Jessica Gunning, the acclaimed star of Netflix's hit drama Baby Reindeer, has opened up about the unsettling flipside of the global fame the series brought her, revealing a shocking encounter where a stranger screamed in her face on the street.
The Dark Side of Sudden Recognition
The actress, who has won an Emmy, Bafta, and Golden Globe for her portrayal of the stalker Martha, shared that the intense public reaction to the show has not always been positive. She recounted a specific incident where an individual, having just finished watching the series, approached her and shouted aggressively, seemingly confusing Gunning with the complex character she played.
Gunning emphasised that most interactions with the public have been supportive and heartwarming. She particularly noted the significant positive impact the show has had, bringing unprecedented attention and support to charities that aid male survivors of sexual assault, a central theme of the narrative.
A Role of a Lifetime
Despite the occasional jarring experience, the performer describes landing the part of Martha as securing 'the role of a lifetime'. For Gunning, the opportunity arrived at a perfect juncture in her career, which has spanned almost two decades in the acting industry.
The series, which premiered on Netflix in 2024, is an adaptation of Richard Gadd's semi-autobiographical one-man show. It received widespread critical praise for its raw and intense depiction of stalking and trauma, going on to win multiple prestigious awards.
Navigating the Aftermath of a Global Hit
Gunning's experience highlights the complex reality for actors when a globally successful project blurs the lines between fiction and reality for some viewers. While the role has been professionally transformative, it has also introduced unexpected personal challenges in the public sphere.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the powerful, and sometimes overwhelming, effect that a gripping television performance can have on audience perception, long after the credits have rolled.
