WONKA and WICKED LITTLE LETTERS Star Olivia Colman for British VOGUE Magazine

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Actor Olivia Colman occupies a special place in the heart – and the identity – of the nation, writes Giles Hattersley in the December 2023 issue of British Vogue. Photographed by Tim Walker, styled by Edward Enninful.

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The Norfolk-born Hollywood star will turn 50 in January as one of the most in-demand British stars working today, while having spent the majority of her career as a not-mega-famous person. As such, she has carved out a unique space for herself in the public’s affection. How would she summarise the Colman worldview, I ask? “Just be kind, and try not to be a twat,” she replies with that winning hint of a lisp. “You’re not better than anyone.”

“I’ve said it before,” she continues, “I’m also very grateful for the years I didn’t work. You know, it’s not a quick thing [success]. I’d have a theatre job and then go back into temping, or whatever I could do to earn money and then a little theatre job.” Was there one, big sea-change moment? She nods. “Broadchurch – everybody really watched that. That was weird. I ended up staying at home. I’m not good, turns out, at all that.”

The December 2023 issue of British Vogue is on newsstands from Tuesday 21 November.

Style Credits:
First Look: Erdem Gown | De Beers Jewelry
Second Look: Valentino Couture Wool Cape, Crêpe Dress, Gloves, Mules and Earrings | Philip Treacy Feather Headpiece

[Photo Credit: Tim Walker for British Vogue Magazine]

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