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Gabriella Wright - Gender-based violence and suicide prevention

Gabriella Wright - Gender-based violence and suicide prevention - britishheritage.org

A Luminary in British Cultural Heritage and Global Humanitarian Efforts.

Gabriella Wright, an English actress renowned for her compelling performances on both the big and small screens, is not just a star of the performing arts. The Stoke Newington-born artist has significantly contributed to British cultural heritage and beyond, not only through her dynamic acting career but also via her tireless humanitarian work, particularly in the realm of gender-based violence and suicide prevention.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 19, 1982, to Paul David Wright, a sculptor and painter, and Anne Catherine Wright, a teacher and writer, Gabriella had an early immersion in the creative and intellectual worlds. This early exposure, coupled with the family's relocation to France when she was twelve, laid the groundwork for her diverse professional pursuits. Wright's academic journey led her to earn degrees in English Literature and Social Economics, complementing her budding acting career. To hone her craft further, she trained under eminent acting coaches Susan Batson and Jack Garfein. Currently, she is based in Los Angeles, making contributions to the world of entertainment and humanitarian efforts alike.

An Illustrious Acting Career

Wright's foray into acting began in 2004 when she was cast in the lead role in the film "One Dollar Curry," directed by Vijay Singh. This debut was a stepping stone into a career that spanned diverse genres, from historical dramas to supernatural thrillers.

Her performance as Queen Claude of France in the 2007 series "The Tudors" solidified her presence in the acting sphere. Later, she made a mark on American television, playing Sylvie in the seventh season of HBO's "True Blood." Wright's versatility shone brightly in her lead role in the horror film "The Perfect Husband," directed by Lucas Pavetto, and in the action thriller "The Transporter Refueled," directed by Camille Delamarre.

In the years that followed, Wright worked alongside acting veterans like Antonio Banderas and Ben Kingsley in films like "Security" and the anticipated action comedy, "Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard." This spectrum of roles underscores Wright's impressive acting abilities, contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of British performance artistry.

A Passionate Activist

Beyond her acting prowess, Wright's commitment to humanitarian causes has been instrumental in shaping her legacy. This work, dating back to 2004, includes the founding of Conscious Intent, a production company dedicated to creating media that supports the human story. Wright's drive to combat social issues extends to her role as a founder of the Never Alone global campaign, alongside renowned wellness advocate Deepak Chopra. This initiative seeks to provide support and resources for those grappling with mental health challenges.

Wright's wide-ranging advocacy efforts have seen her develop 'Mind Dive,' a meditation and yoga application aimed at reducing stress and relieving trauma. Furthermore, she facilitates meditation practices for parolees in the Los Angeles area through the Amity Foundation, offering a source of peace and grounding for this often-marginalized population.

Adding to her portfolio of humanitarian pursuits, Wright serves as a Global goodwill ambassador to Skypower, a solar company committed to positively impacting developing nations. She is also the honorary president of a grassroots charity in Myanmar dedicated to aiding slums in and around Yangon.

Using Her Platform for Change

As a motivational speaker, Wright lends her voice to the fight against gender-based violence, particularly concerning women and girls. She has spoken at esteemed institutions such as the UN Women and the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, and at forums like the Difficult Dialogues, where she compared the 'Me too' movement in India and Hollywood. Her speeches at Carnegie Hall on healing trauma, the power of meditation, and seeking fulfillment irrespective of life circumstances have been influential.

More recently, Wright narrated the powerful story of a young woman survivor of violence from Zimbabwe at the First UN Trust Fund Grantee Convention held in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She also held a seminar on suicide prevention and self-awareness at the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University in India, signifying her unwavering commitment to these crucial social issues.

Personal Life

In her personal life, Wright married producer Thierry Klemeniuk in 2005, with Hollywood star Sean Penn serving as the best man at their wedding. The couple divorced in 2010.

The Lasting Legacy of Gabriella Wright

In Gabriella Wright, we see an embodiment of British cultural heritage, amplified through her globally recognized acting performances and her humanitarian efforts. She represents a generation of British actresses who have seamlessly transcended the borders of the United Kingdom, contributing to global entertainment, and making their mark on international social issues. Wright's dedication to elevating the human story through media, her advocacy for mental health, and her work in suicide prevention reflect her multifaceted influence and continued contribution to British heritage and the world at large.

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The BritishHeritage.org seeks to recognize individuals who have attained excellence and international renown in their chosen professional fields, and whose actions, in addition to their achievements, embody the character of the British people through commitment to British values, the British community and/or to Great Britain. Beyond demonstrated qualities of achievement and commitment, the BritishHeritage.org serves to recognize the British Heritage contribution to the betterment of mankind.

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