Daisy Jazz Isobel Ridley, born on April 10, 1992, is a renowned English actress who gained global recognition for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, which includes The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Her career spans various genres, from mystery to romantic drama and animation, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Early Life and Background
Daisy Ridley was born in Westminster, London, and raised in Maida Vale. The youngest of five daughters, her father, Christopher Ridley, is a photographer, and her mother, Louise Fawkner-Corbett, works in internal communications for a bank. Daisy’s family boasts a distinguished background, with connections to the military, medical fields, and the arts. Her great-uncle Arnold Ridley was a celebrated playwright and actor, known for his role in Dad’s Army.
Growing up, Daisy was inspired by the film “Matilda” and was an avid fan of the Harry Potter series. She attended Tring Park School for the Performing Arts on a scholarship and later pursued classical civilization studies at Birkbeck, University of London, before leaving to focus on acting. Prior to her breakout role in Star Wars, she worked as a bartender in London for nearly two years and later pursued a Bachelor of Arts in social science through online courses.
Career 2013–2015: Early Career and Breakthrough
Daisy Ridley began her acting career with roles in television series such as Youngers, Toast of London, Silent Witness, Mr Selfridge, and Casualty. She also appeared in the short film Blue Season and the interactive movie Lifesaver, which earned a BAFTA nomination. Her first film role was in the independent horror film Scrawl.
Ridley’s significant breakthrough came in April 2014 when she was cast as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Her casting, reminiscent of George Lucas’s approach with the original Star Wars film, marked her transition to major cinematic roles. Filming began in May 2014, and her performance in the film, released in December 2015, was highly praised. The movie became the highest-grossing film of 2015, earning over $2 billion worldwide.
2016–Present: Continued Success
In 2016, Ridley expanded her career by becoming an executive producer for the documentary The Eagle Huntress and contributing her voice as the narrator. She also performed with Anne Hathaway and Barbra Streisand on the album Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway.
In 2017, she starred in Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express and reprised her role as Rey in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. In 2018, she played the lead in Ophelia and voiced Cottontail in Peter Rabbit.
Ridley continued to take on diverse roles, including Chaos Walking (2021), the video game Twelve Minutes (2021), and The Marsh King’s Daughter (2023). She also voiced a character in the French stop-motion animated film The Inventor (2023) and served as a main producer for the indie film Sometimes I Think About Dying (2023).
Upcoming Projects
Daisy Ridley is set to lead in the sci-fi mystery thriller Mind Fall and portray Gertrude Ederle in the biopic Young Woman and the Sea. She also announced her involvement in the contemporary noir thriller Magpie, which she will star in and produce. Additionally, she confirmed her return to the Star Wars universe in an upcoming film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Personal Life
Daisy Ridley resides in Primrose Hill, London, and has been in a relationship with actor Tom Bateman since 2017. They announced their marriage at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023. Ridley has openly discussed her diagnosis with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, sharing her experiences with the conditions.
Ridley returned to Instagram in April 2022 after a six-year hiatus, marking her “Year of Yes.” Her return was warmly welcomed by her co-stars and fans alike.
Awards
- 2015: Zed Fest Film Festival Outstanding Acting Performance for Scrawl
- 2015: Florida Film Critics Circle FCC Breakout Award for Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- 2016: Empire Awards Best Female Newcomer
- 2016: MTV Movie Awards Best Breakthrough Performance
- 2016: Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie: Breakout Star
- 2018: Empire Awards Best Actress for Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Daisy Ridley’s journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is a testament to her talent, dedication, and versatility as an actress. Her continued success in diverse roles and her influential presence in the film industry make her a beloved figure among audiences worldwide.
