Souad Faress was born in Accra, Ghana to a unique and diverse family, with parents of Irish and Syrian descent. This cultural blend would later influence her work and perspectives. As a young woman, she made the bold decision to relocate to London to pursue her passion for drama at the prestigious Guildhall School.
Her television career began in 1976 with a small yet notable role in the acclaimed series 'I, Claudius'. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious journey in the world of television, with appearances in numerous series and shows that would follow. One of her most memorable roles was that of Dev Alahan's mother in the popular British soap opera 'Coronation Street', a character she would portray with depth and nuance.
In the 1990s, Souad took on the challenging and complex role of Usha Gupta, a Sikh lawyer who would later marry Christian vicar Alan Franks on the long-running radio show 'The Archers'. This character added a new layer of diversity to the show and allowed Souad to showcase her impressive range as an actress.
In addition to her work on television, Souad has also made a name for herself on the stage. Her play 'Seed', which explores the complexities of mixed race relationships in colonial India, was staged in 2004 and received critical acclaim. She has also appeared in various productions, including 'Beauty and the Beast', Tony Kushner's 'Homebody/Kabul' at the Young Vic, and David Hare's 'Permanent Way' at the National Theatre.
In recent years, Souad has continued to push boundaries and challenge herself as an artist. In 2015, she worked with the New Shoes Theatre Company on the production 'Hurried Steps', and in 2016, she appeared in the sixth season of the hit HBO series 'Game of Thrones'. Additionally, she has served as a panelist at the Croydon International Playwriting Festival, further cementing her status as a respected and accomplished figure in the world of theatre and television.
Throughout her career, Souad Faress has consistently demonstrated her ability to take on complex and challenging roles, showcasing her impressive range and versatility as an actress. Her unique blend of Irish and Syrian heritage has undoubtedly influenced her work, and she continues to be a powerful and inspiring presence in the world of entertainment.
