Gemma Arterton

About Gemma Arterton

Gemma Arterton is a renowned British actress, primarily recognized for her portrayal of the Bond Girl "Strawberry Fields" in the 2008 film "Quantum of Solace." She hails from Gravesend, Kent, England, where she was born to Sally, a cleaner, and Barry Arterton, a welder. Gemma was born with polydactyly and was raised by her single mother alongside her sister, actress Hannah Arterton, who has been associated with National Lottery advertisement celebrity Tristan Churchward. Prior to her acting career, Arterton worked as a makeup sales assistant. She attended Gravesend Grammar School for Girls before pursuing a performance arts course at The Miskin Theatre in Dartford, which is part of North West Kent College, and later received full funding to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Her work as "Strawberry Fields" earned her an Empire Award for Best Newcomer.

Following her breakthrough, Arterton starred in a variety of films such as "The Disappearance of Alice Creed" (2009), "Tamara Drewe" (2010), "Clash of the Titans" (2010), "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" (2010), "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" (2013), "Their Finest" (2016), "The Escape" (2017), and "Vita and Virginia" (2018). She was honored with the Harper's Bazaar Woman of the Year Award for her dual role as actress and producer of "The Escape." On stage, she has highlighted her versatility with performances in productions like "The Duchess of Malfi" (2014), "Made in Dagenham" (2014), "Nell Gwynn" (2016), and "Saint Joan" (2017). Arterton received Olivier Award nominations for her work in both "Nell Gwynn" and "Made in Dagenham," ultimately winning the Evening Standard Theatre Award for the latter.

In 2016, she established her own production company, Rebel Park Productions, dedicated to developing female-led stories both in front of and behind the camera. To date, she has served as executive producer for four feature films and two short films. Arterton is also known for her advocacy, supporting movements like Time's Up, ERA 50:50, and MeToo. She played a crucial role in encouraging actresses to don black attire at the 2018 BAFTAs as a stance for Time's Up and has actively participated in the ERA 50:50 equal pay campaign in the UK since it began.