Actresses You Probably Didn’t Know Are British

The entertainment industry is increasingly globalized, leading many performers to master various accents to suit their roles. This often results in audiences being surprised when they discover an actor’s true nationality during talk show appearances or award ceremonies. Many prominent figures in Hollywood have successfully integrated into American cinema while hailing from across the United Kingdom. This list highlights several talented actresses who have established themselves in major productions despite their British origins being less widely known to the public.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Eleven in the popular science-fiction series ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–PRESENT). Although she plays an American teenager in the show, she was born in Spain to British parents and moved back to England at age four. She later relocated to the United States to pursue her acting career but consistently uses her natural British accent during public appearances. Brown has also starred in the ‘Enola Holmes’ (2020) film series, where she finally portrayed a character from her home country. She remains one of the most successful young British talents currently working in Hollywood.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy became a household name following her lead performance in the miniseries ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020). While she was born in Miami, she moved to Buenos Aires as an infant and then to London at the age of six. She identifies as British-Argentine and holds British citizenship, having attended school in Kensington and Chelsea. Her breakout role in the horror film ‘The Witch’ (2015) displayed her ability to master various period accents early in her career. Taylor-Joy frequently alternates between American and British roles in high-profile projects like ‘The Menu’ (2022).

Lauren Cohan

Lauren Cohan is best known for her long-running role as Maggie Greene on the post-apocalyptic horror series ‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022). Fans of the show are often surprised to learn that she spent a significant portion of her childhood and teen years in Surrey, England. Although she was born in New Jersey, she moved to the United Kingdom at age thirteen and graduated from the University of Winchester. Her Southern American accent in the series is so convincing that many viewers assume she is a native of the United States. Cohan holds dual citizenship and has appeared in British productions such as ‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020).

Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall is iconic for her role as the quintessentially New York socialite Samantha Jones in the series ‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004). Despite her association with the Manhattan lifestyle, Cattrall was born in Liverpool, England, before her family emigrated to Canada when she was a baby. She returned to London in her teens to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Throughout her career, she has effortlessly switched between various accents for roles on stage and screen. Cattrall has maintained strong ties to her British heritage throughout her decades in the spotlight.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts is often associated with the Australian film industry because she began her career there alongside stars like Nicole Kidman. However, the ‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001) actress was actually born in Shoreham, Kent, and lived in England until she was fourteen years old. She moved to Australia with her mother and brother following the death of her father, Peter Watts, who was a road manager for Pink Floyd. Watts possesses a unique accent that blends British and Australian influences, though she frequently adopts an American one for major films. She received Academy Award nominations for her work in ’21 Grams’ (2003) and ‘The Impossible’ (2012).

Lily Collins

Lily Collins portrays the titular American marketing executive in the hit Netflix series ‘Emily in Paris’ (2020–PRESENT). She is the daughter of legendary British musician Phil Collins and was born in Guildford, Surrey. After her parents divorced, she moved to Los Angeles at age five, which helped her develop a natural American accent. Despite her American persona on screen, she remains deeply connected to her British family and often discusses her heritage in interviews. Collins has played British characters in films like ‘Love, Rosie’ (2014) and ‘Tolkien’ (2019).

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton became a teen idol playing the Californian girl-next-door Marissa Cooper on ‘The O.C.’ (2003–2006). Born in Hammersmith, London, she moved to New York City at the age of five but retained her British citizenship. Her early career included roles in classic British-themed films like ‘Notting Hill’ (1999), where she played a child actor. Many viewers who grew up watching her on television were unaware of her London roots due to her flawless West Coast accent. Barton has continued to work in both American and international independent cinema.

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer achieved international fame for her role as the multilingual assassin Villanelle in ‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022). Her ability to mimic dozens of different accents led many viewers to believe she was from elsewhere in Europe or the United States. In reality, Comer was born and raised in Liverpool and speaks with a distinct Scouse accent in her everyday life. She has received critical acclaim for her stage work in ‘Prima Facie’ (2022), which originated in London’s West End. Her versatility has made her one of the most sought-after British actresses of her generation.

Ella Purnell

Ella Purnell recently gained significant attention for her lead role in the video game adaptation ‘Fallout’ (2024). She plays Lucy MacLean, a character with a sunny, mid-century American disposition that masks her British origins. Purnell was born in London and attended the Forest School in Walthamstow while training at the Sylvia Young Theatre School. She also appeared in the American survival drama ‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–PRESENT) as a high school soccer player. Her performance in ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ (2016) was one of her earlier entries into the Hollywood mainstream.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh has quickly become one of the most prominent figures in modern cinema after starring in ‘Midsommar’ (2019) and ‘Little Women’ (2019). Born in Oxford, she spent part of her childhood in Spain before returning to the United Kingdom for her schooling. She often plays American characters, such as her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova, where she uses a Russian accent. Her natural English accent is frequently heard in her popular social media cooking videos and interviews. Pugh is well-known for her vocal support of the British film industry.

