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Mia McKenna-Bruce

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Mia Sasha McKenna-Bruce[1] (born 3 July 1997) is an English actress. She gained prominence through her role as Tee Taylor in Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground. Her films include Persuasion and How to Have Sex. For the latter, she won a British Independent Film Award, the BAFTA Rising Star Award and was nominated for the European Film Award for Best Actress.

Mia McKenna-Bruce
McKenna-Bruce in 2022
Born
Mia Sasha McKenna-Bruce

(1997-07-03) 3 July 1997 (age 27)
London, England
OccupationActress
Years active2006–present
Spouse
Tom Leach
​
(m. 2024)​
Children1

On television, McKenna-Bruce also appeared in the iPlayer series Get Even and the Peacock series Vampire Academy.

Early life

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McKenna-Bruce was born on 3 July 1997[2] in London and was raised in Chislehurst, Bromley.[3][1][4][5][6] McKenna-Bruce took dance classes at Liz Burville Performing Arts Centre in Bexley and was a student at Belcanto London Academy.[4][1] McKenna-Bruce also attended the Sapphire Dance Academy in Bexleyheath,[7] as well as the Maidstone Grammar School for Girls.[8] McKenna-Bruce has two sisters, Anya and Ellis.[9]

Career

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McKenna-Bruce's first role was a ballet girl in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical.[10][11] Her first TV role was the minor role of Ester, Small Dark Places.[12] She then starred in Holby City as Abi Taylor for one episode.[13] McKenna-Bruce then appeared in EastEnders as Penny Branning.[7] She had a two episode guest in January 2008 and then another three episode guest stint in April 2008. McKenna-Bruce next starred in The Bill in 2009 as Keira Curtis for one episode.[14] She then moved on to Doctors for three episodes.[15]

Later in 2009, McKenna-Bruce starred in her first film role, The Fourth Kind, playing Ashley Tyler.[16][17][18] Her next role was as main character Tee Taylor in Tracy Beaker Returns from 2010 to 2012.[19] In 2011, McKenna-Bruce appeared in the TV series Spy for one episode,[20] and in five episodes of The Tracy Beaker Survival Guide. McKenna-Bruce reprised the role of Tee Taylor from 2013 until 2016 (and again as a guest in 2017 and 2018) in the spin-off series The Dumping Ground.[21] McKenna-Bruce played Tee Taylor in a The Dumping Ground spin-off, The Dumping Ground: I'm..., a webisode series.[22] She guest starred in another episode of Holby City as Asia Lucas, as well as guest starring in BBC Three's Josh.[23][24][25] McKenna-Bruce was cast as the lead in a feature film, The Rebels.[26] In 2020, she began portraying the role of Bree Deringer on the iPlayer teen thriller series Get Even.[27] In 2021, she appeared in an episode of Vera,[28] later being cast in the Netflix film Persuasion.[29] In August of that same year, she was cast as Mia Karp in the PeacockTV fantasy series Vampire Academy.[30]

In 2021, McKenna-Bruce successfully auditioned for the role of Tara in Molly Manning Walker's film How to Have Sex. Her performance as an inexperienced schoolgirl grappling with issues of consent while on holiday in Crete was widely praised[31][32][33] and led to her being identified as a Screen Star of Tomorrow by Screen Daily.[34] She was also nominated for Best European Actress at the 2023 European Film Awards,[35] and won Best Breakthrough Performer of the Year at the 2023 London Film Critics Circle Awards.[36] She also won the BAFTA Rising Star Award at the 77th British Academy Film Awards.[37]

Personal life

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In February 2022, McKenna-Bruce became engaged to actor Tom Leach.[38] In August 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son Leo.[39] They got married in August 2024.

