Emma Mackey is a French-British actress who catapulted to fame through her breakout role as the fiercely intelligent and complex Maeve Wiley in Netflix’s global hit series Sex Education. With her commanding screen presence, razor-sharp performances, and magnetic charm, Emma quickly became a standout name among a new generation of OTT stars. Often compared to Margot Robbie for their striking resemblance, she has carved her own identity with a strong portfolio of emotionally rich roles that blend wit, intensity, and nuance.
Born in France and raised bilingual, Emma brings an international flair to her performances. Her transition from literature student to in-demand actress happened almost overnight, thanks to the overwhelming success of Sex Education. From indie films to period dramas, she has proven to be an incredibly versatile performer. In 2022, she took on the iconic role of Emily Brontë in Emily, receiving critical acclaim for portraying the tormented literary genius. Her star continued to rise when she joined Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated Barbie movie, further cementing her status as a cross-continental talent to watch.
Despite her swift ascent, Emma remains grounded and refreshingly candid about fame, feminism, and the future of film. With multiple projects lined up, including both independent cinema and larger studio productions, she is clearly not just a fleeting sensation but a serious actor with lasting appeal.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Emma Margaret Marie Tachard-Mackey |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Le Mans, France |
| Nationality | French-British |
| Age | 29 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1996 |
| Hometown | Sablé-sur-Sarthe, Pays de la Loire, France |
| Caste/Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Capricorn |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 171 cm (5’7”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 56 kg |
| Body Measurements | 34-25-35 |
| Hair Color | Dark Blonde |
| Eye’s Color | Hazel |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | French father, English mother |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Philippe Mackey (School Headmaster) |
| Mother’s name | Rachel Mackey (Charity Volunteer) |
| Brother’s name | Not Known |
| Sister’s name | Not Known |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Dan Whitlam (actor, ex) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Not publicly confirmed (as of 2025) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Attended in France |
|---|---|
| College/University | University of Leeds, UK |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in English Language and Literature |
Controversies
Emma Mackey has managed to keep a low profile when it comes to controversies. However, she has occasionally spoken out against media overemphasis on her resemblance to Margot Robbie, expressing a desire to be recognized for her own work rather than comparisons.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Mediterranean cuisine, Vegan dishes |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | The Piano (1993) |
| Favorite Actor | Joaquin Phoenix |
| Favorite Actress | Cate Blanchett |
| Favorite Color | Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Stella McCartney |
| Favorite Destination | Iceland |
| Favorite Cafe | Local Parisian cafes |
| Favorite daily wear brand | A.P.C., COS |
| Favorite Book | Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë |
| Favorite Athlete | Serena Williams |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Approx. $250,000 per project (OTT) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million (2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not known |
| Phone Number | Not known |
| House Address | London, United Kingdom |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Emma Mackey |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @emmatmackey |
Personal quote:
“I think there’s a real power in not needing to be loud about everything. Subtlety is strength too.”
Early Life and Career:
Emma Mackey was born on January 4, 1996, in Le Mans, France, to a French father and British mother. Raised in the French countryside, she developed a love for literature and storytelling early on. She moved to the UK to attend the University of Leeds, where she studied English Literature and immersed herself in student theatre productions. It was during this time that her passion for acting fully blossomed.
After graduating, she moved to London to pursue acting professionally. Her first audition for a major production landed her the role of Maeve Wiley in Sex Education (2019), which became an instant hit on Netflix. Her portrayal of Maeve—a sharp, independent teen with a troubled background—struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, earning her a BAFTA nomination and global recognition.
Following the success of Sex Education, Emma appeared in Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile (2022) and later starred as Emily Brontë in the biographical drama Emily (2022), a role that showcased her depth and intensity as a performer.
Current life/Events:
Emma Mackey continues to be one of the most sought-after young talents in film and streaming. In 2023, she starred in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, sharing the screen with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. She has since expressed a growing interest in directing and writing, hinting at future projects behind the camera.
As of 2025, she has several projects in development, including a leading role in a Netflix sci-fi drama series and an upcoming European indie film.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Emma Mackey
- She was born and raised in the Loire Valley in France and speaks fluent French and English.
- Emma never attended a traditional acting school; she honed her skills in university theatre groups.
- She beat out hundreds of applicants for her role in Sex Education after just one taped audition.
- Although often compared to Margot Robbie, she once said she finds the comparison “tiresome.”
- She’s a self-proclaimed bookworm and adores 19th-century British literature.
- Emma is passionate about women’s rights and often supports feminist causes and voices.
- She loves hiking and spending time in nature to decompress from work.
- She has a minimalist fashion style and often reuses outfits for public appearances.
- Her dream is to someday star in a Shakespearean play on stage.
- Despite global fame, she avoids social media as much as possible and prefers a private lifestyle.
