Name: Hannah
Job title: Actress
What exactly is that?
I pretend to be other people.
How did you get there?
I began performing on stage in a band when I was 14. I left school at 16 to study singing and music technology full time.
Whilst studying, I was cast in a musical and was introduced to acting. When I was 19, I was offered a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and began working professionally when I graduated at age 22.
Describe a typical day in your life:
Days on set start incredibly early. I usually wake up around 5.30am, have a quick shower and let my little dog Mouse (a miniature dachshund) out for a wee before getting picked up at 6am and taken to unit base.
When we arrive, Mouse and I settle into my trailer and have some breakfast, usually eggs and coffee, before getting into the chair. The chair is what we call hair and makeup. Depending on the job, this can take hours!
Once hair and makeup is done, I head back to my trailer to get into costume. Then, if I’m lucky I get time to have another coffee and a cuddle with Mouse before heading down to set for cameras to turn over at 8am.
Days are long, we usually shoot for 12 hours. On wrap (finish), I head back to base, de-rig hair and make up and head home as quickly as possible to look at the scenes for the next day and watch some rubbish TV to unwind, before getting an early night to do it all again tomorrow!
What’s the best thing about what you do?
There are too many to choose from! Getting to travel all over the world and shoot in incredibly beautiful and unusual locations… Really feeling what is like to be a detective, or a girl in the 13th century, or a nun… Working with some hugely talent and creative people… Wearing amazing costumes… The list goes on!
What’s the one thing you would change if you could:
The amount of time I have to spend away from home.
What did you want to do for a living when you were at school?
I wanted to be a musician. A singer/songwriter. Or a vet.
Tell us about one thing you were insecure about when you were at school:
I was scared to follow my dream, because this industry is very, very tough. But I listened to the people that believed in me, and to my family who supported me, and I was brave.
What advice would you give yourself at 18 if you could?
I would warn myself that it’s going to be a bumpy ride, but hang on in there. It’s so, so worth it. Just keep going.
What’s your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
I love walking with Mouse through woodland. And being with my friends and family, cooking for them. And knitting!
What’s the title of the last book you read?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Please share with us one beauty tip you have learned:
Always take your makeup off and moisturise before bed!
Share with us one money tip:
Try to save 30% of what you earn.
Please share one life lesson:
My best friend always says ‘This too shall pass’. It’s wonderful, whatever you’re going through. When times are good, it reminds you to appreciate what you have right now, in this happy moment. And when times are hard, it reminds you that everything is constantly evolving and changing, and therefore better times are coming.
Tell us about your favourite recent purchase for £25 or under:
Yesterday I had a fringe cut in to my hair. It cost £10 and I absolutely love it.
Where can people find you for more info?
Twitter @hannaharterton and Instagram @hearterton
GDG E-book, Life after Lessons available now!
