Olivia Cooke

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29 Feb 2024

Olivia Cooke

Olivia Kate Cooke, born on December 27, 1993, is an English actress known for her versatile performances across television and film. In television, she has garnered attention for her roles such as Emma Decody in the thriller series "Bates Motel" (2013–2017), Becky Sharp in the period drama "Vanity Fair" (2018), Alicent Hightower in the fantasy drama "House of the Dragon" (2022–present), and Sidonie Baker in the British spy thriller "Slow Horses" (2022–present).

In the realm of film, Cooke has showcased her talent in various genres. She starred in the horror film "Ouija" (2014), demonstrating her ability to navigate tense and chilling atmospheres. In the comedy-drama "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" (2015), Cooke displayed her range by portraying complex emotional dynamics. She further solidified her reputation with her role in the thriller "Thoroughbreds" (2017), where she delivered a compelling performance.

Cooke's ventures into science fiction include her role in "Ready Player One" (2018), where she engaged audiences with her portrayal in a visually stunning and immersive world. In the drama "Sound of Metal" (2020), she showcased her dramatic prowess, contributing to the film's critical acclaim and recognition.
With her diverse portfolio of work, Olivia Cooke has established herself as a versatile and talented actress capable of bringing depth and authenticity to a wide range of characters across both television and film.

Olivia Kate Cooke, born on December 27, 1993, hails from Oldham, Greater Manchester. She is the daughter of Lindsay Wilde, a sales representative, and John Cooke, a police officer. Cooke's parents parted ways during her childhood, and she, along with her sister, was raised by her mother.
Her journey into acting commenced at the age of eight when she joined the Oldham Theatre Workshop, an after-school drama program in her hometown. Cooke pursued her passion for drama throughout her education, attending Royton and Crompton Academy, and later studying drama at Oldham Sixth Form College. However, she left before completing her A-levels to seize an opportunity in the drama series "Blackout."

During her formative years, Cooke showcased her talent on stage, starring as Maria in a college production of "West Side Story" and landing her first leading role in "Prom: The Musical" at the Oldham Theatre Workshop.
At the age of 14, Cooke secured representation from a local agent, which led to her obtaining commercial roles. In 2012, she made a notable appearance in One Direction's "Autumn Term" tour video, capturing attention as a student receiving a piggyback ride from Harry Styles.
Despite her early success, Cooke faced setbacks in her pursuit of formal acting training. Although she aspired to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), she was not accepted after making it to the final round of auditions.
As of 2020, Cooke resides in London, continuing her career in acting and establishing herself as a prominent talent in the industry.

After showcasing her talent at the Oldham Theatre Workshop, Olivia Cooke caught the attention of casting director Beverley Keogh, who helped secure television roles for her. Cooke's breakthrough came in 2012 when she starred in three BBC mini-series productions: "Blackout," portraying the daughter of Christopher Eccleston's character, and "The Secret of Crickley Hall," where she played a young teacher at a harsh orphanage in the 1940s.
Cooke expressed a preference for television over theater, feeling more comfortable with the subtlety required for screen acting compared to the exaggerated gestures often demanded on stage. Despite her relative inexperience, Cooke impressed during the casting process for "The Quiet Ones," a horror film released in 2014.

Following her success in British television, Cooke ventured into Hollywood. In 2012, she secured representation in Los Angeles and landed her first American role as Emma Decody in the A&E series "Bates Motel," a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho." Cooke's portrayal of Emma, a character originally intended to be American but later made Mancunian to accommodate her accent, garnered acclaim and marked her transition into the American entertainment industry.

Cooke continued to make strides in film, starring in "The Signal" and "Ouija" in 2014. In "The Signal," she portrayed an American MIT student encountering strange events in the desert, while in "Ouija," she took on the lead role of Laine Morris, navigating supernatural horrors unleashed by a Ouija board. Despite mixed critical reception, "Ouija" proved to be a commercial success, further establishing Cooke as a rising talent in Hollywood.

Following her success in television and horror films, Olivia Cooke expanded her repertoire with diverse roles in independent and mainstream cinema.
In 2015, Cooke delivered a remarkable performance in the comedy-drama "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl." She portrayed the female lead, who battles leukemia, and even shaved her hair for the role. The film received critical acclaim, winning both the Grand Jury and Audience Awards at the Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, Cooke lent her voice to the Loch Ness Monster in an episode of "Axe Cop."

Continuing her streak of compelling performances, Cooke starred as the titular character in the independent drama "Katie Says Goodbye." The film follows Katie, a waitress striving to escape poverty by turning to prostitution, showcasing Cooke's versatility and range. She then appeared in "Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem," a gothic murder mystery, and "Thoroughbreds," a thriller co-starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Anton Yelchin, both premiering at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.

Cooke's prominence in Hollywood grew with her role as Art3mis in Steven Spielberg's "Ready Player One" in 2018, a science fiction adventure film. She also appeared in Dan Fogelman's relationship drama "Life Itself" alongside a stellar cast including Oscar Isaac and Olivia Wilde. Additionally, Cooke took on the lead role of Becky Sharp in the ITV adaptation of "Vanity Fair," showcasing her versatility across various genres and mediums.