Monica Dolan: ‘I look a bit square. If I was a Mr Man, I’d be Mr Strong’

Born in Middlesbrough, 54-year-old Dolan studied at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She seized a Bafta in 2011 for her portrayal of serial murderer Rosemary West in the ITV drama Appropriate Adult. Her TV resume also includes roles in Alan Partridge, W1A, A Very English Scandal, and The Thief, His Wife, and the Canoe. In 2019, she was awarded the Olivier for her part in All About Eve at London's Noël Coward Theatre. Her cinematic contributions include The Dig, Empire of Light, and Typist, Artist, Pirate, King, where she headlines. Upcoming projects include the ITV series, Mr Bates vs the Post Office. She resides in London.

However, despite her successful career, Dolan reveals her biggest fear is getting lost and nobody making an effort to find her while she regrets trying too hard to avoid mistakes. She is also bothered by vulgarity in others and feels upset when she is ignored. As for her appearance, she believes it is too square and cites an unattractive habit of undressing enroute to the toilet and being self-centric in conversations. An awkward encounter with Harriet Walter at a lunch was her most embarrassing moment while acknowledging that a biopic about her life is unlikely. Her celebrity crushes include financial guru Martin Lewis and former Bank of England governor Mark Carney.

Furthermore, she expressed regret over not reading gifted books and recalls a hurtful comment from a fellow actress about being lied to for the sake of her self-esteem. Given the option, she would choose familiarity over fame and anonymity. She equates love to the thrilling blend of knowledge, laughter, and adventure. Her biggest disappointment has been an unsuccessful love affair, and had she the power, she would go back and prevent a dear friend's suicide. Dolan added that in an alternate life, she would like to be Joan Collins. When asked what she would prefer between more sex, money, or fame, she responded that with enough money, she could have it all. In terms of life’s lessons, she’s learned to trust her own perceptions and not just what she hears. Finally, she shared her belief that when a person dies, friends grieve but eventually move on, and ended on a humorous note with a joke about a blue banana.