Karen Sheila Gillan (; born 28 November 1987) is a Scottish actress and filmmaker. She first began acting with guest roles on television, before receiving recognition for portraying Amy Pond, a primary companion to the Eleventh Doctor, in the BBC One series Doctor Who (2010–2013), for which she received critical acclaim, and she received several awards and nominations, including winning a National Television Award. Gillan's early film roles include the horror film Outcast (2010) and the romantic comedy film Not Another Happy Ending (2013).