Shalom Brune-Franklin has rapidly emerged as one of the most compelling and versatile actors of her generation, captivating audiences with her nuanced performances across a remarkable range of television dramas, films, and stage productions. Her ability to inhabit complex characters with authenticity and depth has earned her critical acclaim and a burgeoning fan base, making her a prominent figure in both British and Australian cinema. 

Early Life and the Genesis of a Passion

Shalom Brune-Franklin was born in St Albans, England, to a Mauritian mother and a Thai-born English father, a heritage that has undoubtedly contributed to her unique perspective and ability to portray diverse characters. Her early years in the UK laid the foundation for her interest in performance, but it was a significant move during her teenage years that truly set her on the path to acting.

When she was 14, Brune-Franklin and her family relocated to Mullaloo, Western Australia. This transition, while a significant change, opened up new opportunities for her artistic development. She attended Ocean Reef Senior High School, where she actively participated in drama programs. 

It was during this period that her talent began to shine, culminating in her winning the school’s drama award for high achievement. This early recognition served as a powerful affirmation of her innate abilities and burgeoning passion for acting.

Initially, Brune-Franklin enrolled to study journalism at Edith Cowan University. However, a chance encounter with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world, altered her trajectory. 

Witnessing the vibrant and intensive environment of WAAPA, she felt an undeniable pull towards a career in acting. She successfully auditioned for WAAPA, and her dedication and talent were quickly evident, leading to her being recognized as the most outstanding student in her cohort. 

This rigorous training at WAAPA, known for its emphasis on practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of various acting methodologies, provided her with the foundational skills and discipline that would underpin her successful career.

Defining Roles and Breakthrough Moments

Shalom Brune-Franklin’s career has been characterized by a strategic selection of roles that have allowed her to showcase her range and steadily build her reputation. Her journey from promising drama school graduate to acclaimed actor has been marked by several significant breakthroughs.

Entering the Fray: Early Television Success

Upon graduating from WAAPA, Brune-Franklin quickly secured roles in Australian television, demonstrating her readiness for professional work. Her early credits include appearances in series like Barracuda (2016) and a recurring role as Aoife in Doctor Doctor (2016-2017). Her performance in Doctor Doctor earned her a nomination for the Logie Award for Best New Talent in 2017, a testament to her impactful early work.

Her foray into British television began to draw wider attention. In 2017, she took on a significant role as Umm Khulthum in the critically acclaimed mini-series The State, which depicted the experiences of four young British Muslims who travel to Syria to join ISIS. This challenging and sensitive role showcased her ability to handle complex narratives and portray characters facing extreme circumstances with authenticity.

Shortly after, she joined the cast of the popular BBC series Our Girl (2017-2018) as Private Maisie Richards. This role, which involved intense physical training and emotional depth, further cemented her presence on British screens and demonstrated her versatility in action-oriented dramas.

Venturing into Period Drama and Beyond

Demonstrating her commitment to diverse roles, Brune-Franklin then took on the challenging role of Estella in the 2023 BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Great Expectations. This period drama presented a new set of challenges, and Brune-Franklin, with her Mauritian and British-Thai heritage, openly discussed how she initially felt such roles might be out of her reach, given the historical lack of representation. 

However, her powerful and nuanced portrayal of Estella, opposite Olivia Colman’s Miss Havisham, defied expectations and garnered significant critical acclaim. She brought a steely assertiveness and underlying complexity to the character, making Estella feel both historically authentic and remarkably current.

Her recent appearances in the acclaimed Netflix mini-series Baby Reindeer (2024) and the highly anticipated HBO sci-fi series Dune: Prophecy (2024), where she plays Mikaela, further demonstrate her willingness to explore different genres and push her artistic boundaries. Her role in Dune: Prophecy marks her entry into a major global franchise, a significant milestone in her career.

Acting Style and Approach

Shalom Brune-Franklin’s acting style is characterized by a remarkable blend of intensity, vulnerability, and authenticity. She consistently delivers performances that feel deeply lived-in, allowing audiences to connect with her characters on an emotional level.

One of her key strengths lies in her ability to convey complex inner turmoil and hidden depths. Whether it’s the guardedness of Luci in The Tourist or the conflicted emotions of Estella in Great Expectations, Brune-Franklin excels at revealing the layers beneath a character’s surface. She often employs subtle gestures, expressive eyes, and nuanced vocal inflections to communicate unspoken thoughts and feelings, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative.

She has spoken about her commitment to research and understanding the psychological underpinnings of her roles. For instance, in an interview about Great Expectations, she mentioned aiming to make Estella feel “current” and relatable to contemporary women, emphasizing the timeless nature of human experiences like domestic abuse and familial trauma. This dedication to finding the human truth within even the most iconic characters is a hallmark of her approach.

Brune-Franklin also demonstrates remarkable adaptability, seamlessly transitioning between genres and accents. Her training at WAAPA, which emphasized a wide range of acting techniques, has equipped her with the versatility to tackle everything from gritty crime dramas to epic sci-fi and classic literature. She is known for her collaborative spirit on set and her openness to directorial guidance, often embracing improvisation and new interpretations to enhance her performance.

Recent Trends (as of 2025) and Future Prospects

As of mid-2025, Shalom Brune-Franklin’s career trajectory continues its sharp upward climb, marked by high-profile projects and a growing international presence.

Another notable development is her appearance in the upcoming crime thriller The Assassin, confirmed for a July 2025 release on Prime Video. This series sees her starring alongside Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore, further expanding her work in the streaming landscape and cementing her reputation in the thriller genre. 

