Lily James: English Actress
Lily James made her acting debut on the British television series Just William in 2010, before making her film debut with Cinderella (2015), playing Cate Blanchett as the title character opposite her.
Recent projects of hers include the drama film The Exception and the romantic-comedy Yesterday. Additionally, she will play the part of an avid love-seeker using the dating app Love Simon in its forthcoming production.
Lily James’ Biography
Lily James is an English actress born on April 5, 1989, in Esher, Surrey, England to Ninette Thomson and James Thomson. She attended Tring Park School for the Performing Arts before enrolling at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama for further studies. James started her acting career with Just William before appearing in films like Wrath of the Titans and Fast Girls before landing the iconic role of Lady Rose MacClare on Downton Abbey which made her world-famous.
Clement won the Best Actress award at the 2014 Independent Spirit Awards and was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Theory of Everything. Additionally, she earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of Cinderella opposite Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgard, Holliday Grainger, and Derek Jacobi in 2015. Cinderella became a box office hit raking in over $545 Million worldwide.
James has received numerous recognition and nominations for her performances on both stage and screen, such as the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and the IFTA Award for Best Actress in a Feature Film. Additionally, she has performed in multiple theatre productions such as Tanya Ronder’s adaptation of Vernon God Little at Young Vic, Russell Bolam’s modern adaptation of The Seagull at Southwark Playhouse as Nina; Daniel Evans’ production of Othello at Orange Tree Theatre London just three examples.
James made her television debut as Natasha Rostova in War and Peace’s TV adaptation, as well as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, a parody film of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, both released in 2016. Additionally, James appeared in several major films such as Darkest Hour, Baby Driver, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again during 2017. Additionally, James and actor Matt Smith have been in a relationship for over two years, frequently attending social events together.
Lily James’ Filmography
Lily James boasts one of the most impressive filmographies among actresses her age. Starting her career in television with Just William and then in the film Secret Diary of a Call Girl, her breakthrough came when she joined Downton Abbey as Lady Rose MacClare; following this role’s massive popularity exploded along with Lily’s role. Following this she found work in other film projects including Fast Girls and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – two genres James is well versed in.
In 2016, she appeared as Natasha Rostova in the television adaptation of War & Peace and Pamela Anderson in the 2022 biographical series Pam & Tommy. Since then she has taken up roles in both film and TV such as Baby Driver (2017) and Darkest Hour (2017) and the musical Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018).
She earned two Golden Globe nominations for her performance in The Favourite (2019), which garnered her critical acclaim and was heralded as “one of this year’s breakout stars of movie season”.
James has extensive training as both an actor and dancer/singer. She has appeared in musical productions such as West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet at London’s Garrick Theatre, among others. In addition, to film work and musical theater performances, James has done some directing – short films, comedy web series productions, as well as staging production of The Aristocrats on stage productions in London’s Garrick Theatre are just a few examples of her directorial expertise.
Lily was raised by both actress Ninette Mantle and musician Jamie Thomson; Lily’s grandmother Helen Horton was an American actress. Lily attended Arts Educational School Tring before studying acting at Guildhall School of Music and Drama London where she later signed with Tavistock Wood Management after graduation in 2010.
Lily James’ Personal Life
Lily James is an actress known for her roles in several movies and TV shows such as Burnt, Pride and Prejudice, and Zombies and Cinderella. Additionally, she appeared in Just William.
Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson was born in Esher, Surrey England to Ninette (Mantle) and Jamie Thomson, actors and musicians respectively. Her grandmother Helen Horton was an American actress. Lily attended Arts Educational School Tring before enrolling at Guildhall School of Music and Drama London to graduate in 2010.
James has amassed an immense following online, amassing over three million followers on Instagram alone. Additionally, she is an accomplished singer and dancer; having featured in films such as ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombie’ and ‘Cinderella’. James excels at portraying multiple roles; be they comedic, horror, or romance films as well as period pieces.
Though she remains private about her personal life, the star has been linked with several hunks. From co-star, Dominic West and believed ex-Matt Smith of ‘The Crown’ fame. At the 2015 premiere of Cinderella, she even sported a diamond ring on her left hand – as reported by reports at that time.
Lily is currently dating musician Michael Shuman and they have been seen together multiple times; their relationship appears to remain private and they seem content in each other’s presence. Lily and Michael look like an adorable couple in front of the cameras – their love appears mutual.
Lily seems drawn to dating fellow actors, as she’s been seen twice with her current one within one year alone. They were first seen together strolling around Rome showing PDA before sparking romance rumors when seen cuddling at an event later that year; these speculations eventually dissipated when it was revealed they were co-starring in a film together.
Lily James’ Awards
Lily James has received several honors throughout her career. In 2022, she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology or Movie Made for Television for her portrayal of Pamela Anderson in Hulu’s limited series Pam and Tommy – competing against Margaret Qualley (The Assassination of Gianni Versace), Jessica Chastain (Tammy Faye in George and Tammy), Julia Garner (Inventing Anna), and Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout).
She made her television debut in 2010, playing Ethel Brown in the British series Just William, before landing her breakthrough role of Lady Rose Aldridge on Downton Abbey for its fourth and fifth seasons, becoming a series regular. Later that same year she also appeared as Natasha Rostova from Leo Tolstoy’s novel War and Peace as Natasha Rostova before portraying Elizabeth Bennett from Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as well.
James first made her feature film debut as Cinderella in Kenneth Branagh’s 2015 live-action Cinderella, where she received both critical acclaim and box office success. Since then she has gone on to star as Taylor in Tanya Ronder’s stage adaptation of Vernon God Little at Young Vic Theatre as well as Desdemona in Daniel Evans’ production of Othello at Crucible Theatre Sheffield.
In 2017, she appeared as one of Edgar Wright’s leading ladies in Edgar Wright’s action flick Baby Driver and as its title character in the historical drama The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Additionally, she reprised her role from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again musical jukebox sequel.
James has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, such as several Critics Choice Awards. She was nominated twice for Golden Globe awards – winning both times (in 2021 for The Assassination of Gianni Versace dramedy series and again this year for Succession drama series), along with three BAFTA nominations (and winning one – The Dropout TV show in 2023).