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike received an Academy Award nomination for her chilling performance in the thriller ‘Gone Girl’ (2014). She plays an American woman so convincingly that many audiences are unaware of her upbringing in London. The daughter of two opera singers, she attended Wadham College, Oxford, and began her career in British television. She also appeared as a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’ (2002) and starred in ‘Pride & Prejudice’ (2005). Pike has earned a reputation for being a chameleon, easily adapting to the linguistic demands of any role.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan is frequently cast in American dramas, such as ‘The Great Gatsby’ (2013) and ‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020). Despite her range of American accents, Mulligan was born in Westminster, London, and raised in both England and Germany. She attended Woldingham School in Surrey and made her professional acting debut in the London theater scene. Her breakout performance in ‘An Education’ (2009) established her as a major talent within the British acting community. She has since balanced her career between Hollywood blockbusters and prestigious British period pieces.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw has starred in several American productions, including ‘The Morning Show’ (2019–PRESENT) and the Disney+ series ‘Loki’ (2021–PRESENT). She was born in Oxford and grew up in the town of Witney, eventually training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Her breakthrough film role was in the British period drama ‘Belle’ (2013), where she portrayed a real historical figure. Mbatha-Raw often uses a standard American accent for her roles in science fiction and contemporary drama. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for her services to drama.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch made history as the first woman to take on the 007 designation in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ (2021). She was born in Hammersmith, London, and is of Jamaican descent, often reflecting her heritage in her work. Lynch played an American fighter pilot in ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019), which led many international fans to assume she was from the United States. She is a graduate of the Arts Educational Schools in London and started her career on British television. Her role in ‘The Woman King’ (2022) further showcased her physical and linguistic range.

Bel Powley

Bel Powley gained prominence in the United States after her breakout performance in ‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’ (2015). She later appeared alongside Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston in ‘The Morning Show’ (2019–PRESENT) as a production assistant. Powley was born in London and is the daughter of British actor Mark Powley and casting director Janis Jaffa. She has often spoken about the intensive dialect coaching required to perfect her American roles. Despite her success in the U.S., she remains an active participant in the London theater community.

Juno Temple

Juno Temple is widely recognized for her role as Keeley Jones in the comedy series ‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–2023). While she uses her natural British accent in that role, she spent years playing American characters in films like ‘Killer Joe’ (2011) and ‘Maleficent’ (2014). She was born in London and raised in Somerset as the daughter of film director Julien Temple and producer Amanda Temple. Her convincing performance in the fifth season of ‘Fargo’ (2023) as a Midwestern housewife surprised many fans who only knew her from her previous work. Temple has established a prolific career across both sides of the Atlantic.

Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller became a tabloid fixture in the early 2000s and has since built a respected career in dramatic films. She was born in New York City but moved to London when she was eighteen months old, resulting in a primarily British upbringing. She attended boarding school in Berkshire and later studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. Miller has frequently played American roles in movies such as ‘American Sniper’ (2014) and ‘Foxcatcher’ (2014). She holds dual British and American citizenship but considers London to be her home.

Alice Eve

Alice Eve is known for her roles in American comedies and blockbusters, including ‘She’s Out of My League’ (2010) and ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ (2013). She was born in London to actors Trevor Eve and Sharon Maughan and attended Oxford University. Eve often adopts an American accent for her Hollywood roles, which has led to a common misconception regarding her nationality. She spent time living in Los Angeles as a child, which she credits for her ability to mimic American speech patterns. She continues to work in both British television and major American studio films.

Mia Goth

Mia Goth has become a prominent figure in the horror genre with her roles in ‘X’ (2022) and ‘Pearl’ (2022). Born in London to a Brazilian mother and a Canadian father, she spent her childhood living in several different countries, including Brazil and Canada. She eventually settled back in southeast London, where she was discovered by a fashion photographer. Goth’s distinctive voice and accent work in the ‘Pearl’ series have earned her a dedicated following in the United States. Despite her international background, her career began and remains rooted in London.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton won an Emmy for her performance as Maeve Millay in the HBO series ‘Westworld’ (2016–2022). She was born in London to a Zimbabwean mother and a British father and spent her early years in Cornwall. Newton has appeared in many major American films, such as ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ (2000) and ‘Crash’ (2004). Because she often uses a standard American accent for these high-profile roles, her British identity is sometimes overlooked by casual viewers. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity within the British entertainment industry for many years.

