Hannah Waddingham made her Super Bowl commercial debut during today’s telecast of the NFL’s championship game.
The “Ted Lasso” star is featured in a spot for cash-back shopping service Rakuten. She plays a villainous (and glamorous) character that could easily appear in a “James Bond” film — she has a hairless cat named Leonardo! — in a high-stakes poker game who loses to a Rakuten user. The 60-second spot, directed by Matt Aselton, was shot at Hatfield House outside of London.
“They came to me because they wanted a very specific kind of type,” Waddingham told Variety. “They’d obviously seen me in ‘Ted Lasso’ and also what I’m like in real life. I like that fact that it is their first foray into Super Bowl commercials and mine as well. We kind of went hand-in-hand together and we all wanted to create something that was pretty epic and movie-like.”
I caught up with the Emmy winner from her home in the U.K. to talk football, James Bond and working with Sarah Jessica Parker, Better Midler and Kathy Najimy in the upcoming “Hocus Pocus” sequel.
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Are you a fan of American football?
Do you know what? This is a little known fact about me when I was 10 years old. I think because I got an older brother. I used to wander around the house with no clothes underneath and then a Minnesota Vikings little helmet and shoulder pads.
What?!
I think it’s because my dad had worked in America a lot. And my brother was obsessed with rugby. And I think my dad was trying to get him into American football. And I remember that my first crushes were on the guys in that football team because I remember thinking, “Oh, how they got such big shoulders. Aren’t they lovely?” Not realizing they were pads.
Do you regularly watch the Super Bowl?
I’m not usually because I’m usually working, getting my daughter and things like that. But I think I think I’m gonna try and knock on Jason Sudeikis’ door and say, “Come on, dude! Have a little party and I’ll be behind a cushion on your couch.”
You’re in a Super Bowl commercial! How great is that?
It’s kind of rounding off the year very nice.
I just looked this morning and a teaser for the commercial of just you doing an evil laugh has 2.7 million views on YouTube.
Woot, woot! Me being ridiculous. You know what’s so lovely is that Matt Aselton and I just clicked immediately. I think the reason why the laughing section thing is so good and immediately appealing is because he was just like, “I want you to just go! I want you to do just as much as you want to do.” He just kind of let me run wild. I think that’s when things work the best.
The commercial has a very James Bond feel.
Well, yes, that’s what was put across to me. They were like, “Do you want to come and do the first ever Super Bowl commercial for Rakuten?” My ears pricked up because I knew about Rakuten I was like, “Is that where you could get money for buying a friend a present?” OK, I’m immediately in. And then they said, “We’d also quite like you to be like a Bond villain.” I mean, what is not to like about that?
Is this your informal audition for a Bond film?
No. [Laughs]. The whole Bond thing should be left to the boys. People should have the wherewithal and talent to write something for women stand-alone.
Now, let’s talk “Ted Lasso.” Did you all come back to set with your Emmys?
We’re far more low key than that. You know what we all love is that we are all chomping at the bit to get back to AFC Richmond. I can’t wait to get back behind my Rebecca desk.
Have you started filming Season Three?
We haven’t started filming. We’re kind of doing our prep for it at the moment. And that’s a lot more time-consuming than most people think. It’s like getting a load of plates spinning in the right direction again.
How much do you know about what going to happen in the new season.
Absolutely nothing. [Laughs].
When do you start shooting?
I think we reconvene around the seventh of March. We’re all absolutely champing at the bit, it feels like it’s been an awful long time.
What was it like walking on set of “Hocus Pocus 2”?
Oh, my lord! I turned up for my fitting in Rhode Island and the second assistant director said, “All the ladies would like to meet you.” Honestly, my jaw dropped off. I went and sat with them in their costumes. Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and the mighty SJP. And I sat there while they were having their lunch break with them in their full garb. It felt like a competition where I felt like I was going to have to leave the room and then pay somebody 1,000 pounds or something. I was literally like, “What is going on?” It was the most joyous “pinch me” moment. It really was.
What does your daughter think of all this and everything that’s been happening with you?
She absolutely loves it. Honestly, when I say I’m going up to do things, the first question is always, “Can I come?” I love that. I love that she’s inspired by it all. But I have to kind of sidle out the door and not make a big fuss.
But you do have to tell her you’re going to shoot a movie with Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker.
I may have gotten her a little video from set.
FAQs
Kate Hudson proves that it pays to shop in a new ad campaign for cash-back shopping platform Rakuten.
Has Hannah Waddingham ever been married? ›
No, The Fall Guy and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham is not married. Though she was linked for a decade to Italian businessman Italian Gianluca Cugnetto, Waddingham and Cugnetto never tied the knot and today, she remains single.
What character is Hannah Waddingham in? ›
Hannah Waddingham opened up about her experience on Game of Thrones, portraying Unella, one of the Septa of the Faith of the Seven who tortures Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) in season five. The Ted Lasso star stopped by The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to promote The Fall Guy.
What is Hannah Waddingham famous for? ›
She is best known for her contribution to West End musical theatre, particularly her performances in the original London production of "Spamalot" as the Lady of the Lake and as Desiree Armfelt in Trevor Nunn's acclaimed revival of "A Little Night Music", roles that earned her two Olivier Award nomination.
