Jessica Gunning Net Worth: From Office Job to SAG Award-Winning Star

Jessica Gunning continues to dominate the awards circuit with yet another win, this time at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards. On February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Gunning took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her chilling role in Baby Reindeer. This latest accolade adds to her already impressive haul, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Critics Choice Award.

Her triumph at the SAG Awards was no small feat, as she was up against some of the industry’s most revered actors—Kathy Bates, Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, Lily Gladstone, and Cristin Milioti. Yet, it was Gunning’s unforgettable portrayal of Martha Scott, a dangerously obsessive stalker, that ultimately secured her the win.

From Office Desk to Awards Stage: Jessica Gunning’s Incredible Journey

At 38 years old, Jessica Gunning’s success is a testament to perseverance, talent, and sheer dedication. Born in England, she pursued acting while juggling an office job, a period she reflected on during her emotional SAG acceptance speech.

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“I used to sit at my desk and dream about this,” she shared. “I even made a vision board with names of actors I wanted to work with. And now, to be nominated alongside Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, and Kathy Bates—who were on that very board—feels surreal.”

That vision board was not just a dream but a blueprint for the future. Today, she’s not just working alongside these legendary names—she’s competing and winning against them.

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The Role That Changed Everything: Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer is based on Richard Gadd’s harrowing real-life experience with an obsessive stalker. In the series, Gunning’s portrayal of Martha Scott is deeply unsettling, bringing an eerie realism to the character. Her performance is so gripping that audiences and critics alike found themselves unnerved by her intensity.

This wasn’t just another acting gig for Gunning—it was an opportunity to showcase the depths of her talent. “I will never, ever forget being part of Baby Reindeer or playing Martha. It means so much to me,” she said during her speech.

Her ability to humanize a terrifying character, rather than playing her as a mere caricature, is what has made her performance so unforgettable. Critics have called her portrayal “one of the most chilling in television history.”

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A Season of Wins: Jessica Gunning’s Award Sweep

With this SAG win, Gunning has accomplished what very few actors achieve—a nearly clean sweep of the major TV acting awards in one season. She has already won:

• Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series
• Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Limited Series
• Critics Choice Award for Best Actress in a Limited Series
• Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

This kind of winning streak places her in the company of some of the greatest actors of all time. If she continues this momentum, she could be one of the defining talents of this generation.

Jessica Gunning’s Net Worth in 2025

With her newfound fame and award-winning performances, Jessica Gunning’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2025. While her early career saw her in supporting roles in television and theater, her star power has grown exponentially due to Baby Reindeer and her ability to take on challenging, emotionally demanding characters.

Her success also means she is now in high demand, with upcoming film and TV projects likely to boost her net worth significantly in the coming years. Given her current trajectory, she could soon be one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry.

A Competitive Category: The Fierce Race for the SAG Award

Jessica Gunning’s win was no easy feat, as she was up against an extraordinary lineup of performers:

• Kathy Bates (The Great Lillian Hall)
• Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer)
• Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country)
• Lily Gladstone (Under the Bridge)
• Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)

Each of these actresses delivered outstanding performances, making the category one of the most competitive of the night. For Gunning to emerge victorious speaks volumes about the impact of her work.

What’s Next for Jessica Gunning?

With an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and now a SAG Award under her belt, the big question is: What’s next for Jessica Gunning?

There are already rumors of upcoming film roles, with some insiders hinting that she’s being courted for a major psychological thriller. She has also been tapped for a lead role in a high-profile drama series, which could solidify her place as one of television’s most in-demand actresses.

In addition, Hollywood is buzzing about potential Oscar-worthy film projects for Gunning, meaning she could make the jump from TV to feature films in the near future. Given her ability to transform into complex characters, a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards might not be too far off.

The Legacy of Baby Reindeer and Gunning’s Impact

Beyond awards and accolades, Baby Reindeer has left a lasting impact on audiences. The show, based on real events, has sparked conversations about stalking, obsession, and mental health, making it more than just a TV series—it’s a cultural phenomenon.

For Jessica Gunning, this role has not only changed her career trajectory but has also solidified her place among Hollywood’s elite. Her name is now synonymous with powerhouse performances, and with her ability to bring depth, nuance, and raw emotion to any role, her future looks brighter than ever.

One thing’s for sure—we can’t wait to see what she does next.