Jemima Rooper was born on October 24, 1981 in Hammersmith, London. Her mother was an acting trainer and strongly opposed the acting life for her daughter. Jemima pursued her interest despite her mother’s strong objections and eventually an audition with the Children’s Film Unit which trains under-18 would-be actors. Aside from her acting pursuits, Jemima loves animals and enjoys reading, music, singing and dancing.

Thelma Bates is played by Jemima Rooper on BBC’s Hex. She was Cassie’s roommate before Azazeal murdered her in an attempt to prove his powers and identity to Cassie. Thelma secretly harbored a crush on Cassie and even after her death, continued to stay with Cassie as a ghost visible only to her, Azazeal and other spirits. Thelma keeps a close eye on Azazeal and follows him where Cassie can’t enter. When Azazeal impregnates Cassie, Thelma learns from an older ghost that the birth of Azazeal’s offspring will unleash the rest of his kind, the Nephilim or fallen angels, into this world.



(Photo courtesy of BBC America)