Fans are now recognizing Indira Varma from her past work as she stars in the BBC hit series “The Other Bennet Sister,” a period drama based on Janice Hadlow’s novel inspired by Jane Austen’s characters. In this show, Call the Midwife actress Ella Bruccoleri plays Mary Bennet, the overlooked sister who embarks on a journey to London and the Lake District. Indira Varma plays Mrs. Gardiner in the series, filmed in Wales, who mentors Mary and presents her with life-changing opportunities.
Indira Varma, a 52-year-old actress with an Indian father and Swiss mother, grew up in Bath and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1995. Her acting career began with the film “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love” in 1996, followed by her TV debut in “Crucial Tales” the same year. She is widely recognized for her role as Ellaria Sand in “Game of Thrones.”
Apart from her screen work, Varma has an extensive theater background, where she met her husband, actor Colin Tierney, in 1997 during a performance of “Othello” at the National Theatre. The couple resides in north London with their teenage daughter Evelyn, born in 2007.
In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Varma expressed her interest in collaborating with her husband on a future project. Reflecting on a past incident, she recounted a burglary at their London home while she was pregnant with Evelyn, where the thieves not only stole their computer but also left an unpleasant surprise in the toilet.
Tierney, aged 58 and from Liverpool, is known for his role in “EastEnders” in 2018 and his narration of “Aircrash Confidential.” He has made guest appearances in various TV shows including “Endeavour” and “Doctors.”
“The Other Bennet Sister” airs on BBC One on Sundays and is also available on BBC iPlayer.