British actress Hannah Waddingham is best known for her powerhouse roles in Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones, and the West End stage. But behind the scenes, she plays an even more meaningful role being a devoted mother to her daughter, Kitty.
Kitty was born in 2014 and has been the centre of Hannah’s life since. At the time, Waddingham was 40 and had been told by doctors that she might struggle to conceive. She turned to holistic treatments like acupuncture and Reiki. Soon after, she became pregnant naturally a moment she calls life-changing.
A Solo Journey in Motherhood
Hannah Waddingham shares her daughter with ex-partner Gianluca Cugnetto, an Italian hotelier. Since their split, she’s been raising Kitty as a single mother. Juggling a busy acting career and parenting hasn’t been easy, and she’s spoken openly about the guilt of missing milestones while on set. Still, she emphasises the importance of showing her daughter what hard work, independence, and perseverance look like.
In interviews, Hannah has described how she carefully chooses roles that allow her to stay close to home or work within flexible schedules. Her daughter’s well-being has always been the priority, even if it meant turning down big opportunities.
Kitty’s Health and Hannah’s Commitment
At just three years old, Kitty was diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), a rare autoimmune disorder that caused inflammation in her small blood vessels. The experience deeply impacted Hannah, who chose to pause major projects so she could be with her daughter during treatment. Fortunately, Kitty’s health improved over time, and Hannah later shared that she is doing “really well.”
This health scare made Hannah more protective and intentional about the kind of life she built for her daughter.
Red Carpet Moment with a Personal Touch
One of the most heartwarming public moments between the two came during the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards. Hannah was stunned on the red carpet, not because of a luxury handbag but because she proudly carried a rainbow-coloured cardboard purse from Kitty. It featured the word “EPIC” in big letters. The adorable creation quickly went viral and showcased their playful and loving relationship.
Hannah explained in interviews that it wasn’t just a sweet gesture. It was a way to make Kitty feel included, even during glamorous work events.
Private Yet Present
While Hannah generally keeps Kitty out of the spotlight, she did bring her to the “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey in December 2024. The rare appearance was well-received, with many noting how composed and close the two seemed. Hannah remains firm about protecting Kitty’s privacy and letting her enjoy certain shared public moments.
Conclusion
Hannah Waddingham story as a mother is one of strength, sacrifice, and sincere love. From choosing family over fame to celebrating her daughter’s creativity on the red carpet, she leads with heart both on and off screen. Kitty may not live in the limelight, but her influence shines through every part of her mother’s life. In a world of fast fame, Waddingham’s grounded approach to parenting is a reminder that the most meaningful roles often happen behind closed doors.