Marylin Stoker

Written by Marylin Stoker

Published: 19 Apr 2025

35-facts-about-vanessa-kirby
Source: Hollywoodreporter.com

Vanessa Kirby has become a household name, thanks to her captivating performances on both stage and screen. Best known for her role as Princess Margaret in "The Crown," Kirby's talent has earned her numerous accolades and a dedicated fan base. But there's more to this British actress than meets the eye. Did you know she almost pursued a different career before acting? Or that she has a deep love for literature? From her early life to her rise in Hollywood, Kirby's journey is full of interesting twists and turns. Let's dive into 35 fascinating facts about Vanessa Kirby that will give you a deeper appreciation for this talented star.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Vanessa Kirby, a talented actress known for her captivating performances, has an intriguing background that shaped her career.

  1. 01Born on April 18, 1988, in Wimbledon, London, Vanessa Kirby grew up in a family with strong ties to the arts.
  2. 02Her father, Roger Kirby, is a renowned urologist, while her mother, Jane Kirby, is a former magazine editor.
  3. 03Vanessa has two siblings: an older brother named Joe and a younger sister named Juliet.
  4. 04She attended Lady Eleanor Holles School, an independent school for girls in Hampton, London.
  5. 05Vanessa initially planned to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) but deferred her place to travel and gain life experience.

Education and Early Career

Vanessa's educational journey and early career choices played a significant role in her development as an actress.

  1. 06After her gap year, she studied English at the University of Exeter, where she honed her acting skills.
  2. 07Vanessa's first professional acting role was in the play "All My Sons" at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton.
  3. 08She received critical acclaim for her performance in "All My Sons," which led to more opportunities in theater.
  4. 09Vanessa joined the National Youth Theatre, where she continued to develop her craft.
  5. 10Her breakthrough role came in 2011 when she played Isabella in the National Theatre's production of "Women Beware Women."

Rise to Fame

Vanessa's rise to fame was marked by several notable performances that showcased her versatility as an actress.

  1. 11In 2011, she starred in the BBC adaptation of "Great Expectations" as Estella.
  2. 12Vanessa gained international recognition for her role as Princess Margaret in the Netflix series "The Crown."
  3. 13Her portrayal of Princess Margaret earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2018.
  4. 14She appeared in the action film "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" alongside Tom Cruise in 2018.
  5. 15Vanessa played the lead role in the film "Pieces of a Woman," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2020.

Awards and Achievements

Vanessa Kirby's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout her career.

  1. 16She won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in "Pieces of a Woman."
  2. 17Vanessa received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in "Pieces of a Woman."
  3. 18She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for "Pieces of a Woman."
  4. 19Vanessa won the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress for her role in "The World to Come."
  5. 20She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for "The Crown."

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond her acting career, Vanessa Kirby has a rich personal life and diverse interests.

  1. 21Vanessa is an avid reader and often shares her favorite books on social media.
  2. 22She is passionate about mental health awareness and supports various mental health charities.
  3. 23Vanessa enjoys traveling and often shares photos from her trips on Instagram.
  4. 24She has a close friendship with fellow actress and "The Crown" co-star Claire Foy.
  5. 25Vanessa is a dog lover and has a pet dog named Cora.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Vanessa Kirby continues to take on challenging roles and has exciting projects lined up for the future.

  1. 26She will reprise her role as the White Widow in the upcoming "Mission: Impossible" sequels.
  2. 27Vanessa is set to star in the film adaptation of the novel "The Brutalist" directed by Brady Corbet.
  3. 28She will play the lead role in the film "Suddenly," directed by Thomas Bidegain.
  4. 29Vanessa has expressed interest in working behind the camera as a director in the future.
  5. 30She aims to continue choosing diverse and challenging roles that push her boundaries as an actress.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Vanessa Kirby that fans might find interesting.

  1. 31Vanessa is fluent in French and often practices the language during her travels.
  2. 32She has a black belt in karate, which she earned during her teenage years.
  3. 33Vanessa is a fan of classic literature and cites Virginia Woolf as one of her favorite authors.
  4. 34She enjoys painting and often creates artwork in her free time.
  5. 35Vanessa once worked as a waitress in a London café before her acting career took off.

Vanessa Kirby: A Star on the Rise

Vanessa Kirby has proven herself a force in the entertainment world. From her stunning performances in "The Crown" to her action-packed role in "Mission: Impossible," she’s shown incredible range. Her dedication to her craft and ability to bring depth to every character make her a standout talent.

Beyond acting, Kirby’s advocacy for mental health awareness and support for various charities highlight her compassionate nature. She’s not just a talented actress but also a role model using her platform for good.

As she continues to take on new and challenging roles, there’s no doubt Kirby’s star will keep rising. Her journey is inspiring, and her future in the industry looks incredibly bright. Keep an eye on Vanessa Kirby—she’s just getting started.

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