Kelly Macdonald

Kelly Macdonald is well-known for her role as Margaret Thompson in the HBO series ‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014). Although the show is set in Atlantic City, Macdonald is Scottish, having been born and raised in Glasgow. She first gained fame for her role as Diane in the classic British film ‘Trainspotting’ (1996). She also provided the voice for Merida in the Disney-Pixar film ‘Brave’ (2012), celebrating her Scottish heritage. Macdonald’s ability to transition from her natural Glaswegian accent to an Irish-American one for television surprised many American viewers.

Rose Leslie

Rose Leslie rose to fame playing Ygritte in the fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019). While her character in the show speaks with a northern English accent, Leslie was actually born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and raised in Lickleyhead Castle. She later starred in the American legal drama ‘The Good Fight’ (2017–2019), where she played a lawyer from Chicago. Her transition to a flawless American accent for the role caused many fans to question her true origin. Leslie attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before starting her professional career.

Kaya Scodelario

Kaya Scodelario is recognized by American audiences for her lead role in ‘The Maze Runner’ (2014–2018) film trilogy. She was born in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, and grew up in London with her Brazilian mother. Scodelario first gained prominence in the United Kingdom for her role as Effy Stonem in the teen drama series ‘Skins’ (2007–2013). She has since starred in several large-scale American productions, including ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (2017). Her fluent Portuguese and British background are often surprising to fans who only know her from her Hollywood roles.

Nathalie Emmanuel

Nathalie Emmanuel played Missandei in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019) and Ramsey in the ‘Fast & Furious’ (2015–PRESENT) franchise. She was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, and started her career in British soap operas like ‘Hollyoaks’ (1995–PRESENT). Her roles in major American blockbusters often require her to use an American accent or a neutral mid-Atlantic tone. Emmanuel has become a recognizable face in global cinema while remaining a staple of British popular culture. She often shares her experiences growing up in the United Kingdom during interviews.

Ruth Wilson

Ruth Wilson won a Golden Globe for her performance in the Showtime drama series ‘The Affair’ (2014–2019). She plays an American woman from Montauk, New York, with such precision that her British roots are often hidden. Wilson was born in Ashford, Middlesex, and raised in Surrey alongside her three older brothers. She is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and a frequent performer on the London stage. Her work in ‘Luther’ (2010–2019) as Alice Morgan showcased her natural British accent to international audiences.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in ‘Chicago’ (2002) and ‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998). She was born and raised in Swansea, Wales, and began her career on the British stage and television. Her breakout role in the UK was the series ‘The Darling Buds of May’ (1991–1993) before she moved to Hollywood. Zeta-Jones has lived in the United States for many years, which has slightly softened her original Welsh accent. She remains one of Wales’ most famous exports in the field of acting.

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale is the star of the ‘Underworld’ (2003–2016) action franchise and has appeared in numerous American films like ‘Pearl Harbor’ (2001). She was born in London to actors Richard Beckinsale and Judy Loe and attended Oxford University. Beckinsale frequently plays American characters, leading many viewers to assume she is a native of the U.S. despite her quintessentially British upbringing. She is known for her sharp wit and often shares humorous stories about her life in London. Her career has successfully spanned multiple genres, from period dramas to high-octane action movies.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz won an Oscar for her role in ‘The Constant Gardener’ (2005) and is well-known for ‘The Mummy’ (1999). She was born in Westminster, London, and raised in Hampstead Garden Suburb. Weisz attended Cambridge University, where she began acting in student productions before moving into professional theater. While she often retains her British accent in films, her work in projects like ‘Black Widow’ (2021) involves different dialects. She is married to fellow British actor Daniel Craig and maintains a residence in both London and New York.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton is celebrated for her avant-garde style and transformative performances in films like ‘Michael Clayton’ (2007). She was born in London into a prominent Scottish family with a long military history. Swinton attended the University of Cambridge and has been a staple of both independent and mainstream cinema for decades. Her ability to play characters of any nationality or gender often leaves audiences guessing about her personal background. Despite her global fame, she lives in the Scottish Highlands and is deeply involved in the local arts community.

Archie Panjabi

Archie Panjabi won an Emmy for her portrayal of Kalinda Sharma on the CBS legal drama ‘The Good Wife’ (2009–2015). Born in Edgware, London, she grew up in the United Kingdom and graduated from Brunel University. Her performance as an American private investigator was so convincing that many fans were shocked to hear her natural British accent. Panjabi also starred in the British film ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ (2002) early in her career. She has since appeared in various American and British television series, including ‘Blindspot’ (2015–2020).

