Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya-Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy, born on 16 April 1996, is an acclaimed actress hailing from Miami, Florida. Her diverse background includes roots in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Raised in Buenos Aires and London, Taylor-Joy decided to pursue acting at the age of 16, leaving school to follow her passion.

She first appeared in small television roles, but her career took off after starring in the horror film The Witch in 2015. This marked her breakthrough performance, propelling her into the spotlight. Following this success, she featured in notable films such as Split (2016) and its sequel Glass (2019), the dark comedy Thoroughbreds (2017), and the acclaimed television series Peaky Blinders from 2019 to 2022.

In 2020, Taylor-Joy portrayed Emma Woodhouse in the period drama Emma, earning her first Golden Globe nomination. Her portrayal of Beth Harmon in the Netflix miniseries The Queen's Gambit solidified her international fame, winning her a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award, along with a Primetime Emmy nomination. She has since starred in various films including Last Night in Soho (2021), The Northman (2022), and The Menu (2022). In 2023, she lent her voice to Princess Peach in the animated film The Super Mario Bros. Movie and took on the role of Imperator Furiosa in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024).

Early Life

Born on 16 April 1996, Anya Taylor-Joy is the youngest of six siblings. Her father, Dennis Alan Taylor, is an Argentine of English and Scottish descent, while her mother, Jennifer Marina Joy, is a psychologist with an English father and a Spanish mother. Although her birth in Miami was unplanned, it granted her American citizenship.

At the age of six, her family moved to London. She attended Northlands School in Buenos Aires before continuing her education in London. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Taylor-Joy faced challenges fitting in at school and even experienced bullying. Initially trained in ballet, she was discovered as a model at the age of 17. However, her priority was always acting, leading her to take on roles in various productions.

Career Highlights

In her first acting role, Taylor-Joy was uncredited in the film Vampire Academy (2014). She made her television debut in an episode of Endeavour and had a recurring role in the series Atlantis. Her breakout role in The Witch received critical acclaim, winning her several awards including the Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Actor and the Empire Award for Best Female Newcomer.

In 2016, she starred in the psychological thriller Split, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, where she played a teenager abducted by a man with multiple personalities. The film was a major box office success. Her performance in Thoroughbreds (2017) and her portrayal of Petronella Oortman in the BBC miniseries The Miniaturist (2017) further established her as a rising star.

From 2020 onward, her career soared with roles in critically acclaimed projects. The Queen's Gambit became one of Netflix's most-watched series, and her performance as a chess prodigy garnered widespread praise and numerous awards. She continued to work on varied projects, including Last Night in Soho (2021) and The Northman (2022), collaborating with high-profile directors.

Personal Life

Anya Taylor-Joy began dating American musician Malcolm McRae in 2021, and they wed in a private ceremony on 1 April 2022 in New Orleans. A second celebration took place in September 2023 in Venice, Italy.

Public Image

Recognized for her talent and influence, Taylor-Joy was named one of Hollywood's Rising Stars by The Hollywood Reporter and appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list. In 2020, she was honored as the “Breakthrough Entertainer” of the Year by the Associated Press. She has collaborated with major brands like Dior and Tiffany & Co., further establishing her presence in the fashion industry.

Upcoming Projects

In 2024, Taylor-Joy will appear in Dune: Part Two and star as the lead in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. She is also set to star in the romantic action film The Gorge and the action comedy Sacrifice.