As Channel 5 prepares to launch its new drama series ‘Ellis’, acclaimed actress Sharon D Clarke steps into the lead role, showcasing her rich career and addressing the ongoing evolution of representation in the entertainment industry.
Sharon D Clarke Takes Lead Role in Channel 5’s Upcoming Drama ‘Ellis’
Channel 5 is set to debut its eagerly awaited drama series “Ellis” on Thursday, October 31, at 8pm. This new programme will focus on two detectives wrestling with seemingly insurmountable cases. Leading the cast is queer actor Sharon D Clarke, acclaimed actress and star of BBC’s “Holby City”, who takes on the role of DCI Ellis.
A Glance at Sharon D Clarke’s Early Life and Career
Born in Enfield, north London, in 1966, Sharon D Clarke grew up with a deep-seated passion for the arts. Her mother, a seamstress in renowned stores like Harrods and Selfridges, and her father, a Jamaican immigrant and carpenter, likely instilled a strong work ethic. Clarke began her journey into performance at just six years old, attending the Ivy Travers Dance School, and she further pursued her interest in acting by joining the Anna Scher Theatre at 14.
Despite her parents’ initial concerns about the stability of an acting career, which led her to initially study social work, Clarke eventually followed her passion for performance. Her career took off after successfully auditioning for the Battersea Arts Centre, leading to a distinguished career in theatre, recognised with three Olivier Awards for roles in “Amen Corner” at the National Theatre, “Caroline, Or Change” at the Playhouse, and “Death Of A Salesman” at the Young Vic.
Navigating Racism in the Entertainment Industry
Beyond her theatre endeavours, Clarke became a familiar face on television, featuring in shows such as “Red, White and Royal Blue”, “Showtrial”, and “Mr Loverman”. However, she is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Lola Griffin in “Holby City”, a role she held for 16 years. Throughout her career, Clarke has been vocal about her experiences with racism in the industry. Reflecting on her first Olivier Awards attendance in 1996, she noted the lack of diversity in the room, being one of the few black people present.
Clarke recounted the typecasting she faced early on, primarily being offered roles as nurses, a reflection of societal stereotypes about black women. This led her to withdraw from television auditions for a period. However, she cherished her role in “Holby City”, where her character was depicted as a strong and opinionated surgeon, which aligned better with her aspirations for diverse representation on screen.
Views on Change within the Industry
Clarke has expressed optimism about recent shifts towards greater multicultural representation in media, citing Netflix’s “Bridgerton” as a notable example of this trend—an American production that showcases a diverse society. Nevertheless, she remains cautious, expressing a desire for continued progress rather than a fleeting moment of diversity.
Journey in ‘Doctor Who’ and Personal Life
Her contributions to television also include a role in the iconic series “Doctor Who”, where she played Grace. Clarke witnessed the controversy surrounding Jodie Whittaker’s casting as the first female Doctor, and she expressed pride in the diversity represented on the show.
Clarke’s personal life has also mirrored her professional bravery. She is married to Susie McKenna, a theatre director, whom she met during a 1999 production of “Cinderella”. They married in 2008 on the Hackney Empire stage. Clarke has candidly discussed her experiences with homophobia, expressing gratitude for the supportive circles she has been part of.
With “Ellis”, viewers can expect to see Clarke bring her wealth of experience and talent to a riveting new drama, further cementing her legacy as a significant figure in British television and theatre.
Source: Noah Wire Services