How many languages does Hannah Waddingham speak? ›
Waddingham speaks fluent French and Italian and has stated her love for languages.
What movies did Hannah Waddingham play in? ›
In 2008, she made her film debut as Elizabeth Maddox in How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008). Her other film credits include Into the Woods (2011), Les Misérables (2012), Winter Ridge (2018) and The Hustle (2019).
Who is the actress doing the Rakuten commercial? ›
Rakuten has teamed up with actress Kate Hudson and fashion designer Patricia Bonaldi of PatBO for its new ad campaign, which highlights both exclusive products and the shopping platform's rewards.
Who is the actress in the Rakuten cash back commercial? ›
Rakuten, the performance shopping platform that offers Cash Back and rewards, launched its first year-long advertising campaign with actress Kate Hudson and fashion designer Patricia Bonaldi of PatBO.
What illness does Hannah Waddingham's daughter have? ›
The Ted Lasso actress told PEOPLE in March 2023 that she found out her daughter was diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura or HSP, a painful autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and bleeding in the small blood vessels, resulting in rashes and sore joints.
How tall is Rebecca in Ted Lasso? ›
Viewers fell in love with Waddingham, 49, as the poised, yet hilarious football club owner Rebecca Welton. But as Waddingham revealed on “The View” in June, she has often been overlooked for roles because of her 5'11” stature.
'Ted Lasso' actress Hannah Waddingham named Sun Princess godmother: Travel Weekly.
How old is Rupert in Ted Lasso? ›
They said Rupert is almost 70( late 60s maybe) so I assume Rebecca is anywhere from 15-20 maybe 25 yrs younger… maybe? And sassy and her are around the same age but sassy's daughter is kinda young…
Who is the big blonde on Ted Lasso? ›
Hannah Waddingham is an English actress who is best known for her role in "Ted Lasso" as Rebecca Welton.
Who is the shame woman in Game of Thrones? ›
Hannah Waddingham's character in Game of Thrones, Septa Unella, had a significant impact despite her small role. Septa Unella, also known as the "Shame Nun," gained pop culture prominence for her iconic scene with Cersei Lannister.
Who is the bar lady in Ted Lasso? ›
Character(s)
Annette Badland is a recurring guest star on Ted Lasso, where she plays "Mae" — either a barmaid or the landlady at Ted's local. Badland is one of the UK's hardest-working actors, with an impressive resumé that extends back to the 1970s.
Who was Hannah Waddingham in Footballers Wives? ›
Hannah Waddingham: Jools
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Why was Hannah Waddingham in Willow? ›
Waddingham Agreed To Play Hubert Because She's "A Big Nerd"
The connection was made possible through a serendipitous link between the series' casting director, Lauren Evans, who had previously worked with Waddingham on Sex Education, and the creative team behind Willow.
What actress speaks 6 languages? ›
Natalie Portman can speak an impressive six languages.
With an Israeli-American background, Portman grew up speaking Hebrew and English, then picked up the additional languages of French, Japanese, German, and Spanish, America Reads Spanish reported.
What languages does Natalie Portman speak fluently? ›
Natalie Portman – English, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Hebrew. Learning any new language is seriously impressive. So being fluent in English, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Hebrew makes UN Ambassador and A-list actress Natalie Portman a serious contender for our #WCW.
How did Hannah Waddingham learn French? ›
Waddingham explained that she learned French in school and was “conversational, rather than fluent” but wanted to inject it into her presentation to “show the hands across the water”.
"Being a woman who's not small, very tall, I had always struggled," said Waddingham, who is 5'11". She went on to explain how her stature has always been a disadvantage since she began her acting career in the early 2000s.
How old is Rebecca in Ted Lasso? ›
For one, Sam is only 21, and while the show hasn't revealed Rebecca's age, it's assumed that she's likely in her late forties, like Waddingham. Every relationship is unique, and we're not saying that big age gaps always equal a doomed relationship.
Who plays Ted Lasso's wife? ›
Andrea Anders is a guest star on Ted Lasso who plays Ted's wife, Michelle. A native Wisconsite, she holds an MFA from Rutgers. Her first big break was on the Friends spin-off, Joey, where she starred as Alex. She later had a high-profile role of Linda on Better Off Ted.
Who is the blonde on the Rakuten commercial? ›
Alicia Silverstone reprises Clueless role (and that yellow plaid jacket) for Super Bowl ad: 'It felt really good' "Her heart is big and she radiates joy," the actress says of bringing back her iconic character for Rakuten's new commercial about — what else?
What happened to Alicia Silverstone? ›
After turning 30, the actor took on a new agent, who told her to only say yes to a role or project if she absolutely loved it. And now, at 47, Silverstone is having her second act. She is acting on screen and stage again, while also devoting a large chunk of her time to parenting and activism.
Who is the cast of the planters commercial? ›
People love to argue over things, and nut brand Planters® is capitalizing on that truth via its 2022 Super Bowl ad. While Planters® debuted Baby Nut at the Super Bowl in 2020, this brand-new commercial instead features two human stars: beloved comedic actors Ken Jeong and Joel McHale.
