Maisie Williams fronts new podcast Famously... Winona

Famously… Winona launches today (28th August, 2024) as a six-part podcast series on BBC Sounds, hosted by Emmy-nominated actress, producer and activist, Maisie Williams. As part of the BBC’s celebrity culture strand, Famously (including Famously…In Love and Famously…On Trial) Maisie unpicks the twists and turns of the career of Hollywood legend, Winona Ryder. From her emergence as a child star in the 1980s to her upcoming return to the spotlight in the Beetlejuice sequel next month, her career – at times tumultuous and at times acclaimed - has spanned almost 40 years.

Drawing comparisons with her own experiences in Hollywood and the pitfalls of being a young, female star, Maisie takes an empathetic look at how the industry has treated Winona over the years. The podcast tells the story of Winona’s rise, fall and comeback, along with the shifting public perception of the star. Maisie explores why so many women in the world of film are judged and dismissed so harshly - for their age, relationships and mental health - while so many male actors seemingly build it into their mystique.

Once Winona could do no wrong. Adored for films like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands and Heathers - cast as the original manic pixie girl template, she was a Gen-X darling whose quirkiness felt endlessly endearing. But the '00s brought accusations of overexposure, burnout, her infamous arrest for shoplifting and rumours of hell-raising behaviour.

But slowly and surely, through talent, grit, and perhaps a change in the way women are treated by the film industry, Winona’s star began to rise again as she was rehabilitated in the public eye through mega-hits Star Trek, Black Swan and Stranger Things, even becoming a meme following her hilarious reactions at the 2017 SAG awards. Suffice to say the world once again loves Winona!

This podcast delves deep into the epic twists and turns in the story of her resurrection, with narration from Maisie, archival recordings and Maisie’s own take on being a child star, the press’s sexualisation of women and negotiating growing up under the scrutiny of many lenses.

Host, Maisie Williams, says of the podcast:

“Winona’s always been iconic, but I hope this series gives people a chance to understand her as a person - how she’s always led with empathy, navigated so many hard moments, and pushed female voices to the front.”

Louise Kattenhorn, Commissioning Executive, says:

“The ‘Famously…’ podcasts tap into our fascination with the lives, loves and trials of celebrities, and we’re excited to bring you this summer binge listen about the remarkable story of actress Winona Ryder. We’re even more thrilled to have Maisie Williams tell this story. With her passion for film and candid insight from her own experience as a young actress, as well has her engaging presenting style, she’s the perfect host!”