https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm5904446
For my artworks please check www.saatchiart.com/lauraartist68
“In my home country, many believe a woman’s professional evolution pauses at 45. I chose a different path, proving that reinvention is not just possible—it is an act of defiance.”
The beginning
From McDonald’s to Marvel: A London Journey
Before the cameras started rolling, my life in Italy was dedicated to the world of travel as a tour guide and travel agent. However, when I arrived in London in 2011, I faced the reality of many immigrants: my English wasn’t yet perfect, and I had to start from the ground up.
I took jobs in restaurants, including McDonald’s – work that was far from glamorous, but it gave me a foothold in a city where dreams can actually be realised. Driven by a spark of pure curiosity, I decided to sign up for a casting website called StarNow. To my surprise, I was immediately in demand for small and medium productions. Encouraged by this, I joined the major casting agencies, and what began as a hobby almost instantly transformed into a professional calling. I realised I didn’t just want to observe the storytelling; I wanted to be a part of it.
My experience spans a wide spectrum of the industry:
- The Blockbusters: Navigating explosions in heavy winter gear alongside Captain America in Avengers: Age of Ultron and immersing myself in the wizarding world of Fantastic Beasts.
- The Small Screen: Contributing to high-profile series for the BBC, Netflix, and Amazon, including the beloved series Vera.
- The Record: I currently hold 32 screen credits on IMDb, with many more “fast-paced” contributions waiting to be formally documented.
The Nurse, the Full English Breakfast, and the Irony of Fate
One particular experience remains etched in my memory, a perfect example of the unpredictable nature of our work as supporting actors. We were filming a commercial in the freezing British countryside, and the production had kindly provided a lavish Full English Breakfast.
Usually, I don’t eat much so early in the morning, but it was 6:00 AM, the air was biting, and I knew it would be a long, demanding day. I decided to fuel up with sausages and bacon, but in the rush of the moment, I completely forgot to drink any tea or water.
Dressed in the thin, historical fabrics of a 1900s nurse, the combination of a heavy breakfast, lack of hydration, and the bitter cold led to a sudden “congestion” of the senses. My body simply reached its limit. I lost consciousness, ending up face-down and “long and sprawled” in the middle of a muddy field.
The irony was surreal: there I was, in full nurse’s uniform, requiring the urgent attention of a real paramedic. At first, my colleagues thought I was joking—perhaps a bit of impromptu method acting—but as the entire production came to a grinding halt, the reality set in. I felt a wave of professional embarrassment lying there in the grass, stopping the clock for everyone, but as they say: you can’t argue with physics. It was a vivid lesson in the resilience required behind the glamour—one that has stayed with me through every set since.
The Grace of 57: Embracing Silver-Blonde Authenticity
I recently celebrated my 57th birthday, and I find myself more focused than ever. My career has been a kaleidoscope of styles—from my early blonde years to the bohemian red shades of my time in Bristol.
Today, I have chosen authenticity. I have moved away from dyes to embrace my natural hair—a sophisticated blend of blonde and silver-white. This look is not just a personal choice; it is a professional asset. It aligns perfectly with the roles I am now most drawn to: the quiet elegance of a Victorian lady or the commanding presence of a 17th-century Dame.
Beyond the “Four Walls”: The Vision for 2026
My health journey has been closely tied to my surroundings. While I thrived in the creative pulses of London and Bristol, the transition to a more sedentary, methodical environment in Newcastle proved to be a significant challenge. For an artist who “works to live”, the rigidity of a limited creative-horizon city can feel like a cage. This clash of energies led to a period of intense anxiety, affecting my memory and forcing me to step back from theatre.
But 2026 is about the return. I am currently dedicating my full energy to my health and physical preparation. Within a few months, I will be hopefully camera-ready and operating at my professional best. I am no longer interested in compromise. I am preparing for a return to the film industry – London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and beyond – where experience and silver-blonde authenticity are not only accepted but valued.
I want to hear from you. Have you ever felt trapped by your environment or “aged out” by society? How did you break through your own “four walls”? Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s turn this space into a community of resilience.
I am Laura Bernardeschi Nelson. I am still here. I am evolving. And the most compelling scenes are yet to be filmed.