Yasmine Akram

Yasmine Akram is an Irish-Pakistani actress, writer, and comedian. She is widely known for her role as Janine Hawkins in the third series of the television drama Sherlock. Beyond her work in television, she has written comedy sketches for major UK broadcasters, including the BBC and Channel 4, and performed as a comedian across stage and radio platforms.

Akram was born on 11 March 1982 in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Her father is originally from Pakistan, and her Irish mother, Mona, is from Drogheda, Ireland. When Akram was 18 months old, her family settled in Drogheda, where her mother continues to reside. She grew up alongside her sister, Masooma. Starting at the age of 14, she began collaborating with the Calipo Theatre and the Picture Company, eventually pursuing formal drama studies and graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in acting.

Following her graduation from drama school, Akram initiated her career writing comedy sketches for Channel 4 and the BBC, as well as hosting radio broadcasts for the BBC. In 2010, she wrote and performed her first play, 10 Dates with Mad Mary, a monologue detailing a young woman's struggles after being released from prison. The play was staged at the Project Arts Centre in Ireland and was later adapted into the 2016 feature film A Date for Mad Mary.

Akram expanded her presence in live comedy by forming the London-based duo Ford and Akram with English comedian Louise Ford. The duo wrote and performed together, presenting a live show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2011 that was directed by Alistair McGowan. In 2013, she partnered with Aisling Bea to co-write and co-present Irish Micks and Legends for BBC Radio 4. The pair also collaborated on the Channel 4 sketch comedy program LOL.

In 2014, Akram gained broader public recognition when she played Janine Hawkins opposite Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes in two episodes of Sherlock's third series. She returned to the franchise for the 2016 special episode, "The Abominable Bride," playing the character under the name Janine Donlevy.