Lily James

Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, professionally known as Lily James, is an English actress renowned for her versatile performances across film and television. Born on April 5, 1989, she honed her craft at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
James began her acting journey with appearances in British television series, notably starring in "Just William" in 2010. However, it was her supporting role in the beloved period drama series "Downton Abbey" (2012–2015) that garnered her widespread recognition.


Her breakout moment came with the title role in Disney's fantasy film "Cinderella" (2015), where she charmed audiences with her portrayal of the iconic character.
Following her success in "Cinderella," James continued to captivate audiences with her performances in various projects. She portrayed Natasha Rostova in the television adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel "War & Peace" (2016). Her film credits include the action-packed "Baby Driver" (2017), the period dramas "Darkest Hour" (2017), "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" (2018), and "The Dig" (2021), as well as the musicals "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" (2018) and "Yesterday" (2019).


In 2022, James received critical acclaim and earned nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Pamela Anderson in the biographical series "Pam & Tommy." Her ability to embody diverse characters across genres showcases her talent and versatility as an actress, solidifying her status as one of Britain's most promising talents in the entertainment industry.


Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, known professionally as Lily James, was born on April 5, 1989, in Esher, Surrey. Her parents are Ninette Mantle, who is an actress, and James "Jamie" Thomson, a musician. Lily has two brothers, one older and one younger. Her paternal grandmother, Helen Horton, was an American actress. On her maternal side, her grandmother was French and had to flee her village near Paris due to the Nazis, eventually marrying Lily's grandfather, who served as a minister in the RAF.


After completing her education at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire, Lily James graduated from London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2010. Following her studies, she signed with Tavistock Wood management in London, marking the beginning of her professional acting career.

Lily James has had notable television roles, including Ethel Brown in the 2010 BBC production of Richmal Crompton's "Just William," Poppy in the fourth series of ITV's "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" (2011), and Lady Rose Aldridge in "Downton Abbey." Her character Lady Rose became a main character in the fourth and fifth series of the show, and James also appeared as Lady Rose in the series finale.


In addition to her television work, James has appeared in various stage productions. In 2011, she played Taylor in Tanya Ronder's stage adaptation of the novel "Vernon God Little" at the Young Vic Theatre, directed by Rufus Norris. She also portrayed Nina in Russell Bolam's modern adaptation of "The Seagull" at Southwark Playhouse and portrayed Desdemona in Daniel Evans' production of "Othello" at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, alongside Dominic West and Clarke Peters.


In 2012, James appeared in a double-bill at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond, London, performing in "Play House" and "Definitely the Bahamas," both written and directed by Martin Crimp. Charles Spencer of The Telegraph praised her performance, noting her "mixture of neuroticism and glowing sexual allure."


Her film credits include portraying Cinderella in Kenneth Branagh's 2015 live-action Disney film "Cinderella." James was photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue magazine in the iconic blue gown her character wears to the ball. She also made her singing debut in the film, performing several songs from the original animated film, including "Sing Sweet Nightingale," "Lavender's Blue," and "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," which were featured in the end credits.


In 2016, Lily James returned to television in the BBC historical drama series "War & Peace," portraying Natasha Rostova. She also starred as Elizabeth Bennet in the action-horror film "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," a parody of Jane Austen's classic novel. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film did not perform well at the box office. Additionally, James played Juliet in the Garrick Theatre's production of "Romeo and Juliet," directed by Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh.


The following year, in 2017, James appeared in several major films. She portrayed Debora, the love interest of the main character in Edgar Wright's action film "Baby Driver." She also played Elizabeth Layton, a secretary to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, in Joe Wright's war drama "Darkest Hour." Additionally, she headlined the Second World War drama film "The Exception," portraying a British agent posing as a servant to the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II.
In 2018, James starred as the younger version of Meryl Streep's character, Donna Sheridan, in the sequel to "Mamma Mia!," titled "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again." She also played the author Juliet Ashton in the 1940s period drama "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," a film about a writer who exchanges letters with residents of Guernsey during the German occupation in World War II.


Continuing her diverse career, in 2019, James starred as Eve Harrington in Ivo van Hove's stage adaptation of "All About Eve" alongside Gillian Anderson. The play received positive reviews during its run in the West End.
In 2020, she played the second Mrs. de Winter in an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca," directed by Ben Wheatley and co-starring Armie Hammer. The following year, in 2021, James portrayed Peggy Piggott in "The Dig," a British film based on the novel by John Preston.


Additionally, in late 2020, James was cast to portray Pamela Anderson in the miniseries "Pam & Tommy" for Hulu. She also became a brand ambassador for the Natural Diamond Council in September 2022, promoting naturally sourced diamonds.
Looking ahead, in June 2023, it was announced that James would star in Penelope Skinner’s new play "Lyonesse" at the Harold Pinter Theatre, alongside Kristin Scott Thomas, with whom she previously acted in "Darkest Hour" and "Rebecca." The play is set to run from October 17 to December 23, 2023. Additionally, she is set to appear in the upcoming indie film "Greedy People."

References

1.  "Everything You Need To Know About 'Baby Driver' Star Lily James". The Repute. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
2. ^ "Lily James: Actress (1989–)". Biography.com (A&E Networks). Archived from the original on 30 December 2018. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
3. ^ Kaleem Aftab (12 July 2017). "Lily James: "You're at the Mercy of Circumstance"". The Talks. Archived from the original on 13 January 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
4. ^ Pietras, Emma (20 March 2015). "Cinderella and Downton Abbey's Lily James amazing rise to Hollywood star". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 9 October 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
5. ^ Hansen, Pal (23 December 2012). "Fallen angel: How Lily James is bringing scandal to Downton Abbey this Christmas". The Independent. Archived from the original on 27 June 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
6. - "Lily James found comfort in drama". Belfast Telegraph. 3 January 2014. Archived from the original on 4 January 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
7. ^ Collin, Robbie (6 January 2018). "Lily James interview: How my grandmother's war diaries helped me in my Darkest Hour". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022.
8. ^ "Lily James". Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Archived from the original on 3 October 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
9. - Mottram, James (15 March 2015). "Disney's Cinderella: Why Downton Abbey star Lily James is not just another English rose". The Independent. Archived from the original on 5 October 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
10. ^ "Lily James to Star in Disney's 'Cinderella'". 30 April 2013. Archived from the original on 7 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
11. ^ "The Tatler List". Tatler. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016.
12. ^ "Ones to Watch in 2011". Female First. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.