Poldark star Gabriella Wilde reveals her mother’s struggle with addiction and depression blighted her childhood

by

Gabriella Wilde has revealed that her childhood was blighted by her mother’s battle with addiction.

The actress known for her role in Poldark, age 36, is the daughter of model Vanessa Hubbard and businessman John Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe.

Vanessa was previously married to ‘Seducer of the Valleys’ baronet Sir Dai Llewellyn.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was listening to this podcast – it’s hosted by Cressida Bonas and Isabella Branson, and Gabriella was a guest! She was talking about her mom, and it just broke my heart. She said her mother really struggled, and I just… I need to know everything. It was so raw and honest, and I’m completely obsessed with hearing more about it!

Growing up, she struggled with addiction and mental health issues, which made it hard for her to find her place and navigate life’s challenges. She often felt lost and unsure of her direction.

‘She finally turned the corner and got sober and well when I was 15.’

Gabriella revealed that her mother faced mental health challenges during her childhood, and sometimes exhibited a scary side to her personality.

The actress described her mother as a wonderfully playful and gentle figure when she was growing up, but also someone who faced personal difficulties.

She dealt with depression, which sometimes made her behavior unpredictable and understandably scary for those around her.

Gabriella emphasized that seeing her mother overcome addiction proved to her that anything can be achieved.

She’s really opened my eyes to how vast everything is, and she’s also taught me that change is always possible.

‘The places she’s been to and come back from is quite staggering,’ she said. 

Gabriella and her husband, Alan Pownall, have three sons. Because of her own upbringing and relationship with her mother, Gabriella makes a point of being completely honest with her children.

She explained that she’s always believed in being upfront with her kids, even about difficult things. She prefers to tell them the whole truth instead of a partial one, because she feels they can sense when she’s not being completely honest.

Gabriella is most famous for playing Caroline Penvenen in the TV series Poldark, which aired from 2016 to 2019.

She first appeared on film in St Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold, and has since been in the remake of Carrie and the film Wonder Woman 1984 alongside Gal Gadot.

Her next role is in the new comedy-drama, Mother’s Pride, where she’ll star with Jonno Davies and Martin Clunes.

Read More

2026-02-25 14:08