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2009 The Fourth Kind Ashley Tyler [16][17][18]
2017 Milo Mia Short film [28]
2019 Hit It and Quit It Nikki [28]
Watch What I Do Nikki [40]
2021 Smudged Smile Zoe [41]
Last Train to Christmas Linda
2022 Persuasion Mary Musgrove [29]
2023 Kindling Lily [42]
How To Have Sex Tara [43]
2024 Sister Wives TBA Upcoming film [44]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2008 Small Dark Places Ester 1 episode [12]
Holby City Abi Taylor Episode: "Physician, Heal Thyself" [13]
EastEnders Penny Branning 5 episodes [7]
2009 The Bill Keira Curtis Episode: "Little Girl Lost: Part 1" [14]
Doctors Pearl Snow 3 episodes [15]
2010–2012 Tracy Beaker Returns Tee Taylor Main role [19]
2011 Spy Ashley Episode: "Codename: Blood" [20]
The Tracy Beaker Survival Files Tee Taylor 5 episodes [28]
2013–2018 The Dumping Ground Main role [21]
2014 The Dumping Ground Survival Files [45]
2016 The Dumping Ground: I'm... [46]
2017 Holby City Asia Lucas Episode: "Growing Pains" [23][24]
Josh Babysitter Episode: "Bicycles & Babies" [25]
2019 Piss Off, I Love You Teen Snogger 1 episode [28]
Cleaning Up Emily
The Rebels Enica Main role [26][47]
The Witcher Marilka Episode: "The End's Beginning" [28]
2020 Get Even Bree Deringer Main role [48]
2021 Vera Maya Draper 1 episode [28]
2022 Vampire Academy Mia Karp Main role [49]
TBA The Seven Dials Mystery Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent Lead role [50]

Video games

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Year Title Role
2011 Tracy Beaker Returns: You Choose Tee Taylor
2013–2014 The Dumping Ground Game
2015 The Dumping Ground: You're the Boss[51]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2023 British Independent Film Awards Best Lead Performance How to Have Sex Won [52]
Breakthrough Performance Nominated
2023 European Film Awards European Actress Nominated [53]
2024 London Film Critics' Circle Breakthrough Performer of the Year Won [54]
2024 British Academy Film Awards BAFTA Rising Star Award Won [55]

