Ronni Ancona facts for kids

Veronica Jane Ancona, known as Ronni Ancona, is a British actor, comedian, and writer. She is famous for her amazing impressions of other celebrities.

Ronni is best known for the popular comedy show The Big Impression. She co-wrote and starred in the show, which was a huge hit on BBC One. It won many awards, including a prestigious BAFTA in 2003. She also starred in the first series of the award-winning ITV show The Sketch Show.

Besides comedy, Ronni has acted in dramas like Last Tango in Halifax, which she has been a part of since 2012. She is also a co-director of a production company called Captain Dolly.

Early Life and Education

Ronni Ancona was born in Louth, Lincolnshire, but her family moved to Troon, Scotland when she was a baby. Her father was a commander in the Royal Navy, and her mother was an artist. Ronni is the youngest of three children.

She went to Marr College in Troon, where she first tried comedy in an improv group. After school, she studied at Saint Martin's School of Art. While studying there, she appeared on the BBC show Blue Peter for her work on a play.

Later, Ronni trained to be a teacher in art, design, and drama. While working as a teacher, she began performing comedy. In 1993, she won an award for being the best new comedian of the year.

Career in Television

Ronni Ancona became a familiar face on TV and radio. She worked with comedian Alistair McGowan to create The Big Impression in 2000. The show was very popular and won several awards. For her work, Ronni won "Best Actress" at the British Comedy Awards in 2003.

She has appeared on many different shows over the years.

• She was the voice of Pennyghent in the children's series Roger and the Rottentrolls.
• She starred in the historical drama The Key and Stephen Poliakoff's Gideon's Daughter.
• She has been a guest on panel shows like QI and Have I Got News For You.
• In 2007, she had her own sketch show called Ronni Ancona & Co.
• She played the mother of twins Katie and Emily Fitch in the teen drama Skins.
• She also starred in the BBC comedy-drama Hope Springs.

Ronni has also taken part in charity events. In 2011, she joined the Comic Relief Desert Trek with other celebrities to raise money. She has also appeared on special episodes of Strictly Come Dancing and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.

Film and Theatre Career

Ronni Ancona has also acted in movies and on stage. Her first big film role was in The Debt Collector in 1999, where she acted alongside Billy Connolly.

Some of her other film roles include:

• Playing Pat Connelly in The Calcium Kid (2004).
• Appearing as many different celebrities in Stella Street: The Movie (2004).
• A small part in the fantasy film Penelope (2006).
• Playing Donna in The Trip to Italy (2014).

In the theatre, Ronni has performed in many plays. In 2004, she played the funny silent-movie star Lina Lamont in the musical Singin' in the Rain. She also acted in a play called The Hypochondriac at the famous Almeida Theatre in London.

Personal Life

Ronni Ancona was in a relationship with comedian Alistair McGowan for seven years. They remained friends and worked together on The Big Impression after they broke up.

Ronni is married to Gerard Hall, a doctor. They have two daughters and live in west London. She also supports several charities, including the Environmental Investigation Agency, Marie Curie, and Sightsavers.