Talulah Riley made her initial professional appearance on screen in a 2003 episode of the television series Poirot. Since that debut, her career has spanned various mediums including stage productions, feature films, and literary publishing. She maintains a professional portfolio that bridges traditional acting roles in science fiction and historical dramas with the authorship of two novels.
Early Background and Education
Born on 26 September 1985 in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, Talulah Jane Riley-Milburn is the daughter of Una Riley and Doug Milburn. Her mother established security and public relations firms, while her father previously served as the head of the National Crime Squad and worked as a screenwriter for programs like Silent Witness and The Bill. Riley attended Cheltenham Ladies' College, Berkhamsted Collegiate School, and Haberdashers' Girls' School. Later, while active in the acting industry, she pursued a degree in natural sciences at The Open University.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Film and Television Contributions
Riley secured roles in major productions such as the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and the 2010 film Inception. Her television resume includes performances in Doctor Who episodes titled Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead, as well as a recurring role as Angela in the first two seasons of Westworld. Additionally, she appeared in the FX miniseries Pistol in 2022 and directed, wrote, and starred in the feature film Scottish Mussel, based on a concept developed by her father.
Stage and Literary Work
Her theatre experience includes a 2006 revival of Tennessee Williams' Summer and Smoke. Beyond performance, she has expanded into literature. Hodder & Stoughton published her debut novel, Acts of Love, in August 2016, followed by her second book, The Quickening, in June 2022. She also contributed to the volume Encounters with Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 years.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 September 1985, Hemel Hempstead
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Education: The Open University
- Debut novel: Acts of Love (2016)
- Television credits: Westworld, Pistol, Doctor Who
- Spouse: Thomas Brodie-Sangster (married 2024)
- Directorial debut: Scottish Mussel
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Talulah Riley study at university?
She studied natural sciences at The Open University.
Has Talulah Riley written any books?
Yes, she published the novels Acts of Love in 2016 and The Quickening in 2022.
Achievements
- Educated at The Open University and Cheltenham Ladies' College
- Worked as actor, stage actor and film actor
