Gemma Whelan

Gemma Whelan is a British actress and comedian best known for playing Yara Greyjoy in the HBO series Game of Thrones, a role she played across multiple seasons. She has since become one of the most in-demand actresses in British television. Born in Leeds, Whelan trained at the Drama Centre London. Beyond Game of Thrones, her television credits include Gentleman Jack (as Marian Lister), The Tower, Upstart Crow (as Kate), White House Farm, and Killing Eve. She has also appeared in films including The Wolfman. Whelan began her career in stand-up comedy and won the Funny Women Variety Award in 2010, giving her an unusual combination of dramatic and comedic range. This dual skill set is evident in her screen performances, which often blend strength with humour. As an audiobook narrator, Whelan has become increasingly prolific and acclaimed. Her background in both comedy and drama gives her exceptional versatility — she can handle light, witty contemporary fiction with the same ease as dark psychological thrillers or epic fantasy. Her voice is warm and engaging, with excellent character differentiation. Whelan has narrated numerous titles and has been recognised with multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards. She is part of a growing generation of British screen actors who have embraced audiobook narration as a serious creative outlet, and her performances consistently demonstrate that audiobook narration rewards exactly the kind of versatility and commitment she brings. For listeners familiar with her screen work, Whelan's audiobook narrations reveal new dimensions of her considerable talent.