Daisy Ridley transitioned from working as a London bartender to international prominence after being cast as Rey in the 2015 science-fiction film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This breakthrough role propelled her into a series of high-profile film projects, establishing her presence within the contemporary entertainment industry as both a lead performer and a recurring screen talent.
Formative Years and Education
Born in 1992 in the London borough of Westminster, Ridley spent her early years in Maida Vale. She attended the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire from age nine until eighteen. Following this, she enrolled at Birkbeck, University of London, to study classical civilisation but eventually withdrew to pursue acting. Her connection to the industry preceded her own professional entry through her great-uncle, the actor Arnold Ridley.
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In February 2014, Ridley was cast as Rey, a central figure in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Filming began at Pinewood Studios in May of that year. Following her debut in the franchise, she received significant critical attention for her performance. Her involvement with the series continued through 2019, appearing in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Diverse Film and Voice Roles
Beyond the Star Wars franchise, Ridley has appeared in diverse projects including the 2017 mystery Murder on the Orient Express and the period drama Ophelia, which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Her voice work includes roles in the animated Peter Rabbit and the video game Twelve Minutes. She has also explored producing, serving as an executive producer for the documentary The Eagle Huntress and producing the independent drama Sometimes I Think About Dying.
Recent Projects
Ridley continued her career with the 2021 release of Chaos Walking and the 2023 psychological thriller The Marsh King's Daughter. She portrayed Gertrude Ederle in the biographical drama Young Woman and the Sea. Her production work has expanded to include the contemporary thriller Magpie, based on her original story idea, while her performance credits extend to the comedy The Bubble and the stop-motion film The Inventor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1992, Westminster, London
- Education: Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Birkbeck
- Film Debut: Scrawl (2015)
- Star Wars breakthrough: 2015
- Empire Award for Best Actress: 2018
- MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance: 2016
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
Questions readers ask
What was Daisy Ridley's first major film role?
She gained international recognition as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, released in 2015.
Has Ridley worked in areas other than acting?
Yes, she has served as an executive producer for The Eagle Huntress and as a producer for the film Sometimes I Think About Dying.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, film actor and singer
