Bonnie Soper

Bonnie Soper
Born
Bonnie Soper

1984 (age 39–40)
OccupationActress
Years active2007–present

Bonnie Soper (born 1984 in Invercargill, New Zealand) is a New Zealand film and television actress. She is known for playing Princess Diana[1] in Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance.[2] In 2009, Soper received the award for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance in the movie, The Map Reader at 2009 Qantas Film and Television Awards.[3]

Early career

A graduate of the Unitec School of Performing and Screen Arts, her theatre credits include, Auckland Theatre Company's 2007 play The Pillowman which she co-starred in with former and current Shortland Street actors Oliver Driver and Craig Parker.[4]

In 2006, Soper scored a lead role in the New Zealand feature film The Devil Dared Me To, released in cinemas on 11 October 2007. In Arkles Entertainment's feature film The Map Reader, scheduled to be released in 2008, she played a young blind woman. Other credits include the short film We The Living, commercials and a music video for New Zealand band Dimmer.

In 2007, she featured in New Zealand band Deja Voodoo's music video "Tracey", a song from the soundtrack of her film debut The Devil Dared Me To. Bonnie has appeared in the music video The Night, performed by New Zealand band Goodnight Nurse. The video was released in Australia and New Zealand on 4 February 2008.

Shortland Street

She is best known for her role of Morgan Braithwaite on the long-running New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Her first scenes were on the episode based on a day in the life of Joey Henderson, the Shortland Street serial killer, which screened on 5 February 2008.

On 16 February 2008, Southland Times newspaper revealed that Bonnie's Shortland Street contract had been extended to three months after initially being contracted for three to six weeks.[5] It was announced on 17 April 2008 that she will be returning to the show on 5 May. She appeared on the 2008 cast photo. Bonnie was then a full-time cast member and was featured in the opening credits.

On Friday 18 December 2009, Bonnie left the show as her character was accidentally killed by Kieran Mitchell, who is portrayed by Adam Rickitt.

Personal life

She is a keen swimmer, taking part in the Mount Maunganui Sovereign Sand To Surf in March 2009 and in the North Shore King of the Bays swim in April 2009.[6] After leaving Shortland Street at the end of 2009, Bonnie moved back to Invercargill, before later moving to Los Angeles.

Filmography

Film and television
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Billy for Lilly Lilly Short film
2006 We the Living Sonja Short film
2007 The Devil Dared Me To Tracy 'Tragedy' Jones Feature film
2008 The Map Reader Mary Feature film
2008–2009 Shortland Street Morgan Braithwaite Regular role
2010 Stolen TV Reporter TV film
2014 ANZAC Girls Jessie Verey TV miniseries
2016–17 Filthy Rich Annabelle Maxwell Recurring role
2018 Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance Princess Diana TV film
2018 The Box Mom Short film
2019 Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal Princess Diana TV film
2021 Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace Princess Diana TV film
2022 Mystery Incorporated Peggy Jones 1 episode

Theatre

Year Title Role Notes
2003 Watch This Space Various
2003 Spinning Tales
2004 Spring Awakening Thea
2004 At the Bay Anne
2005 On Our Own Elsie
2005 La Morta Finta Mercutio / Apothecary
2005 Home Grown Rachel
2005 Happy End
2005 Balm in Gilead Darlene
2007 'Tis Pity She's a Whore Annabella
2007 The Pillowman The Mother

References

  1. ^ Specter, Emma (26 October 2022). "Who's the Best Fictional Princess Diana of All Time?". Vogue. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  2. ^ Pedersen, Erik (15 February 2018). "Lifetime's 'Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance' Finds Its Diana And Elizabeth II". Deadline. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  3. ^ Croot, James (7 May 2018). "Kiwi actress Bonnie Soper on playing Princess Diana in Harry and Meghan: A Royal Romance". Stuff. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  4. ^ Smythe, Nik (2 September 2007). "Theatre review: Grippingly grisly". The Sunday Star-Times. Archived from the original on 8 June 2008.
  5. ^ Speer, Sophie (16 February 2008). "Ex-Invercargill actor gets more time on soap". The Southland Times. Archived from the original on 8 June 2008.
  6. ^ Irvine, Ellen (22 March 2009). "Streeters make waves at the Mount". Sunday News. Archived from the original on 12 October 2012.