Furthermore, her reprisal of the role of Ella in the second season of the Australian drama series Love Me highlights her continued connection to Australian productions and her ability to anchor successful character-driven narratives.

Looking ahead, Shalom Brune-Franklin is poised for even greater global recognition. Her carefully selected roles, spanning diverse genres and platforms, suggest a deliberate strategy to build a well-rounded and impactful filmography. Industry experts anticipate that her performances in Dune: Prophecy and The Assassin will further elevate her profile, potentially leading to even more prominent leading roles in major studio films and prestigious television series. Her commitment to nuanced character work, coupled with her growing visibility, makes her an actor to watch closely in the coming years.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Actors 

Shalom Brune-Franklin’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring actors:

Seek Quality Training: Her enrollment at WAAPA, a top-tier performing arts academy, provided her with a strong foundation. Prioritize rigorous training that covers various acting techniques and prepares you for the demands of the industry.

Embrace Diverse Roles: Don’t limit yourself to one genre or character type. Brune-Franklin’s willingness to take on roles in crime dramas, period pieces, sci-fi, and independent films has showcased her versatility and expanded her opportunities.

Find the “Human Truth”: As Brune-Franklin often emphasizes, focus on understanding the psychological and emotional core of your characters, regardless of the setting or genre. Authenticity resonates with audiences.

Be Resilient and Persistent: The acting industry is highly competitive. Brune-Franklin’s journey, from moving countries as a teenager to navigating early career challenges, highlights the importance of perseverance and a strong work ethic. She has spoken about “couch-surfing” for five years before finding a stable home, demonstrating the sacrifices often required.

Be Open to New Experiences: Her initial foray into journalism before discovering acting, and her later ventures into genres she “never saw herself in” (like sci-fi), demonstrate the value of exploring different paths and remaining open to unexpected opportunities.

Collaborate and Learn from Others: Brune-Franklin has often spoken highly of her co-stars and directors, emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Be a team player and seize opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

Real-Life Examples of Brune-Franklin’s Impact

Shalom Brune-Franklin’s impact extends beyond critical acclaim and viewership numbers; it’s visible in how her performances resonate with different audiences and open up new dialogues.

Breaking Barriers in Period Drama: Her portrayal of Estella in Great Expectations is a significant example. As an actor of color taking on such an iconic, traditionally white role, she helped to challenge conventional casting norms in period dramas. This move was celebrated by many as a step towards greater inclusivity and diverse representation in classic adaptations, inspiring other actors from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue similar roles.

Relatability in Thrillers: In The Tourist, her character Luci’s journey from a seemingly ordinary waitress to a woman entangled in a dangerous criminal underworld resonated deeply with viewers. Her ability to convey vulnerability alongside strength made Luci a highly relatable and compelling figure, demonstrating that even characters in high-octane thrillers can possess profound human depth. This allowed audiences to connect with the human element of the story, not just the mystery.

Powerful Portrayals of Trauma: Her work in The State, where she depicted a young woman drawn into extremism, showcased her sensitivity and commitment to portraying the complexities of trauma and radicalization. Such roles contribute to important societal conversations and can help audiences better understand difficult global issues from a human perspective.

Inspiration for Aspiring Artists: Brune-Franklin often speaks about her personal journey, including her family’s move to Australia and her initial struggles to “dare to dream” as an actor from a less privileged background. Her success story, rising from humble beginnings to working on major international productions, serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring artists, particularly those who may face similar challenges or feel that such careers are out of reach.

These examples illustrate that Shalom Brune-Franklin’s work not only entertains but also contributes to broader conversations about representation, human experience, and the power of storytelling.

FAQ 

Where was Shalom Brune-Franklin born and what is her nationality?

Shalom Brune-Franklin was born in St Albans, England. She holds both British and Australian citizenship, having moved to Western Australia with her family as a teenager.

What is considered Shalom Brune-Franklin’s breakthrough role?

While she had several notable roles before, her portrayal of Luci in the 2022 BBC One psychological thriller The Tourist is widely considered her breakthrough role, earning her widespread critical acclaim and significantly increasing her public profile.

Has Shalom Brune-Franklin worked in period dramas?

Yes, Shalom Brune-Franklin starred as Estella in the 2023 BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Great Expectations, demonstrating her versatility in period pieces.

Did Shalom Brune-Franklin receive formal acting training?

Yes, Shalom Brune-Franklin received formal acting training at the highly prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she was recognized as an outstanding student and awarded a scholarship.

Final Thoughts

Shalom Brune-Franklin stands as a testament to talent, dedication, and the power of embracing diverse opportunities. From her formative years in Australia and rigorous training at WAAPA to her critically acclaimed performances in global hits like Line of Duty, The Tourist, and Great Expectations, she has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhabit complex characters with authenticity and depth. 

As of mid-2025, her career is flourishing with significant roles in major international productions such as Dune: Prophecy and The Assassin, signaling her ascendance as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.

Her commitment to challenging roles, her nuanced acting style, and her impact on diversifying traditional narratives underscore her importance in contemporary cinema and television. Shalom Brune-Franklin is not merely an actor who performs; she is an artist who explores the human condition, pushes boundaries, and inspires both audiences and aspiring talents worldwide. 

Her journey is a compelling narrative of perseverance, adaptability, and the unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence, promising an even brighter future for this truly exceptional star.

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