The British television miniseries Baby Reindeer introduced many viewers to a haunting and deeply emotional story that explores obsession, trauma, and the effects of kindness offered at the wrong time. Among the standout performances in the series is that of Jessica Gunning, who plays Martha a complex character whose presence looms large throughout. Gunning’s portrayal of Martha marks a turning point in her career, earning her critical acclaim and recognition. This topic takes a closer look at Jessica Gunning’s journey, her work in Baby Reindeer, her approach to the character of Martha, and how this role has impacted her professional and personal life.
Jessica Gunning’s Career Before Baby Reindeer
Jessica Gunning, born January 1 1986 in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, embarked on her acting path after training at the Rose Bruford College. Her early career involved theatre productions at the National Theatre in London, including roles in classical works such as Much Ado About Nothing and Major Barbara. Over time she moved into television, appearing in series like White Heat (2012), What Remains (2013), and the ensemble comedy The Outlaws (2021 2024).
Though she was steadily building her body of work, Gunning had not yet reached the level of widespread recognition she would achieve with Baby Reindeer. Her experience across theatre and television gave her a foundation of skill, range, and versatility that prepared her for a breakthrough role.
Notable Early Roles
- Stage work at the Royal National Theatre building composure and discipline.
- Television guest and recurring appearances developing screen presence and adaptability.
- Supporting roles in comedies and dramas showcasing mood versatility.
Landing the Role of Martha in Baby Reindeer
When the miniseries Baby Reindeer, created by and starring Richard Gadd, was adapted from his autobiographical oneman stage show, the casting team sought an actor who could bring deep layers to the character Martha. Jessica Gunning was offered the part after reading the full script of the adaptation and expressing a strong desire to embody Martha’s conflicting traits vulnerability, menace, humor, and emptiness.
Gunning has said in interviews that at first she was concerned producers might consider her too young for the role, since Martha is written as significantly older than the actor. She embraced wig and makeup changes to help the audition stand out, illustrating her commitment to the character. Ultimately, the casting choice proved to be inspired Gunning brought a nuance to Martha that allowed audiences to see her as more than an antagonist.
Characterization and Approach
In playing Martha, Gunning made deliberate choices to emphasize empathy and complexity over onedimensional villainy. She conducted personal preparation to inhabit the role emotionally, exploring the character’s loneliness, wounds, and her destructive behavior.
One of her goals was to make Martha’s obsession and stalking behavior frightening but also comprehensible an expression of trauma and loss. Gunning has described her performance as embodying both a comedic edge and chilling intensity, a combination that critics praised as vital to the series’ impact.
The Impact of the Series on Gunning’s Recognition
Upon its release in April 2024, Baby Reindeer quickly drew critical acclaim and strong audience engagement. Jessica Gunning’s performance as Martha stood out and led to multiple nominations and wins in major awards ceremonies. In particular, she garnered an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie and a BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actress. contentReference[oaicite6]
This level of recognition marked a major milestone in her career, elevating her profile and opening new doors for leading and transformative roles. The visibility afforded by Baby Reindeer has positioned Gunning as an actor capable of carrying emotionally demanding parts and challenging narratives.
Awards and Milestones
- Primetime Emmy Award for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series Winner.
- BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actress Winner.
- Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in Television Winner. contentReference[oaicite7]
Why Gunning’s Portrayal of Martha Resonates
Several elements contribute to the strength of Jessica Gunning’s performance. First, the role of Martha is layered, shifting between charm, instability, yearning, and aggression giving Gunning the space to display range. Second, the writing by Richard Gadd offered clear emotional stakes grounded in reallife trauma, making the character’s actions both disturbing and portrayerworthy.
Critics and viewers alike noted that Gunning avoided turning Martha into a caricature of a stalker. Instead, she focused on the inner life of the character her wounds, her need for recognition, her sense of invisibility. That depth made Martha unsettling and compelling. For many viewers the character’s unpredictable nature and emotional extremity left a lasting impression.
Thematic Relevance
Baby Reindeer addresses themes such as obsession, abuse, loneliness, the complexity of kindness, and how trauma can manifest in destructive behaviors. Jessica Gunning’s portrayal sits squarely at the heart of those themes. Martha serves as both mirror and catalyst for the protagonist’s own trauma, making the dynamic between the two central to the story’s power.
Challenges and Preparation for the Role
Playing a character like Martha took its toll. Jessica Gunning has spoken about the emotional weight of the scenes, some of which involved stalking behavior, psychological tension, and moments of extreme vulnerability. She emphasized the importance of grounding the character in truth researching, rehearsing, and debriefing to maintain wellbeing during filming.
Offset, Gunning prioritized resetting after intense scenes by spending time with family and friends, allowing her to leave Martha behind. This boundarysetting helped manage the psychological demands of repeatedly portraying trauma and unstable emotional states.
Behind the Scenes Work
- Extensive script reading and character work Gunning read all episodes during audition and preparation. contentReference[oaicite8]
- Collaboration with makeup, costume, and hair departments to create Martha’s visual look and presence.
- Working closely with director and creator to maintain the character’s empathyvsthreat balance.
Career Outlook and Future Projects
With Baby Reindeer acting as a breakout role, Jessica Gunning’s future looks promising. Her elevated status in the industry allows her to access more prominent and challenging roles. She has already spoken about how this role has changed how she is perceived no longer just a supporting actor, but a lead performer capable of anchoring complex narratives.
Watchers of Gunning’s career will likely see her in leading dramatic roles, perhaps continuing to bridge the gap between TV, film, and theatre, drawing on her strong stage background. Her performance in Baby Reindeer demonstrates that she can handle emotionally heavy material and contribute to stories that treat trauma, human psychology, and obsession with nuance.
Personal Reflections
Aside from professional milestones, Jessica Gunning also shared personal developments during this period. In an interview she reflected on how playing Martha gave her deeper insight into loneliness and the human need for connection. Her openness about her own identity and path has added to the public’s appreciation of her authenticity both on and off screen.
Jessica Gunning’s performance in Baby Reindeer stands as a remarkable achievement in her career so far. From her long and steady development as an actor to her transformational role as Martha, she has shown the capability, dedication, and emotional depth that true standout work requires. The acclaim she received Emmys, BAFTAs, Golden Globes underscores how significant her achievement is not just for her, but for television performance in general.
As audiences continue to engage with Baby Reindeer and discussions around it expand, Gunning has emerged as a major talent with a distinct voice. The complexity of her character, her commitment to truth in performance, and her growing recognition make her one to watch. For fans of layered television, performers who inhabit and transform roles, and stories that explore the human condition in dark yet illuminating ways, Jessica Gunning’s work in Baby Reindeer is a masterclass in acting under pressure. Her career is now set on a path where her contributions both on screen and in formshaping roles may reach new heights.