Who is Vanessa Kirby?
Vanessa Kirby is a highly acclaimed British actress celebrated for her dynamic roles in both independent films and blockbuster franchises. Best known for portraying Princess Margaret in Netflix’s The Crown and starring in Pieces of a Woman, Kirby has received prestigious accolades, including a BAFTA Award and an Oscar nomination. Beyond her talent, she is admired for her elegant presence, emotional depth, and commitment to complex female roles.
Field | Details |
Full Name | Vanessa Jane Kirby |
Nickname | Nessa (unofficially by fans) |
Profession | Actress |
Known For | The Crown, Pieces of a Woman, Mission: Impossible |
Date of Birth | April 18, 1988 |
Age (as of 2025) | 37 years old |
Place of Birth | Wimbledon, London, England |
Nationality | British |
Ethnicity | Caucasian |
Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Religion | Christian |
Education | University of Exeter (BA in English Literature) |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Boyfriend | Paul Rabil (as of 2024) |
Debut | 2010 (Stage), 2011 (Film – Love/Loss) |
Notable Awards | BAFTA TV Award, Volpi Cup, Oscar Nomination |
Languages Spoken | English |
Current Residence | London, England |
Vanessa Kirby Early Life
Vanessa Kirby was born on April 18, 1988, in Wimbledon, London, England. She grew up in a well-educated and culturally rich environment. Her father is a prominent urologist and her mother a former magazine editor, fostering her early interest in literature and the arts. Vanessa struggled with self-confidence in her teenage years but found solace in acting, which became her form of expression.
Vanessa Kirby Education
Vanessa attended Lady Eleanor Holles School, a respected all-girls school in London. After being rejected by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, she traveled and took a gap year. Later, she enrolled at the University of Exeter, graduating with a degree in English Literature. She trained in acting informally through workshops and eventually earned her breakthrough stage roles, bypassing traditional drama school.
Level | Institution | Field of Study | |
Primary School | Unknown (Private London School) | General Education | |
High School | Lady Eleanor Holles School | GCSEs & A-Levels | |
University | University of Exeter | English Literature | |
Drama School | Rejected from Bristol Old Vic | — | |
Acting Training | Informal (Theatre & Mentorship) | Method Acting, Stage Work |
Vanessa Kirby Family
Vanessa Kirby comes from an academically inclined and supportive family.
Relation | Name | Description |
Father | Roger Kirby | Respected urologist and medical author |
Mother | Jane Kirby | Former magazine editor |
Siblings | 2 siblings | One brother and one sister |
Boyfriend | Paul Rabil (2024–present) | Former lacrosse pro and entrepreneur |
Vanessa Kirby Career
▸ Early Stage Career (2010–2014)
Vanessa began her career in British theatre, earning praise for performances in:
- All My Sons by Arthur Miller
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Women Beware, Women,
She was quickly recognized for her natural stage presence and emotional range.
▸ Breakthrough with The Crown (2016–2017)
Her portrayal of Princess Margaret in Seasons 1 & 2 of The Crown brought international acclaim:
- Won BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress
- Earned an Emmy nomination
Her performance as the complex and rebellious royal made her a global star.
▸ Film Career Highlights
- Pieces of a Woman (2020) – A deeply emotional role that earned her:
- Academy Award nomination (Best Actress)
- Volpi Cup for Best Actress at Venice Film Festival
- Mission: Impossible Series (2018–present) – Portrayed White Widow alongside Tom Cruise.
- Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) – Played Hattie Shaw, MI6 agent.
- Other notable roles: The World to Come, Me Before You, Napoleon (2023) as Empress Joséphine.
Kirby is known for choosing strong, multi-dimensional female characters.
Vanessa Kirby Social Media
Vanessa Kirby keeps a low profile online and does not have verified public social media accounts. She values privacy and prefers maintaining a distance from digital media platforms.
Platform | Status |
@vanessa__kirby | |
Not active | |
Not active | |
Publicist | Via talent agency only |
Vanessa Kirby Net Worth
Category | Estimated Value (2025) |
Estimated Net Worth | $4 million – $7 million |
Primary Sources | Film roles, theater, endorsements |
High-Earning Films | Mission: Impossible, Pieces of a Woman |
Property & Assets | Owns property in London |
Business Interests | Film production (future) |
Vanessa Kirby Physical Appearance
Attribute | Detail |
Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
Weight | ~125 lb (57 kg) |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Eye Color | Blue |
Body Type | Slim and graceful |
Skin Tone | Fair |
Distinctive Features | High cheekbones, expressive eyes |
Intersting Fact about Vanessa Kirby
- She’s close friends with actress Jodie Comer.
- Known to be a perfectionist, she performed many of her own stunts.
- Turned down several mainstream roles in favor of complex characters.
- Almost studied drama formally but made it without traditional training.
- Reads psychology books to deepen her understanding of characters.
- Inspired by actresses like Cate Blanchett and Vanessa Redgrave.
- Supports gender equality and mental health awareness in the film industry.
- Has spoken openly about struggling with anxiety in her early years.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Vanessa Kirby?
Vanessa Kirby is a British actress known for her role as Princess Margaret in The Crown and her Oscar-nominated performance in Pieces of a Woman.
Q2. How old is Vanessa Kirby?
She was born on April 18, 1988, making her 37 years old as of 2025.
Q3. Is Vanessa Kirby married?
No, she is not married. She has been romantically linked to Paul Rabil.
Q4. What awards has Vanessa Kirby won?
She has won a BAFTA TV Award, the Volpi Cup, and earned an Academy Award nomination.
Q5. What movies is Vanessa Kirby famous for?
She is known for Pieces of a Woman, Hobbs & Shaw, Mission: Impossible, and Napoleon.
Q6. Does Vanessa Kirby use Instagram?
No, she does not have a public Instagram account and prefers staying off social media.
Q7. What is Vanessa Kirby’s height?
She stands about 5 ft 7 in (1.70 meters) tall.
Q8. What is her net worth?
As of 2025, her estimated net worth ranges from $4 million to $7 million.
Read more biographies and success stories of business leaders, celebrities, healthcare professionals, etc. at Leader Biography.