Claire-Louise Cordwell

Biography

Claire-Louise Cordwell is a respected English actress whose career spans theatre, film, and television. She is particularly recognized for her compelling supporting roles in some of the UK's most successful and acclaimed crime and political dramas.

Training and Theatre Work

Cordwell is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), one of the world's most prestigious drama schools. Her classical training provided a solid foundation for a diverse career. On stage, her credits include work at major venues like the Donmar Warehouse in Henry V and the Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, where she notably played the role of Madame Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities.

Career in Television Drama

Cordwell has established herself as a reliable and powerful performer in television, often appearing in roles that involve law enforcement, the military, or high-stakes drama.

Jed Mercurio Dramas: She is closely associated with the work of acclaimed writer Jed Mercurio, featuring in two of his biggest hits:

Bodyguard (2018): She played the recurring role of PC Kim Knowles, a Protection Command bodyguard within the team assigned to the Home Secretary.

Line of Duty: She appeared in multiple series of the popular police procedural as PO Jenny Leland, one of the corrupt security officers at HMP Brentiss, involved in the abuse of a key witness.

Other Notable TV Roles: Her television credits showcase a broad range of appearances across popular British series, including:

The Honourable Woman

Call the Midwife

Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands

Casualty

Doctors

Film and Other Projects

Her film work includes Stuart: A Life Backwards (2007) alongside Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch, and the crime film Snow in Paradise (2014). Her ability to move seamlessly between theatre and high-profile screen roles highlights her versatility and enduring presence in the British entertainment landscape.