BERGERAC Star Exposes TV Industry’s Dark Secret: ‘Men Get Away with It’!

Zoë Wanamaker plays Charlie Hungerford in U&Drama’s reboot of Bergerac.

Her TV credits include Susan Harper in My Family and Queen Antedia in Britannia.

Her father Sam Wanamaker was a prime mover behind the creation of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre.

In this conversation, TopMob engages with Wanamaker on the topic of the classic John Nettles detective series, fostering a rapport and discussing her experiences as a female figure in the television industry.

Did you enjoy the original Bergerac?

In 1978, I was with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) alongside John Nettles. On Saturdays, when we weren’t rehearsing or performing, we would embark on extended horseback journeys through the scenic landscapes of Warwickshire. I can’t recall the theme song, as I hadn’t seen it before, but I vividly remember those equestrian outings with John.

Six months following his wife’s passing, they encounter him, a man clearly struggling to cope. Both of them have experienced profound grief, as his partner and their daughter are now deceased. This tragic event has significantly altered their bond.

In times of family loss, dynamics can undergo significant shifts. This became evident when my father, battling prostate cancer for a while, requested my assistance in finding peace. Unfortunately, he drifted off to sleep before he could take the final step. It was a heart-wrenching experience.

Does a death like that stay with you?

Indeed, don’t you find it puzzling that everyone seems to be going about their business as usual? It’s as if nothing catastrophic has occurred. The truth is, this situation is deeply distressing. It’s important to take a moment to reflect on your own feelings and thoughts, even contemplating how you might choose to end your life. I too am finding it challenging to adapt to this new normal.

Did the chemistry work between you and Damien [Molony]?

Indeed, he was easy for me to connect with right away due to his exceptional talent, intelligence, and openness. Conversely, if an actor dislikes you or fails to communicate, it becomes challenging to uphold one’s self-assurance and faith in oneself. I have personally encountered this predicament once when I felt excluded. It was a distressing and melancholic episode in my life.

Charlie is a tough cookie — are you?

She is a formidable and merciless individual. However, many women possess great power. I am incredibly engaging and hard to put down. My father constructed the Globe Theatre! It took him an astounding 27 years of his existence, yet he didn’t live to witness its grand opening. Such dedication demonstrates perseverance. I was known as Zoë Troublemaker at school. At that time, I struggled to grasp some concepts and connections due to my undiagnosed dyslexia.

OR

1. She is a strong, relentless figure. However, women can be powerful too. I’m captivating and impossible to ignore. My father engineered the Globe Theatre! This monumental project consumed 27 years of his life, but he passed away before its inauguration. That kind of determination shows resilience. I was called Zoë Troublemaker in school due to my undiagnosed dyslexia, which made it difficult for me to understand certain things and the connections between them.

How did you get through a decade of My Family with dyslexia?

1. I plan to hang straight lines on the walls.

2. I sought assistance from a hypnotherapist who suggested using a drug since traditional hypnotherapy was ineffective for me. Now, I’m looking for help with these lines. It’s agonizing, but it appears to be effective. They always mention that it becomes more difficult as you age. However, one must find a way.

Has the industry got better for women?

To begin with, women are often underpaid compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, when I first began my career, the agent I signed with advised me to lie about my age. The reasoning behind this was that after 30, women are seen as grandmothers. In articles, you’ll frequently see references to a woman’s age, something that is not typically done for men. This disparity has persisted over time. Women carry the burden of both childbirth and household chores. Men, on the other hand, can more easily avoid such responsibilities.

Do you get to drive a supercar in Bergerac?

No, but Damien took me in his car and drove off at 100mph!

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2025-02-18 04:15