Cush Jumbo

Cush Jumbo is widely recognized for her role as Lucca Quinn in ‘The Good Wife’ (2009–2015) and its spin-off ‘The Good Fight’ (2017–2022). She was born in South London and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. Jumbo has had an extensive career on the London stage, including an acclaimed performance as Hamlet. Her American accent in the legal dramas she starred in was frequently praised for its authenticity. She returned to British television for the crime drama ‘Criminal Record’ (2024), where she uses her natural accent.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is known for her role as Vivian Johnson on the long-running FBI drama ‘Without a Trace’ (2002–2009). She was born in London and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She gained critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role in the British film ‘Secrets & Lies’ (1996). Despite her success in the UK, she became a familiar face on American television for nearly a decade. Jean-Baptiste has continued to work in high-profile projects like ‘Broadchurch’ (2013–2017) and ‘Homecoming’ (2018).

Janet Montgomery

Janet Montgomery stars as Dr. Lauren Bloom in the medical drama ‘New Amsterdam’ (2018–2023). Born in Bournemouth, Dorset, she moved to London to pursue acting before eventually relocating to Los Angeles. Many viewers of the medical series are unaware that Montgomery is British because she maintains a consistent American accent throughout the show. She also appeared in the American series ‘Salem’ (2014–2017) and the film ‘Black Swan’ (2010). She often returns to the UK for personal and professional reasons between filming seasons.

Joely Richardson

Joely Richardson is best known to American audiences for her role as Julia McNamara in the drama ‘Nip/Tuck’ (2003–2010). She comes from the prestigious Redgrave acting dynasty and was born in Marylebone, London. As the daughter of Tony Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave, she grew up in the heart of the British film industry. Her portrayal of an American woman in Miami led many fans to believe she was from the United States. Richardson has balanced her career between Hollywood projects and classical theater in the UK.

Antonia Thomas

Antonia Thomas starred as Dr. Claire Browne in the popular American medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’ (2017–2024). She was born in London and is a graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Before her success in the U.S., she was well-known in the UK for her role as Alisha Daniels in the series ‘Misfits’ (2009–2013). Her American accent in ‘The Good Doctor’ is often cited as one of the most convincing by a British actor. Thomas has also starred in the Netflix series ‘Lovesick’ (2014–2018), which is set in Scotland.

Parminder Nagra

Parminder Nagra gained international fame for her lead role in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ (2002). She later joined the cast of the long-running American medical drama ‘ER’ (1994–2009) as Dr. Neela Rasgotra. Nagra was born in Leicester, England, to parents who emigrated from India. While her character in ‘ER’ was initially written to be British, her long tenure on American television has made her a familiar face to U.S. audiences. She has since appeared in other American shows like ‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023) and ’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020).

Georgina Campbell

Georgina Campbell starred in the hit horror film ‘Barbarian’ (2022) as the American protagonist Tess. She was born in Maidstone, Kent, and won a BAFTA TV Award for her performance in the British drama ‘Murdered by My Boyfriend’ (2014). Her transition to American cinema has been marked by her ability to play relatable, modern American characters. Many horror fans were surprised to discover her British origin during the promotional tours for her recent films. Campbell continues to be a rising star in both the UK and Hollywood.

Wallis Day

Wallis Day played the character of Kate Kane/Batwoman in the CW series ‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022). She was born in London and began her career as a model and actress in British series like ‘Hollyoaks’ (1995–PRESENT). Her performance as the American superhero was well-received, with many fans unaware of her London background. Day has also appeared in the series ‘Krypton’ (2018–2019) and the film ‘Infinite’ (2021). She is known for her athletic ability and often performs her own stunts in action-heavy roles.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Daisy Edgar-Jones became a breakout star following the success of the series ‘Normal People’ (2020). While she played an Irish character in that show, she was born in London and raised in Muswell Hill. She recently starred in the American blockbuster ‘Twisters’ (2024), where she portrayed a meteorologist from Oklahoma. Her ability to master an American Southern accent for the role impressed many critics and viewers. Edgar-Jones has quickly become one of the most prominent British actresses of her generation.

Morfydd Clark

Morfydd Clark stars as Galadriel in the fantasy series ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–PRESENT). She was born in Sweden but moved to Wales at the age of two and was raised in Cardiff. Clark is a fluent Welsh speaker and often discusses her heritage in relation to the linguistic depth of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. She gained critical acclaim for her role in the psychological horror film ‘Saint Maud’ (2019). Despite the international scale of her current projects, she remains closely tied to the Welsh acting community.

