Vanessa Kirby is an acclaimed English actress who has captivated global audiences with her powerful performances in both film and television. Known for her striking presence and emotional depth, Kirby gained widespread recognition for her role as Princess Margaret in the Netflix historical drama “The Crown,” which earned her a BAFTA Award and an Emmy nomination. She further cemented her status in Hollywood with her emotionally charged performance in “Pieces of a Woman” (2020), which won her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination.
Born on April 18, 1988, in Wimbledon, London, Vanessa grew up in a well-educated family. Her father is a urologist, and her mother is the founder of a country magazine. Despite early struggles with self-confidence, Kirby found her passion for acting while attending university and pursued it professionally after being rejected from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School—proof that setbacks can often lead to greater things.
Beyond the stage and screen, Kirby is admired for her articulate thoughts on feminism and the complexity of female characters. She’s known for choosing roles that explore emotional and psychological depth, often portraying women who are intelligent, flawed, and fiercely human. Whether it’s in period dramas or action-packed blockbusters like “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” and its sequels, she brings a commanding mix of grace and grit.
Let’s take a closer look at the multifaceted life of this extraordinary talent.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Vanessa Jane Kirby |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Wimbledon, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2024) |
| Date of Birth | 18th April 1988 |
| Hometown | London, England |
| Caste/Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aries |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 170 cm (5’7”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 58 kg |
| Body Measurements | 34-26-35 |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye’s Color | Blue |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Roger Kirby (Urologist) |
| Mother’s name | Jane Kirby (Magazine Editor) |
| Brother’s name | Joe Kirby |
| Sister’s name | Juliet Kirby |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Callum Turner (ex) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Rumored: Single (as of latest updates) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Lady Eleanor Holles School |
|---|---|
| College/ University | University of Exeter |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in English Literature |
Controversies
Though Vanessa Kirby has largely maintained a controversy-free image, there was minor buzz around her onscreen childbirth scene in Pieces of a Woman being extremely graphic, prompting debates about realism and trauma in cinema. However, Kirby defended the scene as essential and respectfully portrayed.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Italian Cuisine, especially pasta |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | “The Piano” |
| Favorite Actor | Daniel Day-Lewis |
| Favorite Actress | Meryl Streep |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Alexander McQueen |
| Favorite Destination | Italy |
| Favorite Cafe | Soho House (London) |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | The Row, Celine |
| Favorite Book | “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara |
| Favorite Athlete | Serena Williams |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Varies per project (estimated $500,000–$1 million per film) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Approx. $6 million (as of 2024) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not Public |
| Phone Number | Not Public |
| House Address | London, England |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Vanessa Kirby |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @vanessa__kirby |
Personal quote:
“The most powerful performances, in my opinion, are those that reveal the vulnerability underneath the surface.”
Early Life and Career:
Vanessa Kirby was born into a highly educated and supportive family in London. Although she initially faced rejection from drama school, she chose to study English at the University of Exeter, where her love for performance continued to grow. After graduation, Kirby began acting in stage productions, catching the attention of renowned director David Thacker. Her early theatre work in classics like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “All My Sons” quickly established her as a serious dramatic talent.
Her breakout screen role came in the BBC miniseries “Great Expectations” (2011), followed by appearances in “About Time” and “The Frankenstein Chronicles.” However, it was her riveting portrayal of Princess Margaret in “The Crown” that catapulted her to international fame. This success opened doors to big-budget films including “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” and “Hobbs & Shaw,” where she showcased her action chops alongside industry heavyweights.
Current Life/Events:
Vanessa Kirby continues to diversify her portfolio with roles that challenge norms and explore deep emotional territory. She reprised her role as the White Widow in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023) and is slated to appear in its sequel. Kirby also stars in Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” (2023), portraying Empress Joséphine alongside Joaquin Phoenix. She is actively involved in independent cinema and has recently launched her own production company to promote female-led storytelling.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Vanessa Kirby
- She was offered a role opposite Tom Cruise after he saw her performance in “The Crown.”
- She is a self-confessed bookworm and often reads three books at a time.
- Despite her polished on-screen appearance, she once said she’s very shy in real life.
- She’s never had formal acting training—her stage career was jump-started through pure talent and opportunity.
- Vanessa performed a 24-minute childbirth scene in Pieces of a Woman in a single take.
- She’s a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and women’s rights.
- She often avoids public appearances unless promoting a project—she values privacy deeply.
- Her role in Napoleon was kept secret for months before being officially announced.
- Vanessa is close friends with fellow British actress Jodie Comer.
- She has been named a global ambassador for the beauty brand Jo Malone London.
