Jodi Balfour, born on October 29, 1986, in South Africa, is a distinguished actress known for her remarkable performances both on television and in film. She gained significant recognition for her role as Gladys Witham in the series Bomb Girls (2012–2013), a performance that earned her a Canadian Screen Award.
Jodi Balfour
| Born | 29 October 1986
Cape Town, South Africa
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| Education | University of Cape Town |
| Occupation(s) | Film and television actress |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Known for |
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| Spouse | Abbi Jacobson (m. 2023 |
More recently, she starred as Ellen Waverly Wilson in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series For All Mankind (2019–2023).
Early Life and Education
Balfour’s roots are in Cape Town, South Africa, where she grew up and initially made a name for herself as a co-host on the youth television series Bling in the early 2000s. She pursued her passion for drama at the University of Cape Town and also competed in the Miss South Africa 2008 pageant. This foundation set the stage for her future career in acting.
Career Highlights
After graduating in 2009, Balfour’s career took her to British and Canadian film and television productions. Her breakout role came in 2013 when she was cast as Gladys Witham in the Canadian drama series Bomb Girls. This role led to her winning a Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Actress in a Television Film or Miniseries in 2015 for her performance in Bomb Girls: Facing the Enemy. She continued to shine in the Cinemax series Quarry and took on a leading role in the Apple TV+ space drama For All Mankind starting in 2019.
In 2022, Balfour expanded her repertoire by joining the cast of the Apple TV+ football sitcom Ted Lasso. Additionally, she portrayed Dorothy Burlingham, a notable American psychoanalyst, in the 2023 film Freud’s Last Session.
Personal Life
Outside of her acting career, Balfour is also an entrepreneur, co-owning Nelson the Seagull, a coffeehouse and bake shop in Vancouver’s Gastown neighborhood. On June 30, 2021, she publicly embraced her identity as queer, sharing this personal milestone on Instagram. She revealed her romantic relationship with actress Abbi Jacobson later that year, and as of August 2022, the couple is engaged.
Filmography and Awards
Balfour’s extensive filmography includes roles in Vampire (2011), The Rest of Us (2019), and Freud’s Last Session (2023), among many others. Her television appearances span from The Philanthropist (2009) to Ted Lasso (2023). Her contributions to the industry have been recognized with various awards, including a Canadian Screen Award and a Canadian Filmmakers’ Festival award for Best Ensemble.
Jodi Balfour’s journey is a testament to her talent and resilience, both as an actress and as an individual embracing her true self.
Filmography
Film
- 2011: Vampire as Michaela
- 2011: Final Destination 5 as Woman
- 2013: A Ghost Within as Hanna / Abby (Short)
- 2013: The Husband as Claire
- 2013: Afterparty as Karen (Also producer)
- 2013: Waterloo as Molly Mckenzie (Short)
- 2014: Valentines Day as Molly (Short)
- 2015: Unearthing as Fisher Hart
- 2015: Eadweard as Mary
- 2015: Almost Anything as Beans (Also executive producer)
- 2019: The Rest of Us as Rachel
- 2023: Freud’s Last Session as Dorothy Burlingham
Television
- 2009: The Philanthropist as Concierge (Episode: “San Diego”)
- 2010: Kongo as Johanna Wenz (TV film)
- 2010: Tower Prep as Emily Wright (2 episodes)
- 2011: The Sinking of the Laconia as Sarah Fullwood (TV miniseries)
- 2011: R. L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series as Priscilla (Episode: “Nightmare Inn”)
- 2011: Supernatural as Melissa (Episode: “Like a Virgin”)
- 2011: V as V Greeter (Episode: “Uneasy Lies the Head”)
- 2011: Sanctuary as Terry (Episode: “Icebreaker”)
- 2012–2013: Primeval: New World as Samantha Sedaris (3 episodes)
- 2012–2013: Bomb Girls as Gladys Witham (Main role)
- 2014: The Best Laid Plans as Lindsay Dewar (TV miniseries)
- 2014: Bomb Girls: Facing the Enemy as Gladys Witham (TV film)
- 2016: Quarry as Joni Conway (Main role)
- 2017: Rellik as DI Elaine Shepard (Main role)
- 2017: The Crown as Jackie Kennedy (Episode: “Dear Mrs. Kennedy”)
- 2019: True Detective as Lori (3 episodes)
- 2019–2023: For All Mankind as Ellen Waverly (Main role, seasons 1–3; guest, season 4)
- 2023: Ted Lasso as Jack Danvers (4 episodes)
Awards and Nominations
- 2013: Leo Awards, Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series (Bomb Girls) – Nominated
- 2014: Canadian Filmmakers’ Festival, Best Ensemble (Afterparty) – Won
- 2015: Canadian Screen Awards, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series (Bomb Girls: Facing the Enemy) – Won
Jodi Balfour’s journey is a testament to her talent and resilience, both as an actress and as an individual embracing her true self.
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