40 Facts About Joanna Page

Early Life and Education

Joanna Page's journey to stardom began in Wales, where she was born and raised. Her early life and education laid the foundation for her successful acting career.

1. Birth and Early Life: Joanna Page was born on March 23, 1977, in Treboeth, Swansea, Wales, UK.
2. Family Background: She is the only child of Nigel, a mechanic, and Susan, a financial services worker.
3. Education: Joanna attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), from which she graduated in 1998.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Joanna Page honed her craft in theater and early film roles.

4. Early Career: Before her acting career took off, Page spent ten years working with The Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal National Theatre, primarily in costume dramas.
5. First Film Role: One of her first film roles was in "From Hell" (2001), where she played Ann Crook alongside Johnny Depp.
6. David Copperfield: Her role in the 1999 BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens's "David Copperfield" led to her meeting her future husband, James Thornton, through mutual friends.

Personal Life

Joanna's personal life, including her marriage and children, has often been in the spotlight.

7. Marriage and Children: Joanna married James Thornton in 2003, and they have four children together. Their first child, Eva Madelief Russell Thornton, was born on February 15, 2013, via emergency C-section due to a condition called Vasa prævia.

Breakthrough Roles

Joanna Page's career took off with several notable roles that showcased her versatility as an actress.

8. Gavin & Stacey: She is best known for her role as Stacey Shipman in the hit UK show "Gavin & Stacey," which ran from 2007 to 2019 and included a Christmas special in 2019.
9. Love Actually: Before breaking out with "Gavin & Stacey," Page appeared in "Love Actually" (2003) alongside Martin Freeman, playing the roles of Just Judy and John, the porn body doubles.
10. Doctor Who: She caused a stir by being revealed as one of the guest stars in Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary episode, appearing alongside David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Jenna-Louise Coleman.

Diverse Roles in Television and Film

Joanna has taken on a variety of roles, from period dramas to modern comedies, showcasing her range as an actress.

11. Breathless: Joanna played the role of Lily Enderbury in ITV's six-part period drama "Breathless," which aired in 2013. The series is set in 1961 and follows the lives of doctors and nurses at a London hospital.
12. Costume Dramas: Despite her comedic roles, Page has a background in costume dramas, which she finds enjoyable due to the elaborate costumes and period settings.
13. Fashion in Breathless: Her character in "Breathless" is known for her old-fashioned style, often getting fashion wrong as she tries to emulate the styles of the 1960s.

Personal Interests and Advocacy

Beyond acting, Joanna Page has a passion for animals and has been involved in various advertising campaigns.

14. Animal Lover: Joanna is an ambassador for the PDSA and has a Jack Russell called Daisy. She frequently shares photos of her dog on social media.
15. Advertising Work: She has appeared in various advertisements, including those for Kingsmill, Carphone Warehouse, and Superdrug. She even filmed a Christmas advert for Superdrug while six months pregnant.
16. Voice Acting: Joanna has voiced characters in children's shows like "Poppy Cat," which her daughter Eva may grow up watching.

Behind the Scenes

Joanna's personal style and preferences often differ from the characters she portrays on screen.

17. Personal Style: Out of character, Joanna Page is not used to wearing makeup and finds it uncomfortable. She has been known to watch tear-jerking films like "The Notebook" and has a strong affection for her family and writing.
18. Rehearsal Joy: Joanna finds her happiest moments in rehearsals, working on scripts in flip-flops and jeans. She loves the process of acting and finds it more about the text than showing off.

Future Plans

Joanna and her family have plans to move to the countryside, reflecting their desire for a quieter life.

19. Move to Oxfordshire: She and her husband are planning to move to Oxfordshire by the end of 2024, where they will live in a thatched cottage. This move is part of their desire to live in the countryside and cook on an Aga.
20. Avoiding Publicity: Despite her growing fame, Joanna prefers to keep a low profile. She has been known to hide photos of herself and her husband from prospective house buyers to avoid attention.

Welsh Heritage

Joanna is proud of her Welsh roots and has always supported Welsh drama.