References

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  1. ^ a b c French, Matthew (29 December 2006). "Vying for the top". News Shopper. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  2. ^ "Could this day get any better🔞🙌🙌🙌 @WickedUK". Twitter. 3 July 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  3. ^ "Mia McKenna-Bruce Spotlight CV". Spotlight. 2018. Retrieved 31 October 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Mia McKenna-Bruce child star has a big connection" (PDF). Hello Chislehurst. 2009. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  5. ^ "Mia McKenna-Bruce on Instagram: Happy Father's Day to our amazing daddy". 18 June 2017. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  6. ^ Three Sisters on YouTube
  7. ^ a b c "Talented Sapphire Dance Academy youngsters excel at UK's biggest show". Kent Online. 6 April 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  8. ^ "Mia Mckenna-Bruce". Mandy.com. Archived from the original on 8 November 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  9. ^ Mia McKenna-Bruce - Biography - IMDb
  10. ^ "Photos: Billy Elliot Gobbles Second Birthday Cake". WhatsonStage. 16 May 2007. Archived from the original on 15 April 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  11. ^ French, Matthew (29 December 2006). "Vying for the top". News Shopper. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  12. ^ a b "Small Dark Places". BBC. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  13. ^ a b "Holby City Series 10–15. Physician, Heal Thyself". Radio Times. 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  14. ^ a b "The Bill Series 25 – 2. Little Girl Lost – Part One". Radio Times. 2009. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  15. ^ a b Muppala, Vaman (2 November 2009). "Close encounters of The Fourth Kind". The Diamondback. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  16. ^ a b Nelson, Rob (4 November 2009). "Review: 'The Fourth Kind'". Variety. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  17. ^ a b Murray, Joel (16 November 2009). "Film review: The Fourth Kind". The Linc. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  18. ^ a b FUCHS, CYNTHIA (6 November 2009). "The Fourth Kind". PopMatters. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  19. ^ a b "Going Home, Series 3, Credits". BBC. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  20. ^ a b "Spy Episode 1.5 – Codename: Blood". British Comedy Guide. 11 November 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  21. ^ a b "The Dumping Ground: S4-E1 Lost and Found". RadioTimes. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  22. ^ "The Dumping Ground I'm...Tee". Radio Times. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  23. ^ a b "Holby City – Growing Pains". BBC. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  24. ^ a b "Mia McKenna-Bruce on Twitter: @anthonyy7890 im filming an episode for Holby City next week and in the new year working on @TheMarshlandsTV 🤗 Vvvv excited!!". 3 December 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  25. ^ a b "Josh - Series 3, Bicycles & Babies, Credirs". BBC. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  26. ^ a b "Tornado Studios on Twitter: Very excited to have Mia McKenna Bruce on board in our upcoming feature film 'The Rebels'. #TheRebels @MiaMBruce". 18 January 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  27. ^ "TV teen drama filmed in town coming to BBC iPlayer this week". The Bolton News. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g Rodrigues, Charlotte (9 April 2021). "EastEnders: Penny Branning actress Mia McKenna-Bruce looks unrecognisable 13 years after leaving soap". Entertainment Daily. Digitalbox. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  29. ^ a b Wiseman, Andreas (17 May 2021). "'Persuasion': Cosmo Jarvis To Star Opposite Dakota Johnson In Netflix & MRC Jane Austen Movie; Richard E. Grant, Suki Waterhouse, Nikki Amuka-Bird & More Join". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  30. ^ Keheller, Patrick (18 September 2022). "Vampire Academy's resident queer couple explains simple reason TV needs more LGBTQ+ characters". PinkNews. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  31. ^ Ide, Wendy (5 November 2023). "How to Have Sex review – two stars are born with this searing study of consent". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  32. ^ "How to Have Sex's Mia McKenna-Bruce: 'Consent is not yes or no'". The Independent. 5 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  33. ^ Flood, Alex (26 October 2023). "Mia McKenna-Bruce on her buzzy British breakout 'How To Have Sex'". NME. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  34. ^ Gant, Charles (28 June 2023). "Stars of Tomorrow 2023: Mia McKenna-Bruce (actor)". Screen Daily. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  35. ^ "Main Categories Nominees 2023". European Film Academy. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  36. ^ Szalai, Georg (4 February 2024). "'Zone of Interest' Wins Best Film at London Critics' Circle Awards, Emma Stone Named Best Actress". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  37. ^ "Winners Announced: EE BAFTA Film Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts. 18 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  38. ^ Mia McKenna-Bruce [@mia_mbruce] (24 February 2022). "When you see it...happiest girl in the world💍" – via Instagram.
  39. ^ Mia McKenna-Bruce [@mia_mbruce] (28 September 2023). "A month of our little champ. 🫶 After a rough start we are finally out and seeing the world, I couldn't be prouder to be your mama💙" – via Instagram.
  40. ^ "Our latest new short 'Watch What I Do' stars up and coming talent Isidora Fairhurst, @MiaMBruce (The Dumping Ground), Rita Bernard (Shiro's Story) and @Dani_MasDyer (winner of ITV's Love Island 2018). With the world premiere just 9 days away, the trailer drops tomorrow on #MYM!!". Twitter. Fully Focused. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  41. ^ "'Get Even' Star Mia McKenna-Bruce Leads Cast of 'Smudged Smile,' First Film in Mental Health Anthology (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. 17 February 2021.
  42. ^ Grater, Tom (6 August 2021). "'Sex Education' Star Boards UK Feature 'Kindling'; Venice Passion For Film Award; ITV Hub Record – Global Briefs". Deadline. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
  43. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (21 October 2022) [21 October 2022]. "MK2 Boards Film4 & BFI-Backed 'How To Have Sex'; 'Vampire Academy' & 'Persuasion' Actress Mia McKenna-Bruce Among Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  44. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (11 December 2023). "'How to Have Sex' Star Mia McKenna-Bruce, Louisa Connolly-Burnham, Michael Fox to Lead Queer Drama 'Sister Wives' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  45. ^ "The Dumping Ground Survival Files, S2-E2 Challenges". Radio Times. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  46. ^ "The Dumping Ground: I'm...- Series 1, Tee Credits". BBC. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  47. ^ "Mia McKenna-Bruce on Instagram: Day 1 of rehearsals taking on the role of ENICA in this amazing feature for the next month IM TOO EXCITED #therebelsfilm". 8 February 2017. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  48. ^ "New BBC Thriller 'Get Even' Looks Seriously Chilling". Tyla. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  49. ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (30 August 2021). "'Vampire Academy': Sisi Stringer, Daniela Nieves & Kieron Moore Among 10 Cast In Peacock YA Drama Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  50. ^ Ritman, Alex (10 June 2024). "'How to Have Sex' Star Mia McKenna-Bruce to Lead Netflix Agatha Christie Series 'The Seven Dials Mystery' With Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  51. ^ Stearman, Nicki (28 January 2015). "You're the Boss: new game for CBBC's The Dumping Ground". BBC. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  52. ^ "British Independent Film Awards 2023: the winners in full". British Film Institute. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  53. ^ "The winners of the European Film Awards 2023". European Film Academy. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  54. ^ Cline, Rich (4 February 2024). "London critics name The Zone of Interest as Film of the Year". The Critics' Circle. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  55. ^ "Bafta Awards 2024: The complete list of winners and nominees". BBC News. 18 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
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