Who plays forensic pathologist Molly Hooper in the BBC television series Sherlock?

Louise Brealey plays forensic pathologist Molly Hooper in the BBC television series Sherlock.

Brealey’s Molly is introduced as a pathologist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and as one of the few people who shows Sherlock genuine personal affection. Her access to the morgue and laboratory often gives Sherlock practical help during investigations, even when he treats her contributions dismissively.

Molly Hooper was created for the television series rather than being a major character from the original Holmes canon. The character’s professional role is sometimes confused with that of forensic examiner Sally Donovan, played by Zoe Telford. Brealey also appears in the special episode “The Abominable Bride,” in which the production reimagines several characters in a Victorian setting.