Reindeer**, created by and starring Gadd, is inspired by his traumatic real-life experiences. Gadd plays Donny Dunn, a struggling comedian who encounters a lonely woman at the bar where he works. The chance encounter, during which he offers her a free cup of tea, spirals over several months as Gunning’s Martha is revealed to be a dangerous, serial stalker. Gunning recently stopped by The Hollywood Reporter office for an interview about what it took to land the plum part, the emotional connection she maintains with Gadd, and why she has ignored all of the brouhaha surrounding the real-life identities of Gadd’s characters.
### The Journey to Baby Reindeer
Gunning’s journey to **Baby Reindeer** was anything but straightforward. Despite her extensive experience, she had to go through a rigorous audition process that spanned about four months. Netflix wanted to ensure she was the right person for the role, which included several rounds of chemistry tests with Gadd. There was even a question mark over the age gap between her and Gadd’s characters, which led her to enlist the help of her friend, Oscar-winning makeup designer Nadia Stacey, to age her up for the audition tape.
“I actually got a good friend of mine to age me up to show in a video that I could look a bit older,” Gunning said. “She’s an amazing makeup designer called Nadia Stacey who just won an Oscar for **Poor Things**. I rang her up and she said she could do it by getting me in a wig and some makeup. I did a series of scenes, including the final voicemail in the look and sent the tape in. In hindsight, it looked rushed and kind of ludicrous, but it was just a way for them to imagine.”
### The Role of a Lifetime
Gunning’s portrayal of Martha is nuanced and complex. She doesn’t see Martha as a villain but as a woman whose intentions, though perceived as harmful, were never meant to be. “It’s complicated and she isn’t all bad. Her intentions may have been perceived in that way, but she never meant to do anything intentionally harmful. I connected to that side of her,” Gunning explained.
Her dedication to the role is evident. She even cited advice from Bryan Cranston about auditioning not to get the job but to show the version of the character you would do for the role. “That’s been my ethos: If I’m right, I’m right. It was a game because I’m not very well known, and Richard’s not very well known. In another world, people may have been pressing to cast a name, somebody more famous. But I kept thinking, ‘I know how to do this.’”
### The Real-Life Impact
**Baby Reindeer** has resonated deeply with audiences, and its impact has been significant. The show has inspired some to track down the real-life Martha, who has responded and engaged with people online. Gunning, however, has tried to avoid anything like that. “I don’t know much about the real person. I tried to know the least about the real people as I could, just because I didn’t want it to blur my view. I saw the character so clearly in my mind that I didn’t want anything to complicate that, because I’m not doing an impersonation. I’m doing my interpretation of her.”
Gunning’s relationship with Gadd has also been profoundly affected by their work together. “I get really emotional when I talk about Richard, just because I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone in the same way. I know him as Martha. I used to study his face and his way to get his vibe. I can read him better than even some of my closest friends. Weirdly, I don’t think I’ve felt the way I feel about Richard about anybody at all.”
### Life After Baby Reindeer
The success of **Baby Reindeer** has changed Gunning’s life in unexpected ways. She’s been recognized on the streets, and her family is incredibly proud of her achievements. “For my mum’s birthday, we went to this place near my sister’s house and quite a lot of people there were noticing, but everyone was really lovely and complimentary. It is strange, though, because I’ve realized that it’s a much different thing for me now.”
Despite the newfound attention, Gunning remains grounded and focused on her craft. She’s not viewing **Baby Reindeer** as a springboard to something bigger but as a unique and special experience. “It took 17 years for this part to come along, and I don’t think there’ll be another one like it. I’m not viewing it as a springboard to anything, or to something bigger. I can’t even imagine what that would be. No offers have come in, just a lot of lovely compliments. I guess I can just say, watch this space.”
### Future Projects
Gunning has other projects in the pipeline, including writing on **The Outlaws** and a film produced by Cate Blanchett. “I also wrote on **The Outlaws**, which is coming out soon, and I have another film that is about to go into production but I don’t know if I can talk about it. Cate Blanchett, who I did a play with, is producing it. It’s going to be announced soon. It’s a very lighthearted action comedy.”
Working with Blanchett was a dream come true for Gunning. “I would go work for Cate Blanchett as a maid for the day in a film if I could, I’m a big fan. But suddenly, she was doing this play [**When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other**] and I got a part in it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone work like she does. She’s so present and every night she would do something different on stage. She’s so in the moment and even her eyes would be listening. She’s amazing and a brilliant person. She’s aces.”
### Conclusion
Jessica Gunning’s portrayal of Martha in **Baby Reindeer** has catapulted her into the spotlight, but it’s clear that her journey has been one of dedication, hard work, and a deep connection to her craft. As she continues to navigate her career, audiences can look forward to seeing more of her exceptional talent in future projects.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Tudum, Deadline
