Gemma Whelan is an English actress and comedian, best known for her role as Yara Greyjoy in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. However, many may not know that before she landed the role of Yara, she was a highly successful commercial actor.
Gemma started her career in acting as a graduate of the Oxford School of Drama. She then went on to perform in various fringe theatre productions and comedy shows before being spotted by an advertising executive who offered her a role in a series of television commercials for Andrex toilet tissue.
Gemma quickly became a regular face on British television screens, starring in a number of high-profile commercials. Her bubbly personality and infectious charm made her a sought-after commodity, leading to her being cast in various TV dramas and comedies, including Channel 4's Fresh Meat and BBC's The End of the F***ing World.
Despite her success on the small screen, it was Gemma's role in Game of Thrones that catapulted her to international fame. As Yara Greyjoy, a fierce warrior and leader of the Ironborn, she won over audiences with her strong performance and formidable presence on screen.
Nevertheless, Gemma has continued to work in commercials throughout her career, often using her comedic talents to great effect. Her ability to convey complex emotions with a single facial expression has made her a favorite of advertising agencies, and her infectious charm has won the hearts of audiences across the globe. Despite her success in various acting roles, Gemma remains one of the most in-demand commercial actors in the industry today.