Sienna Miller

Sienna Rose Diana Miller, born on December 28, 1981, is an American-born British actress who grew up in London. She initially pursued a career as a photography model, featuring in Italian Vogue and the 2003 Pirelli calendar. Her breakthrough in acting came with roles in the 2004 films "Layer Cake" and "Alfie." Miller went on to portray socialite Edie Sedgwick in "Factory Girl" (2006) and author Caitlin Macnamara in "The Edge of Love" (2008), earning her a nomination for the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2008. She also appeared as The Baroness in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" (2009), though she took a brief break from acting due to increased tabloid scrutiny.


Miller returned to the spotlight with her role as actress Tippi Hedren in the 2012 television film "The Girl," which garnered her nominations for the BAFTA Television Award for Best Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film. Throughout the 2010s, she continued to receive critical acclaim for her performances in films such as "Foxcatcher" (2014), "American Sniper" (2014), "Mississippi Grind" (2015), "The Lost City of Z" (2016), "Live by Night" (2016), and "American Woman" (2018), as well as the miniseries "The Loudest Voice" (2019).


Sienna Miller was born in New York City, specifically in The Nutcracker Suite theatre, and relocated to London with her family at the age of 18 months. She attended the Heathfield School in Ascot, Berkshire, as a boarder. Her father, Edwin Miller, is an American dealer in Chinese art, who was formerly a banker. Her mother, Josephine, is British and was born in South Africa to British parents. Josephine previously worked as a model and later served as a personal assistant to David Bowie. Additionally, she was once the manager of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.


Sienna Miller made her screen debut in the romantic comedy "South Kensington" (2001), starring alongside Rupert Everett and Elle Macpherson. Following this, in 2002, she appeared in supporting roles in "High Speed" and its sequel "The Ride." Additionally, she guest-starred in television series such as "The American Embassy" and "Bedtime." Miller also had a regular role as the combative yet caring flatmate of an NYPD detective in the television drama series "Keen Eddie" (2003), which marked her first exposure to American audiences. Unfortunately, FOX cancelled the series after only seven episodes.


In 2004, Sienna Miller's career saw a significant turning point with roles in two commercial films and increased public attention due to her relationship with actor Jude Law. She starred in the crime thriller "Layer Cake," directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Daniel Craig, where she portrayed the love interest of a London-based cocaine supplier. Additionally, she appeared in "Alfie," the remake of Bill Naughton's 1966 film, playing the girlfriend of a cockney limo driver and sex addict, portrayed by Jude Law. Despite her rising status as an "It Girl," Miller expressed discomfort with the label, feeling it overshadowed her work as an actress.


In 2005, Miller portrayed a writer of illegal feminist books and the love interest of Giacomo Casanova, played by Heath Ledger, in the period dramedy "Casanova." She also made her West End debut in a revival of "As You Like It" at the Wyndhams Theatre. The following year, she took on the role of 1960s socialite and Andy Warhol's muse Edie Sedgwick in the biographical drama "Factory Girl." While her performance received praise, the film faced criticism for its portrayal of Sedgwick's character.


Miller continued to diversify her roles, appearing in films such as "Stardust" (2007), "The Mysteries of Pittsburgh" (2008), and "The Edge of Love" (2008). Despite facing some controversies, including a comment about Pittsburgh that drew criticism, Miller's performances garnered attention and critical acclaim, establishing her as a versatile and talented actress in the industry.


After a brief hiatus from Hollywood following her experience with "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" in 2009, Sienna Miller decided to shift her focus to theater work. Disenchanted with the direction of her career and the lack of fulfilling roles in mainstream cinema, Miller sought refuge in the world of stage performance. She made her Broadway debut in 2009, starring in the title role of Patrick Marber's "After Miss Julie." Reflecting on her Broadway experience, Miller expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of performing on stage.


Following her stint on Broadway, Miller returned to London's West End to star in Trevor Nunn's production of "Flare Path" in 2011. Despite the challenges she faced in navigating her career trajectory, Miller remained committed to her craft and found solace in the theater. Her performances received a mixed response from critics, but Miller's dedication to her craft remained unwavering as she continued to pursue opportunities in stage productions.


After a period of professional uncertainty, Sienna Miller experienced what was described as a "career revival" by journalists. She transitioned to more complex and dramatic roles in a series of critically acclaimed films, marking a significant shift in her career trajectory. Miller attributed this resurgence to her collaborations with esteemed directors and the support she garnered within the industry.


One notable project during this period was her portrayal of actress Tippi Hedren in the HBO and BBC film "The Girl" (2012). Miller's performance, coupled with her meticulous research and dedication to the role, earned her praise from critics despite the challenging conditions of filming. She delved into the character's experiences, including enduring a simulated bird attack for a pivotal scene, which underscored her commitment to authenticity.


In subsequent years, Miller continued to impress with her diverse range of roles. She portrayed Nancy Schultz in Bennett Miller's "Foxcatcher" (2014) and Taya Renae Kyle in Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper" (2014), both of which received widespread acclaim. She further showcased her versatility with roles in films such as "Mississippi Grind" (2015), "High-Rise" (2015), and "Burnt" (2015), earning recognition for her performances.


Miller's accomplishments extended beyond the silver screen, as she took on the iconic role of Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret" and served on the jury for the main competition section of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Her contributions to both stage and screen solidified her status as a versatile and respected talent in the entertainment industry.
In 2016, Miller continued to captivate audiences with her portrayal of Nina Fawcett in "The Lost City of Z" and her role in "Live by Night," showcasing her ability to command attention in diverse genres and narratives. Her commitment to her craft and her willingness to take on challenging and multifaceted roles cemented her reputation as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation.

References

1. Miller". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 6 December 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2012. FilmReference.com notes "born December 28, 1981 (some sources say 1982)" at Sienna Miller Biography (1981?-).
2. ^ "Questions and Answers with Sienna Miller". MTV News. Retrieved 1 September 2017. ...I love cooking! I'm English, so I tend to be towards the roasts.
3. ^ "Sienna Miller on SoulCycle, Motherhood, and Her Glamorous '70s Transformation in High-Rise". Vogue. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2017. I've done SoulCycle a few times when I'm here. Sometimes I cringe a little bit at the motivational aspect of it, but that's just because I'm English and we're not used to saying, 'You see your dream! Go get it!'
4. ^ Reaney, Patricia (14 January 2015). "A Minute With: Sienna Miller on acting, 'American Sniper'". Reuters. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
5. ^ "MiNDFOOD Interview: Sienna Miller". MINDFOOD. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
6. ^ Per her own words in her Top Gear interview: Series 13, Episode 5: 35:30: "In a theatre. [...] Mum went into labour in the Nutcracker Suite in New York, and stayed, throughout the labour, to finish the show."
7. ^ "Sienna Miller: 'It's good to play a bad girl'". The Independent. 30 July 2009. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
8. ^ "5 Things You Didn't Know About Sienna Miller". 31 December 2016.
9. ^ Green, Matt. "Celebrity Biographies – The Amazing Life Of Sienna Miller – Famous Actors" – via Google Books.
10. ^ Dargis, Manohla (13 May 2005). "Derailing a Drug Dealer's Retirement". The New York Times.
11. ^ "Alfie : Sienna Miller Interview". culture.com.
12. ^ "Casanova". Entertainment Weekly.
13. ^ "As You Like It, Wyndham's Theatre, London". The Independent. 22 June 2005.
14. ^ "Factory Girl". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 20 April 2020.