Bronwyn James (born July 24, 1994) is an English actress. She is known for playing Shenshen in the musical films Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025) as well as Ruffnut Thorston in the adventure film How to Train Your Dragon (2025).
Education James attended CAPA College, a performing arts school in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. In 2015, James graduated from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts with a Bachelor of Arts degree in acting.
Career In 2015, James made her professional debut originating the role of Shirley in the Martin McDonagh play Hangmen. James had a recurring role as Fanny Lambert in the ITV Encore series Harlots from 2017 to 2019. She made her feature film debut in the 2017 drama Apostasy, directed by Daniel Kokotajlo (director). From 2018 to 2020, James appeared in the film Peterloo and the television series The ABC Murders, Sandylands, Ghosts, Outlander, and Call the Midwife. In 2019, James also starred opposite Rob Lowe in the ITV crime drama Wild Bill. Her next film roles were in the 2021 period dramas The Dig and The Colour Room. She had recurring roles on Cheaters and Lockwood & Co. in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
James featured as ShenShen in the musical fantasy films Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025). She played Ruffnut Thorston in How to Train Your Dragon (2025).
Personal life In 2023, James married Katherine-Alice, founder of the Yorkshire-based nonprofit Hearts Collective, which promotes accessibility in the arts.
Filmography
Film Year Title RoleNotesRef. 2016 National Theatre Live: Hangmen Shirley 2017Apostasy Chloe 2018 Peterloo His Sister 2020 Cindy Cindy Short film 2021 The Dig Ellen McKenzie The Colour Room Betty 2023 The Palace Magnolia 2024 Wicked ShenShen 2025 Mickey 17 Receptionist How to Train Your Dragon Ruffnut ThorstonWicked: For GoodShenShen 2027 How to Train Your Dragon 2 Ruffnut Thorston Filming
Television Year Title RoleNotesRef. 2016 Cold Feet Care Assistant 1 episode Moving On Grace Episode: "Our House" 2017–2019 Harlots Fanny Lambert Main role 2018 The Queen and I WPC Ludlow Television film Call the Midwife Mavis Holler Christmas Special 2018 The ABC Murders Megan Barnard 3 episodes 2019 Wild Bill DC Muriel Yeardsley Main role The End of the F***ing World Mac 1 episode 2020 Outlander Fanny Beardsley Episode: "Free Will" Sandylands Trudy Wright Main role (series 1) Ghosts Sam Episode: "Perfect Day" Meet the Richardsons Pest Investigator Christmas Special 2021 Intergalactic Vicky 1 episode Silent Witness Hannah Robson 2 episodes 2022 Cheaters Natalie Recurring role (series 1) This is Going to Hurt Teri 1 episode Compulsion Ellie Gartree 1 episodeSlow Horses Young Mum Episode: "Fiasco" 2023Lockwood & Co. Sergeant Wade Recurring role Still Up Nurse Rose Episode: "The Dress" 2024 Masters of the Air Susie Episode: "Part Four" Renegade Nell Troupe Player 1 2 episodes
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