Ruth Connell is an acclaimed Scottish actor, producer, former professional dancer and choreographer, and a graduate of Rose Bruford College. She studied BA (Hons) Acting, graduating in 2002, and was selected as the Critics’ Choice by the adjudicator from The Stage for her graduation showcase.
Before pursuing acting, Ruth trained as a dancer and performed with Scottish Ballet, appearing in productions including The Nutcracker, in which she played Clara. She subsequently worked with dance companies including Jazz Art UK and The Curve Foundation, developing a strong foundation in movement and physical performance that continues to inform her work as an actor.
Following her graduation from Rose Bruford College, Ruth built a successful career in theatre, television and film. Her theatre credits include leading roles in The Caucasian Chalk Circle at the Palace Theatre, Watford, Men Should Weep on a UK national tour, Faust at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh and No Mean City at Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre.
In 2011, Ruth moved to the United States, where she continued to develop her career in film and television. She appeared in the award-winning independent film Folklore, as well as the feature films The Cursed Man and Hara Kiri.
Ruth is perhaps best known internationally for her portrayal of Rowena MacLeod, the powerful witch and mother of Crowley, in the popular American television series Supernatural. She joined the cast in 2014 during the show’s tenth season and became a recurring character, appearing throughout the series until its conclusion in 2020. Her performance earned her a devoted international following.
More recently, Ruth has appeared in a range of television productions, including The Winchesters, Doom Patrol and the Netflix series Dead Boy Detectives, in which she played the Night Nurse. She has also continued her work as a voice actor, lending her voice to Disney and Pixar’s Merida in video games and animated productions.
Alongside her acting career, Ruth continues to work as a producer, bringing together her experience in theatre, dance and screen performance.