Shalom Brune‑Franklin—she’s got this captivating presence that just sticks with you. Born in St Albans, England, to a Mauritian mother and a father of Thai-English heritage, she brings a richly diverse background that subtly informs her performances. Her journey took a dramatic turn when her family moved to Perth, Australia, in her teens—a shift that introduced her to acting almost by accident. From struggling with math to discovering drama, her story feels both relatable and extraordinary. Her work spans from Australian hits like Doctor Doctor to British staples like Line of Duty, and now features in high-profile series such as Dune: Prophecy and Baby Reindeer. What stands out is not just her versatility but also her grounded realness—there’s a refreshing imperfection and charm to her rise.
Let’s dive into her story: the roots of her passion, her defining roles, and the moments that give her career a unique rhythm.
Early Roots and Formative Years
A Global Childhood with a Twist
Shalom’s early years were anything but ordinary. Raised in a multicultural household, she embodies a blend of Mauritian warmth and Thai-English sensibility. When the family relocated to Mullaloo, a coastal suburb of Perth, she faced not only climate change (from the UK drizzle to Aussie sun) but also the challenge of reinventing herself socially. She’s mentioned how moving continents during her teens shaped a resilience that later became essential in the unpredictable world of acting.
From Athletics to Dramatic Discovery
Interestingly, acting wasn’t her first love. Instead, she was active in sports—basketball, netball, gymnastics, you name it. Drama only entered the picture as a school elective when she was struggling with math and needed an easier class. That detour led to a drama award in high school, sowing the seeds of what would become her career.
WAAPA: Where Talent Took Flight
Post-high school, she enrolled at Edith Cowan University for journalism—until she discovered WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts). She auditioned and won top honors, including a scholarship in Hugh Jackman’s name. That was when acting went from hobby to vocation.
Breakthrough Roles and Career Highlights
Early Screen Appearances
Her early screen work included small roles in shorts like Dinner Date, Tryptophan, and Swiss Avalanche, even a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in Thor: Ragnarok. But that groundwork led to a recurring role in Doctor Doctor (2016–2017) as Aoife, marking her first major Australian TV credit.
BBC’s Our Girl and the Pivot to UK TV
Her breakout came when she moved back to the UK and starred as Private Maisie Richards in Our Girl (2017–2018). That role thrust her into the spotlight and showcased her ability to handle emotionally complex characters in intense settings.
From The State to Bad Mothers and Beyond
She was Umm Khulthum in the harrowing political drama The State, and later played Bindy—a dynamic, carefree young mom—in Australia’s Bad Mothers (2019). She’s commented gratefully on that role, noting how it mirrored her own family story and helped her appreciate her mother’s sacrifices.
Fantasy, Politics, and Police Drama
- Cursed* : portrayed Morgan le Fay in a feminist twist on Arthurian legend, calling it “Xena vibes”—bold, mythic, and female-led.
- Roadkill* (2020): shared scenes with Hugh Laurie in a political thriller. That single 12-page scene? She described it as an acting masterclass.
- Line of Duty* (2021): played DC Chloe Bishop in all seven episodes of season six—a recurring role that earned her wider recognition.
- Love Me* (2021–2023): series regular as Ella, offering a softer, intimate role amid her more intense characters.
- The Tourist* (2022): starred as Luci/Victoria in this hit drama, further cementing her presence in premium TV.
Recent Highlights & Upcoming Adventures
Her recent projects include:
– Great Expectations (2023): playing Estella in the classic Dickens adaptation.
– Baby Reindeer (2024): took on the role of Keeley in a chilling, acclaimed miniseries.
– Dune: Prophecy (2024): portrays Mikaela in this sci-fi saga—her most expansive project yet.
– The Girlfriend and The Assassin (2025): upcoming appearances signaling her continuous upward momentum.
Personal Voice and Industry Perspective
“I feel like I’m from all these different places, and it informs my work and life.”
That’s not just a line—it’s a window into how her multicultural roots define her craft. She’s spoken candidly about realizing her racial identity during drama school, how that awareness was both jarring and empowering—preparing her for an industry that often doesn’t look like her.
Her long-distance relationship with a producer from Doctor Doctor reflects the nomadic life she’s chosen—constantly between UK and Australia—and how personally balancing that isn’t always easy but has become part of who she is.
Conclusion
Shalom Brune‑Franklin’s trajectory from a bustling household in St Albans to the beaches of Perth, and back to the UK’s top dramas, reads like a compelling script—unpredictable, richly textured, and vividly human. Her diverse heritage, genuine relatability, and fearless choice of roles—from fantasy to political thriller, medical drama to sci-fi epic—have shaped her as an actress with depth and range. She’s not just playing characters; she’s channeling pieces of her life—her roots, her challenges, her voice—onto screen. As she continues to take on more ambitious projects, what remains constant is her authenticity and versatility.
FAQs
Who is Shalom Brune‑Franklin?
Shalom Brune‑Franklin is a British-Australian actress known for her versatility across genres. She’s appeared in series like Our Girl, Line of Duty, The Tourist, Dune: Prophecy, and Baby Reindeer.
What is her background and early training?
She was born in St Albans, England, to a Mauritian mother and Thai-English father, moved to Australia as a teen, and ultimately trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she earned top honors.
What were her breakout roles?
Her notable breakthrough roles include Private Maisie Richards in Our Girl, Morgan le Fay in Cursed, DC Chloe Bishop in Line of Duty, and Luci/Victoria in The Tourist.
How does her multicultural background influence her acting?
Shalom has shared that feeling connected to multiple cultures enriches her perspective and performance. Her awareness of race and identity gained traction at drama school, shaping how she approaches her characters.
What are some of her recent or upcoming projects?
Her more recent works include Great Expectations (2023), Baby Reindeer (2024), and Dune: Prophecy (2024). She also has promising roles lined up in The Girlfriend and The Assassin (2025).
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