Biography
Lily James, born Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson on April 5, 1989, in Esher, Surrey, England, is a renowned English actress and singer celebrated for her versatility across film and television.
Her career began to rise with her role as Lady Rose Aldridge in the period drama series Downton Abbey (2012-2015), where she captivated audiences. However, her breakthrough came in 2015 when she starred as the lead in Disney’s live-action Cinderella, where she embodied the iconic character with grace and charm.
James‘ filmography spans a wide range of genres, from action in Baby Driver (2017) alongside Ansel Elgort to historical dramas like Darkest Hour (2017) with Gary Oldman and The Dig (2021). She has also taken on musical roles, notably in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), and explored more complex characters in psychological dramas such as Rebecca (2020), highlighting her dynamic range as an actress.
In television, James delivered a memorable performance as Natasha Rostova in War & Peace (2016), further establishing her talent for period dramas. She also has an impressive stage career, with standout performances in productions like Othello and The Seagull, reflecting her theatrical roots.
English actress
Lily James | |
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Wiki Facts & About Data | |
Real Name: | Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson |
Stage Name: | Lily James |
Born: | 5 April 1989 (age 35 years old) |
Place of Birth: | Esher, United Kingdom |
Nationality: | English |
Education: | Arts Educational School, Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
Height: | 1.7 m |
Parents: | Jamie Thomson, Ninette Thomson |
Siblings: | Sam Thomson |
Spouse: | Not Married |
Boyfriend • Partner: | Dominic West, Michael Shuman (2021-2023), Chris Evans (2020), Matt Smith (2014-2019), Jack Fox (2011-2012) |
Children: | N/A |
Occupation: | Actress • TV Personality |
Net Worth: | $8 million (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Lily James, born Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson on April 5, 1989, in Esher, Surrey, England, hails from an affluent area just outside of London. Her family has strong artistic roots, which likely influenced her career choice.
While Lily is of English descent, there is little public discussion about her ethnicity beyond her British heritage. As for religion, no specific details are available, indicating she prefers to keep that aspect of her life private.
Her mother, Ninette Thomson, was a former actress and dancer who also ran a dance school, exposing Lily to the performing arts from a young age. Her father, Jamie Thomson, worked as a music executive, which may have shaped her musical interests, especially in projects like Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Lily has an older brother, Sam Thomson, who has remained supportive of her career, though their sibling relationship stays largely out of the public eye, reflecting her desire for privacy regarding her family.
Lily attended the Arts Educational School in Chiswick, London, for her secondary education, a prestigious institution known for its performing arts training. This choice underscored her early commitment to pursuing a career in acting. She then advanced to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, one of the UK’s leading drama schools, earning a bachelor’s degree in acting, further sharpening her craft and setting the stage for her professional journey.
Career
Lily James, born Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson on April 5, 1989, in Esher, Surrey, England, has built a distinguished career across film, television, and theater and is known for her versatility and ease in navigating different genres. After graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2010, she began her professional journey with a role in the British TV series Just William. However, her portrayal of Lady Rose MacClare in the internationally acclaimed series Downton Abbey (2012–2015) was what truly brought her into the spotlight and paved the way for her success in film.
Her major breakthrough came when she starred as the title character in Disney’s live-action Cinderella (2015), directed by Kenneth Branagh. This role showcased her acting talent and her singing abilities, expanding her appeal to a global audience. From there, she continued to take on a variety of roles, including the action-packed Baby Driver (2017), where her performance alongside Ansel Elgort was praised for its energy and complexity, and the historical drama Darkest Hour (2017), where she portrayed Winston Churchill‘s secretary, Elizabeth Layton.
James further demonstrated her range in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), where she played a young Donna Sheridan, exhibiting her musical skills in a new light. Her love for period dramas continued with roles in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) and The Dig (2021), in which she portrayed archaeologist Peggy Piggott, blending emotional depth with historical authenticity.
On television, James has continued to impress. Beyond Downton Abbey, she starred as Natasha Rostova in the 2016 adaptation of War & Peace and took on the challenging role of Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy (2022). Her portrayal of Anderson earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress, showcasing her ability to transform into a real-life figure with remarkable authenticity.
James’ talent extends beyond the screen to the stage, where she has delivered acclaimed performances, including her role as Desdemona in Othello and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Garrick Theatre. Her theater work complements her film career, demonstrating her range and depth as a performer.
James has expanded her creative interests in recent years by taking on producing roles. One notable project is her involvement in a film inspired by Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble. This project reflects her commitment to telling stories that empower women. This shift into producing highlights her evolving career and dedication to challenging herself both in front of and behind the camera.
Social Media
- IMDb: Lily James
- Wikipedia: Lily James
- Facebook: Lily James
- Instagram: (@lilyjamesofficial)
Personal Life
Lily James was in a relationship with actor Matt Smith, which began around 2014 and lasted several years. Their romance, often in the public eye, faced its share of scrutiny and speculation before they eventually parted ways in 2019.
After her split with Smith, there were rumors linking James to Chris Evans in 2020, though neither party had confirmed these. Another notable chapter involved her being spotted with Dominic West, which stirred controversy due to West’s marital status.
Lily James has been in relationships with Michael Shuman (2021–2023), Chris Evans (2020), Matt Smith (2014–2019), and Jack Fox (2011–2012). She was also briefly connected to Dominic West.
In recent years, James has been linked with Michael Shuman, the bassist for Queens of the Stone Age, marking a shift toward dating someone outside the traditional Hollywood circle. Their relationship, described as on-again, off-again, appeared to be stable as of early 2022.
Net Worth
Lily James‘ net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. This wealth has been amassed through her successful career in acting, which spans film and television, including notable roles in Cinderella, Baby Driver, and the TV series Downton Abbey. Her income is derived from her acting fees, endorsement deals, and involvement in theater productions, which complement her film and TV earnings.
Filmography
Movies
- Cinderella (2015) – Cinderella
- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) – Elizabeth Bennet
- Baby Driver (2017) – Debora
- Darkest Hour (2017) – Elizabeth Layton
- Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) – Young Donna Sheridan / Sophie Sheridan
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) – Juliet Ashton
- Yesterday (2019) – Ellie Appleton
- Rebecca (2020) – The Second Mrs. de Winter
- The Dig (2021) – Peggy Piggott
- What’s Love Got to Do with It? (2022) – Mae
- Pam & Tommy (2022) – Pamela Anderson (Miniseries)
TV Shows
- “Just William” (2010) – Violet Elizabeth Bott
- “Downton Abbey” (2012-2015) – Lady Rose MacClare
- “War & Peace” (2016) – Natasha Rostova
- “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” (2016) – Elizabeth Bennet (TV film)
- “Downton Abbey” (2019) – Lady Rose MacClare (Film continuation of the series)
- “Pam & Tommy” (2022) – Pamela Anderson
Theater
- “Othello” (2013) at the Trafalgar Studios – Desdemona
- “The Children’s Monologues” (2013) at the Soho Theatre
- “The Seagull” at the Playhouse Theatre (2016)
- “Romeo and Juliet” at the Garrick Theatre (2017) – Juliet
Stage Productions
- She has also performed in various theatre productions, showcasing her foundation in live performance, which complements her film and television work.
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