Have you ever watched a show and wondered about the actor behind the character? The person who doesn’t always make the big charts but consistently impresses in every role? That’s Natali McCleary — a Scottish performer who has quietly, thoughtfully carved out a strong career on stage and screen without chasing the spotlight. Natali’s journey has been one of slow, cautious decisions. She’s a professional dancer and choreographer who transitioned into acting, and she’s acted in theatre, television dramas, and film. She’s known for bringing depth and physical presence to everything she does. Here’s a look at her story — from growing up in Scotland to carving out a place in British TV and film.
Early Life & Training
Natali McCleary is from Perth, Scotland. She grew up there, enjoying the green fields and local theatres. Those early visits to shows in Perthshire got her interested in performing. She trained at the Dance Conservatoire and later at the London Contemporary Dance School. Both places are known for tough training. She spent long hours practising and learning how to use movements to tell stories. That hard work gave her a strong base for her career on stage and screen.
Theatre & Physical Performance
Before doing TV and film, Natali McCleary spent a lot of time in theatre. She worked with Perth Theatre in Scotland and was part of the National Theatre of Scotland group called Blood of the Young (Perth Theatre Wiki). She appeared in shows including Snow White and the Seven Dames, Frankenstein, and The Dark Carnival. These plays weren’t just about reciting lines but also required strong movement and clear storytelling onstage. Her work in theatre helped her build skills in both acting and choreography. People say she stood out for the energy and focus she brought to every performance.
On-Screen Career
Natali McCleary started working in films and TV around 2018. Her first screen credit is the film Wild Rose (2018), where she played Cleaning Lady #3. Soon after, she was seen on the BBC drama ‘Shetland’ in three episodes as both Denise and a hotel manager. In 2019 she appeared briefly in Guilt as a spin instructor and landed a recurring role playing Jess Christie in several episodes of the children’s TV show Jamie Johnson. Natali played a role in Mayflies in 2022 and then featured as Lennie in two episodes of The Control Room. In 2024, she appeared in Ludwig and Dept. Q (2025), each for a single episode. Between these roles, Natali has demonstrated that she can shift far and wide, sliding effortlessly between gritty crime stories and innocuous family series while maintaining a physical command over all.
Choreography & Dance
Natali McCleary, always a lover of music and dance, has not given up those skills. She was the choreographer for the 2018 film Tell It to the Bees. She was in charge of choreographing it and coordinating it in a scene that tried to make it look natural and expressive (TMDB). Because of her dance background, she knows how to use movement to tell a story. Any role she is performing, any dance numbers she is organising, she brings that same meticulous, thoughtful approach. That is the reason she stands out in both film and theatre work.
Personal Life and Presence
There is not much known about Natalie McCleary’s personal life. She does not even have any verified Instagram or Twitter (X) accounts. This shows that she wants to keep a low profile, and she mostly wants to speak through her work, as she spends most of her time acting, dancing, and rehearsing. For Natali, the work she does on stage and screen is what she wants people to see most.
What’s Coming Next for Natali McCleary
According to listings from her talent agency, United Agents, Natali McCleary recently wrapped filming on Season 2 of The Undeclared War for Channel 4. This show is a serious cyber-thriller that’s getting noticed for its high-stakes plot. Natali’s involvement suggests she’s moving into more dramatic and memorable roles. It’s a sign her career is heading toward bigger, bolder projects.
Net Worth & Lifestyle
There isn’t any public information about Natali McCleary’s net worth. She hasn’t shared those details herself. She works regularly in theatre, TV, and dance. From what’s known, she seems to live simply and focuses on her acting and choreography work instead of seeking fame or showing off wealth.
Final Thoughts
Natali McCleary has been consistently building a career, fusing dance and acting into emotionally powerful performances. The Scottish theatrical veteran has gradually worked her way up to some of her more recognisable TV roles, all while not chasing fame. She’s the type of artist who towers over a roomful of people — not because she’s flashy, but because she holds real weight. And the bigger her parts and presence get, the more she has become one to watch among the thoughtful, versatile male and female actors making their mark right now.