21. Welsh Accent: Although she thinks she has "gone quite English," Joanna is surprised by how strong her Welsh accent is, a trait she loves as it reflects her Welsh heritage.
22. Support for Welsh Drama: During her time at RADA, Joanna prayed for a big, new vogue for Welsh drama, similar to how Scottish and Northern accents have had their time in the spotlight. She is proud that the Welsh moment was with "Gavin & Stacey".

Recent and Upcoming Projects

Joanna continues to work on new projects, showcasing her versatility and talent.

23. Career Versatility: Joanna has demonstrated her versatility by moving seamlessly from period dramas to modern comedies and even voice acting for children's shows.
24. Recent Roles: In 2022-2023, she voiced Tinks in the TV series "Dog Squad." In 2024, she starred in the TV series "Big Mood" and the TV movie "Men Up".
25. Dream Horse: Joanna played Angela Davies in the 2020 film "Dream Horse," a drama about a small-town woman who trains a horse to compete in the Grand National.
26. Dolittle: She appeared as Bethan Stubbins in the 2020 film "Dolittle," an adaptation of the classic tale about a doctor who can talk to animals.

Memorable Appearances

Joanna's roles in popular TV shows and films have left a lasting impression on audiences.

27. Gavin & Stacey Reunion: The success of "Gavin & Stacey" led to a reunion special in 2019, which was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
28. Midsomer Murders: Joanna played Holly Ackroyd in the 2019 episode of "Midsomer Murders," a popular British mystery series.
29. An Ordinary Monday: She starred as Katherine Hampton in the 2017 short film "An Ordinary Monday," which explores the lives of ordinary people in an extraordinary way.
30. Home from Home: In 2016, Joanna played Fiona Hackett in the TV series "Home from Home," a drama that delves into the lives of people returning home after a long time away.

Voice Acting and Animation

Joanna has lent her voice to various animated characters, bringing them to life for young audiences.

31. Q Pootle 5: She voiced Oopsy in the 2014 TV movie "Q Pootle 5: Pootle All the Way!" and the TV series "Q Pootle 5," a children's show about a magical world.
32. Masterpiece Mystery: Joanna appeared in the 2014 episode of "Masterpiece Mystery," a series that features adaptations of classic mysteries.

Financial Success

Joanna's roles have not only brought her fame but also financial success.

33. Doctor Who Appearance: Her appearance in Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary episode was a significant moment in her career, showcasing her ability to adapt to different genres and roles.
34. Salary for Love Actually: For her role in "Love Actually," Joanna earned approximately £36,000, a significant amount for her at the time.

Public Recognition

Joanna has been recognized in various publicity listings and has received nominations for her performances.

35. Publicity Listings: Joanna has been featured in various publicity listings, including those for her roles in "Gavin & Stacey," "Love Actually," and "Dream Horse".
36. Photos and Videos: She has been featured in numerous photos and videos on IMDb, showcasing her work in various projects over the years.
37. Awards and Nominations: Despite not winning any major awards, Joanna has been nominated twice for her performances in different roles.

Online Presence

Joanna maintains an online presence where fans can learn more about her career and personal life.

38. Personal Website: Joanna has an official website where fans can find more information about her career and personal life.
39. Alternative Name: She is also known by her alternative name, Jo Page, which she uses in some professional contexts.

Physical Appearance

Joanna's physical appearance and height have often been noted in media descriptions.

40. Height and Physical Appearance: Joanna stands at 5’2” (1.57 m) and has been described as a "bubbly sort of child-woman" from the valleys.

Joanna Page: A Versatile Talent

Joanna Page has proven herself a versatile actress, moving seamlessly between costume dramas, modern comedies, and even voice acting. Known for her role as Stacey Shipman in "Gavin & Stacey," she has also made memorable appearances in "Love Actually," "Doctor Who," and "Breathless." Her dedication to her craft is evident in her extensive work with The Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal National Theatre. Despite her growing fame, Joanna keeps a low profile, focusing on her family and personal life. With a move to Oxfordshire on the horizon, she continues to balance her career and family life. Fans eagerly await her next projects, knowing she’ll bring her signature charm and talent to the screen. Joanna Page remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her talent, versatility, and down-to-earth personality.