Sally Phillips

British Actress, Presenter, Comedian & Writer, Creator of ‘Smack The Pony’ & Director of Captain Dolly Productions

Sally Phillips’s Biography:

Sally Phillips is best known as one of the UK’s most recognisable comedic performers, celebrated for her sharp wit, character versatility and standout roles in both television and film. Her co-creation and writing of the Emmy Award-winning sketch series Smack the Pony cemented her reputation as a pioneer of modern comedy, while her performances in Bridget Jones’ Diary, Miranda and Green Wing have made her a household name. Frequently praised for her warm on-screen presence, improvisational talent and relatable humour, Sally is also highly regarded as a compelling and insightful speaker who blends comedy with meaningful storytelling.

Sally’s path into performance began with her studies in drama at Théâtre de Complicité, before she first stepped into the spotlight at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She performed at the Fringe for nine consecutive years, rapidly building momentum with her energetic stage work and distinctive comedic voice. Her early television break arrived in 1994 when she joined the casts of Fist of Fun, Alas Smith and Jones, and I’m Alan Partridge, introducing her to a national audience and setting the tone for a dynamic screen career.

The late 1990s and 2000s marked an extraordinary period of achievement for Sally. In 1999, she co-created and wrote Smack the Pony, which earned two Emmy Awards and garnered her a nomination for Best Female Newcomer at the British Comedy Awards. Her career expanded into film with appearances in Mean Machine, Born Romantic, Birthday Girl, and Rescue Me, before she landed the role of Shazza in Bridget Jones’ Diary and its sequels. Her television success grew with acclaimed roles in Clare in the Community, Green Wing, Jam & Jerusalem, Skins and The Accidental Farmer, before she joined the hit series Miranda in 2009. Sally has also remained connected to theatre, including a notable performance in The Importance of Being Earnest at Oxford Playhouse.

In recent years, Sally has continued to diversify her career with roles in children’s television, such as Justin’s House, popular comedies like House of Fools, dramas including Death in Paradise, and films like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. She returned to her iconic role in Bridget Jones’ Baby in 2016 and presented the acclaimed BBC documentary A World Without Down’s Syndrome?. In 2020, she delighted audiences as Gibby in Friday Night Dinner. She also took part in Taskmaster series 5, further showcasing her comedic brilliance to new audiences.

Why Hire Sally Phillips?

Sally Phillips is an engaging, insightful and hilariously memorable speaker who blends comedic storytelling with heartfelt authenticity. Drawing from decades in television, film and writing, she offers unique perspectives on creativity, resilience, working in the arts, motherhood and advocacy. Audiences value her warmth, honesty and effortless ability to connect, making her ideal for corporate events, festivals, conferences and charity engagements.

Sally Phillips’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Sally Phillips’s inspirational career throughout the entertainment industry:

• 2025 – Reprised her role as Shazza in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
• 2020 – Played Gibby in Friday Night Dinner
• 2017 – Competed in Taskmaster series 5
• 2016 – Featured in Bridget Jones’ Baby and presented BBC documentary A World Without Down’s Syndrome?
• 2009 – Starred as Tilly in the hit sitcom Miranda
• 2005 – Performed in The Importance of Being Earnest at Oxford Playhouse
• 2004 – Returned as Shazza in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
• 2003 – Listed in The Observer’s ’50 Funniest Acts in British Comedy’
• 2001 – Cast as Shazza in Bridget Jones’ Diary
• 1999 – Appeared in Hippies; co-created and wrote Smack the Pony, winning two Emmy Awards
• 1994 – Made her television debut in Fist of Fun, Alas Smith and Jones, and I’m Alan Partridge