BIOGRAPHY
Frieda Thiel is an award-winning British actress, voice artist, bespoke cake and gift creator, and devoted mother to one. She is proudly neurodivergent, receiving her late adult diagnosis of AuDHD (autism and ADHD), which has deeply shaped both her personal journey and her creative work.
Passionate about advocating for and supporting the SEN community, Frieda is the mother of a neurodivergent child and is committed to creating more inclusive, accessible experiences for children and families. She has recently collaborated with SENPlay, a sensory play centre for neurodiverse children, and in 2025 expanded her creative practice through Frieda Thiel Bakes, developing accessible activities for SEND children alongside her custom cakes (www.friedathielbakes.com).
Born on August 29, 1992, in Luanshya, Zambia, Frieda was raised in North West London. She is the younger sister of writer, director, and producer Sebastian Thiel. Her heritage includes German, Zambian, South African, Malawian, and Pakistani/Indian roots.
Before entering the entertainment industry, Frieda pursued interests in art, sports, creative writing, and music—showing natural creativity and an early drive to excel. She joined the A.S.A drama group founded by British actor Aml Ameen and later trained in musical theatre at Sylvia Young Theatre School. She went on to complete a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts at Stanmore College.
Despite being turned down by several drama schools, Frieda’s determination led her to Identity Drama School, where she signed with Identity Agency Group at the age of 16, training alongside talents such as John Boyega, Letitia Wright and Malachi Kirby.
She made her TV debut at 17 in Excluded (BBC Two) and continued to secure roles in feature films and high-profile dramas. In 2014, she played “Esme” in Roy Williams’ adaptation of the Greek tragedy Antigone on a national theatre tour. In 2017, she starred as “Shavon” in the BBC Three comedy series Just A Couple, written and directed by her brother Sebastian Thiel. Her performance and the series earned multiple awards, including a Screen Nation Award, a Debbies Award, and a UEA Award for Best Actress.
In 2019, Frieda became a mother and took a break from the industry to raise her son and begin his home-education journey. During this period, she remained creatively active—continuing voiceover work, developing projects, and expanding her artistic ventures. She continues to be represented by Identity Agency Group and later joined YAKETY YAK as a voice-over artist.
In 2025, Frieda returned to screens in the BBC/A24 series 2 of Dreaming Whilst Black, marking an exciting new chapter while continuing to champion neurodiversity, creativity, and community inclusion.