Jessica Gunning, the star of Baby Reindeer, recently shared some humorous insights into her struggles in finding work post-fame. The 38-year-old actress played the role of stalker Martha in the popular Netflix series. While the creator of the show, Richard Gadd, has reportedly received offers worth nearly £1million from Netflix for future projects, Jessica has not been as lucky.
In a light-hearted manner, Jessica joked about the stark difference in opportunities between her and Richard. She mentioned that while Richard has been having incredible meetings and offers pouring in, her experience has been quite the opposite. One of the amusing offers she mentioned was for a show called “Celebrity Infested Waters,” where stars would swim with sharks. Another offer was for an Australian tour of Peter Pan to play the role of Mr. Smee. Despite the lack of substantial offers, Jessica seems to be taking it all in stride and finding humor in the situation.
Reflecting on the success of Baby Reindeer, Jessica expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming response to the show. She credited her 17 years of acting experience for helping her navigate the newfound fame with grace. Jessica shared her pride in the show’s popularity and the impact it has had on viewers worldwide.
While Jessica navigates post-fame life, her co-star Richard Gadd is gearing up for more success with a Glasgow drama series called “Lions.” The series, spanning almost 40 years, will explore the relationship between two men from their teenage years to adulthood. With HBO on board as a co-producer, Richard is set to write and executive produce the drama series, which is slated to begin production in Glasgow in early 2025.
On the other hand, the real-life inspiration behind Baby Reindeer’s character Martha, Fiona Harvey, is embroiled in a legal battle with Netflix. Fiona claims that the series has led to her being unfairly harassed and is demanding £135 million in damages. The character of Martha, a stalker sent to prison for stalking Richard’s character, Donny Dunn, was based on Fiona’s real-life experiences. Netflix has vowed to vigorously defend against the lawsuit, stating that the series is a work of fiction.
As Jessica Gunning and Richard Gadd continue to navigate their post-Baby Reindeer careers, the impact of the show on both their professional lives and the real-life individuals it was inspired by remains a topic of interest and contention. While Richard’s future projects show promise, Jessica’s humor and resilience in the face of limited opportunities reflect the ups and downs of life post-fame. The success of Baby Reindeer has undoubtedly brought both opportunities and challenges for those involved, highlighting the complexities of storytelling and its real-world consequences.