Olivia Colman (born January 30, 1974 in Norwich, United Kingdom) studied primary teaching at Homerton College in Cambridge when she auditioned for the Cambridge University’s Footlights Dramatic Club at age 20 and her acting career began.

Colman first came to prominence for her supporting role as Sophie Chapman in the comedy series Peep Show (2003-2015). Her other TV comedy roles included Green Wing (2004-2006), Beautiful People (2008-2009), Rev. (2010-2014) and Twenty Twelve (2011-2012).

Her dramatic roles received critical acclaim and they included appearances in the films Tyrannosaur (2011), The Iron Lady (2011) Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) and Locke (2013).

Colman appeared as the feisty intelligence operative, Angela Burr, in the British TV mini-series The Night Manager, which is based on the 1993 novel of the same name by John le Carre and adapted by David Farr to the present day.