Often, it is the introduction of a new film or show that addresses problems like under-representation of visible minorities or LGBT individuals. Sometimes, however, long-running productions are able to adapt and become increasingly inclusive. Such is the case of the highly popular Doctor Who series, which has just this year introduced the Doctor’s first openly gay traveling companion. This character is played by the emerging star Pearl Mackie.
Mackie’s first major role on television, Bill Potts, is a character which has received a great deal of attention. Mackie herself has expressed her pride in portraying a character with which marginalized groups can identify. However, as many people are only getting to know Mackie because of this role, little is known about her personal life. In order to help fans of her performance recognize what a tremendously talented individual she is, here are five of the most interesting facts about Pearl Mackie.
5. She has a wealth of theater experience
Doctor Who may be Mackie’s breakout role on television, but it is not her first foray into acting. She has a distinguished background in theater in the UK. Most notably, she starred in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time for the National Theater’s West End. Her performance earned her a great deal of critical acclaim, with many labeling her as a future star.
In addition, Mackie has given back to the theater community which provided the base for her acting career. She worked for a company called Troupers which helps kids learn about theater, tutoring aspiring young actors.
4. She is highly educated
Mackie is clearly a highly skilled performer, earning the role of Bill Potts in a massive audition process in which dozens of other actors were considered. However, she did not earn this role with talent alone. Instead, she has dedicated many years to becoming the actor that she is today.
Mackie holds a degree in drama from the University of Bristol. While completing her studies, she attended many acting workshops and participated in a great number of plays. Afterward, she graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theater School.
3. She is a trained dancer
While Mackie is earning her living as an actor, she is also highly skilled in other performance arts. Most notably, she is well trained as a dancer. She has reportedly trained in ballet, jazz, period dance, and tap. Given the current Doctor’s guitar skills, perhaps she will display these skills on screen in the future. In addition to these skills, Mackie is also a talented singer.
2. She is multilingual
In addition to her acting, dancing, and singing abilities, Mackie is also a skilled linguist. While it may be difficult to believe that one person has such a wide range of talents, Mackie is fluent in three languages. She can speak English, French, and Spanish.
The increasing inclusiveness of today’s television is important not only in terms of representation, but also because it opens the door for remarkably talented individuals like Mackie to shine. Fans will be delighted to realize that she has such a diverse skill set.
1. Her family has history in the entertainment industry
While Mackie is undoubtedly a talented and driven individual, her affinity for show business may have been inherited. Her grandfather is Philip Mackie, the writer of the screenplay for The Naked Civil Servant. This award-winning picture, much like Pearl’s character on Doctor Who, was a bold step forward in the direction of inclusiveness for gay individuals.
Final Thoughts
Pearl Mackie has made a name for herself with her portrayal of Bill Potts on the highly popular Doctor Who. However, while this breakout role may mark the beginning of her television career, it is actually the culmination of years of hard work. It was only after studying hard and gaining a great deal of experience in theater that Mackie became the actor that she is today. Given her tremendously diverse skill set, fans can look forward to seeing much more of Mackie in coming years.
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