Minnie Driver

Minnie Driver received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997). She was born in Marylebone, London, and raised in Barbados and the United Kingdom. Driver has had a prolific career in American film and television, including the sitcom ‘Speechless’ (2016–2019). Her natural British accent is often heard in her music career and voice-over work. She holds dual citizenship and has lived in the United States for several decades, though she remains a recognizable figure in British media.

Saffron Burrows

Saffron Burrows has appeared in many American films and series, including ‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999) and ‘Mozart in the Jungle’ (2014–2018). She was born in London to politically active parents and began her career as a model before moving into acting. Burrows frequently plays sophisticated characters with American or neutral accents in Hollywood productions. She has also worked extensively on the British stage and in independent films. Her distinctive height and voice have made her a memorable presence in various genres.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt is one of the most successful British actresses in Hollywood today, known for ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006) and ‘A Quiet Place’ (2018). She was born in Wandsworth, London, and discovered acting as a way to overcome a childhood stutter. While she often uses her natural accent in films like ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ (2018), she is equally famous for her American roles. Blunt became a naturalized American citizen in 2015, but she frequently discusses her British roots in interviews. She is married to American actor and director John Krasinski.

Helen Baxendale

Helen Baxendale is best known to American audiences for her role as Emily Waltham, Ross Geller’s second wife, on ‘Friends’ (1994–2004). She was born in Pontefract, West Riding of Yorkshire, and was already a star in the UK due to the series ‘Cold Feet’ (1997–2003). Her character in ‘Friends’ was written as British, but her presence in one of the most famous American sitcoms makes her highly recognizable to U.S. viewers. Baxendale chose to return to the UK to raise her family rather than pursue a long-term Hollywood career. She continues to work frequently in British television and theater.

Indira Varma

Indira Varma played Ellaria Sand in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019) and has appeared in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ (2022). She was born in Bath, Somerset, to an Indian father and a Swiss mother. Varma has had a long and varied career on the British stage and in international television series like ‘Rome’ (2005–2007). She often portrays characters of various nationalities, using a wide range of accents. Her work in the American legal drama ‘For Life’ (2020–2021) showcased her ability to play a convincing American professional.

Samantha Morton

Samantha Morton is a two-time Academy Award nominee known for her roles in ‘In America’ (2002) and ‘Sweet and Lowdown’ (1999). She was born in Nottingham, England, and grew up in the foster care system, an experience she has spoken about openly. Morton played the villainous Alpha in ‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022), using a Southern American accent that hid her British origins. She has also appeared in major blockbusters like ‘Minority Report’ (2002) and ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ (2016). She remains a highly respected figure in both the British and American film industries.

Sally Hawkins

Sally Hawkins received Academy Award nominations for ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’ (2008) and ‘The Shape of Water’ (2017). She was born in Dulwich, London, and is the daughter of well-known children’s book authors and illustrators. Hawkins is often cast in roles that require a delicate or whimsical American accent, as seen in her performance in ‘The Shape of Water’. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has a strong background in British comedy. Her versatility has allowed her to transition seamlessly between small independent films and major studio productions.

Andrea Riseborough

Andrea Riseborough is known for her transformative performances in ‘Birdman’ (2014) and ‘To Leslie’ (2022). She was born in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, and grew up in Whitley Bay. Riseborough often disappears into her roles, adopting flawless accents that range from American Southern to New York. Many viewers who saw her in ‘To Leslie’ were unaware that she was not a native of the American West. She has been a consistent presence in both British and American cinema for over a decade.

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby gained international recognition for playing Princess Margaret in ‘The Crown’ (2016–2017). She was born in Wimbledon, London, and attended the University of Exeter before starting her acting career in theater. Kirby has since starred in several American blockbusters, including ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018) and ‘Napoleon’ (2023). Her portrayal of American characters in films like ‘Pieces of a Woman’ (2020) earned her an Academy Award nomination. She is now established as a leading lady in global cinema.

Claire Foy

Claire Foy is widely celebrated for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of ‘The Crown’ (2016–2017). She was born in Stockport, Greater Manchester, and raised in Buckinghamshire. Foy has taken on several high-profile American roles, including Lisbeth Salander in ‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web’ (2018) and Janet Armstrong in ‘First Man’ (2018). Her ability to shed her British persona for gritty American or European roles has been a hallmark of her recent career. She continues to be one of the most acclaimed British actresses of her era.

Please share your thoughts on these surprising celebrity origins in the comments.