Introduction
Morwenna Banks is a British-Canadian actress, comedian, writer, and producer who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She has lent her voice to some of the most beloved characters in popular culture, including Dr. Hamster and Mummy Pig Feet in the hit children’s show Peppa Pig, and has also been a part of the cast of the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. In this blog post, we will explore the career and personal life of Morwenna Banks, and take a closer look at some of her most notable achievements.
Early Life and Career
From Tamsin to Morwenna Banks
Morwenna Banks was born on January 20, 1961, in Flushing, Cornwall, England. She grew up in a creative household, with her mother being a writer and her father a jazz musician. Banks began her career in the entertainment industry as a writer and performer in the 1980s, using the name Tamsin Banks. She performed in various comedy shows, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and also wrote for television shows such as The All New Alexei Sayle Show and French and Saunders.
From Writing to Voice Acting
In the 1990s, Banks transitioned from writing to voice acting, and began lending her voice to various animated shows and films. She provided the voice of Daisy in the British animated series The Big Knights, and also voiced several characters in the popular animated series Bob and Margaret. However, it was her role as the voice of Dr. Hamster in the hit children’s show Peppa Pig that brought her widespread recognition and fame.
Peppa Pig and Beyond
The Voice of Dr. Hamster and Mummy Pig Feet
Morwenna Banks has been a part of the cast of Peppa Pig since its inception in 2004. She provides the voice for several characters in the show, including Dr. Hamster, Mummy Pig Feet, and Madame Gazelle. Her portrayal of Dr. Hamster, the veterinarian who takes care of Peppa’s pets, has become one of the most beloved characters in the show, and has earned her a legion of young fans.
Other Notable Roles
Besides Peppa Pig, Morwenna Banks has lent her voice to several other animated shows and films. She provided the voice of Lady Penelope in the 2015 reboot of the classic British series Thunderbirds Are Go, and also voiced several characters in the animated film The Willoughbys. Banks has also been a part of the cast of the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, where she appeared in several sketches and also wrote for the show.
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Morwenna Banks was previously married to the actor and comedian David Baddiel, with whom she has two children. The couple divorced in 2018 after 24 years of marriage. Banks is known for being fiercely private about her personal life, and has not spoken publicly about her relationships or family.
Charitable Work
Despite her private nature, Morwenna Banks is known for her philanthropic work. She has been a supporter of several charities, including the British Red Cross, the NSPCC, and the Alzheimer’s Society. In 2018, she participated in a charity event called “Stand Up to Cancer”, where she performed a comedy sketch alongside several other comedians to raise money for cancer research.
Conclusion
Morwenna Banks is a talented and versatile performer who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Her work as the voice of Dr. Hamster in Peppa Pig has endeared her to a generation of young fans, while her appearances on Saturday Night Live have showcased her comedic abilities to a wider audience. Despite her success, Banks remains humble and grounded, and continues to be a respected and admired figure in the entertainment world.
