Could the haunting portrayal of a stalker on a hit Netflix series catapult an actress to international acclaim? For Jessica Gunning, the answer is a resounding yes.

The name Jessica Gunning has become synonymous with the chilling, yet strangely sympathetic, character of Martha in the Netflix sensation Baby Reindeer. The show, a gripping exploration of stalking and trauma, has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also served as a launchpad for Gunning's career, bringing her critical acclaim and a string of prestigious awards.

Gunning's journey, however, began long before Baby Reindeer dominated streaming charts. Born on January 1, 1986, in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England, she was nurtured in a creative environment. Her mother, Val, was a drama teacher, instilling a passion for the performing arts from a young age. After graduating from Rose Bruford College in 2007, Gunning embarked on her professional career, building a solid foundation in both television and theatre.

Full Name:	Jessica Faye Gunning
Date of Birth:	January 1, 1986
Place of Birth:	Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England, UK
Nationality:	British
Occupation:	Actress and Writer
Known For:	Baby Reindeer, Pride (2014), Back (2017), What Remains (2013)
Education:	Holmfirth High School, Rose Bruford College
Parents:	Paul Gunning (father), Val Gunning (mother)
Awards:	Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics' Choice Award (all for Baby Reindeer)
Notable Roles:	Martha Scott ( Baby Reindeer), Orla ( White Heat), Various Roles ( Back, The Outlaws, What Remains)
Official Website/Reference:	IMDB Profile

Gunning's portrayal of Martha in Baby Reindeer is nothing short of remarkable. She embodies the character with a complex blend of vulnerability, delusion, and unsettling persistence. The role demanded a deep dive into the psychological intricacies of a stalker, a challenge Gunning embraced wholeheartedly. Her performance resonated with viewers, drawing both fascination and empathy, a testament to her acting prowess. As she delved into the motivation and psychology of Martha, Gunning immersed herself in the concept of "limerence", a term for the involuntary mental state resulting from an attraction to another person.

The Netflix series, created by and starring Richard Gadd, who also experienced the events the show depicts, tells a story thats as captivating as it is disturbing. Gunnings nuanced performance brought her widespread critical acclaim. Her ability to navigate the character's complexities, making Martha both terrifying and pitiable, has earned her a plethora of awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for her outstanding performance as Martha Scott.

The impact of Baby Reindeer on Gunning's career has been undeniable. She has been lauded for her breakout role. The Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG) for Best Actress in a Limited Series, awarded in 2025, further solidified her status as a leading talent in the industry. As the show garnered attention, she found herself alongside Cate Blanchett and Stephen Dillane in the stage play "When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other."

Before Baby Reindeer, Gunning showcased her versatility in a range of television shows, including White Heat, where she played the role of Orla, Back, and The Outlaws. She is also credited in the series such as Tourist Trap (2018), MotherFatherSon (2019), and Isolation Stories (2020). Her earlier roles laid the groundwork for her success, demonstrating her range and ability to inhabit diverse characters. She demonstrated her talent for the big screen in films like Pride (2014) and What Remains (2013), showcasing her diverse range.

Gunning's work extends beyond the screen, demonstrating her dedication and passion for acting, which began during her time at Holmfirth High School before continuing at Rose Bruford College, from where she graduated in 2007.

During her acceptance speeches, Gunning has consistently expressed her disbelief at the profound impact Baby Reindeer has had on her life. She has mentioned the full-circle aspect of the series.

The success of Baby Reindeer highlights Gunning's ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level, solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of entertainment. Her talent, coupled with her dedication to her craft, promises a future filled with compelling performances and continued recognition.

The awards and recognition Gunning has received are a testament to her skill and the profound impact of Baby Reindeer on the entertainment landscape. From the Primetime Emmy Awards to the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, her performance has been celebrated by both critics and audiences. She beat out other actors to win the award for the best performance by a female actor in a supporting role on television. The 2025 SAG award also acknowledged her talent, further marking her as a star in the industry. Another award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television on Sunday, January 2025, also was a major milestone in her career.