Former Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh triumphed at The at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, 12-years after her soap exit.
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Julie Hesmondhalgh Shines at Olivier Awards!
Former Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh triumphed at The Olivier Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, 12-years after her soap exit. The actress, 56, wh...
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The actress, 56, who played groundbreaking trans character Hayley Cropper from 1998 until 2014, was awarded Supporting Best Actress for her role in Punch, ahead of the show also winning Best New Play.
Julie posed proudly with her award after taking to the stage with an emotional acceptance speech.
She looked a million miles from her Weatherfield character in a chic boat neck blouse and flowing navy skirt and gone were brunette locks for a blonde pixie cut.
After breaking boundaries for playing the first-ever character in a serialised drama, Julie has since insisted trans roles should be played by transgender actors instead of non-LGBT thespians.
She revealed that the character was originally written as a 'politically incorrect' joke and was only meant to last for two weeks, but she ended up playing Hayley - born as Harold Patterson - for an incredible 16 years.
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Former Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh triumphed at The Olivier Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, 12-years after her soap exit
The actress played groundbreaking trans character Hayley Cropper from 1998 until 2014 (pictured in Corrie in 2013)
'1997 it was a very different world, the way we spoke about trans-people... we had little understanding. All I could do at the time was reassure the different trans activist groups who were concerned I was playing the role that I was their ally'.
'I think there would have been unbearable pressure on a trans-actor coming out in such a public way on a huge and controversial storyline. It wasn't why I left but [my exit] came at the exact right time.'
Sunday saw Paddington The Musical having an incredible night, scooping Best New Musical, Best Set Design, Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Actor In A Musical, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical.
The musical won seven of its 11 nominations in total.
Into the Woods, which had a staggering 11 nominations, secured Best Lighting Design and Best Musical Revival.
All My Sons triumphed in the Best Revival and Best Actor in a Supporting Role categories.
Julie was awarded Supporting Best Actress for her role in Punch, ahead of the show winning Best New Play
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She looked a million miles from her Weatherfield character in a chic boat neck blouse and flowing navy skirt and gone were brunette locks for a blonde pixie cut
Julie put on a very animated display as she celebrated her win
Julie (centre) posed proudly with her award after taking to the stage with an emotional acceptance speech (Pictured with (L-R) Minnie Driver and Ambika Mod)
Rosamund scooped Best Actress after being hailed by critics in the legal drama Inter Alia at Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End.
The actress beat nominees , Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Julia McDermott, Rosamund Pike and Rosie Sheehy.
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Rosamund, who is best known for her screen roles including Die Another Day (2002) and Gone Girl (2014), called her theatrical return a "huge, exhilarating risk" as she picked up her prize during the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.
During her acceptance speech, she said: 'This is by far the most nerve-wracking performance I will make in the next few weeks.
'It is one thing to stand on stage and do 100 minutes of somebody else's beautifully written words. It is quite another thing to be relying on my own words.'
The award-winning actress added: 'I haven't done any theatre for 14 years. It was a huge risk, an exhilarating risk, to come back and be invited by the National Theatre - the home of so much great, wonderful work - to do this special play.'
Rachel Zegler, 34,
Pictured as Hayley alongside onscreen husband Roy Cropper (David Neilson)
Jack Holden was awarded Best Actor for his multi-role performance in Kenrex, a one-man crime thriller in a win for independent theatre.
He was up against Bryan Cranston, Sean Hayes, and David Shields.
Meanwhile Paapa Essiedu secured a win for Best Actor In A Supporting Role for All My Sons at Wyndham’s theatre.
The Boy At The Back Of The Class, adapted by Nick Aha scooped Best Family Show.
Dame Elaine Paige was also honoured with this year's Special Award at Sunday night's ceremony.
'As we celebrate 50 years of the Olivier Awards, it is especially fitting to honour a performer whose artistry, dedication and generosity have inspired generations of audiences and artists alike,' Kash Bennett, president of the Society of London Theatre, said in a statement.
Award presenters included Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Helen Mirren, and Dame Arlene Phillips.
Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre.
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