Lily James Biography: Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, professionally known as Lily James, is an English actress born on 5 April 1989. She trained in acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and began her career in the 2010 British television series Just William. She gained recognition with a supporting role in the period drama Downton Abbey (2012–2015), before landing her breakout role as the lead in Disney’s live-action Cinderella (2015). James continued to build her career with notable performances, including her role as Natasha Rostova in the TV adaptation of War & Peace (2016). She appeared in several films, such as the action-packed Baby Driver (2017), the historical dramas Darkest Hour (2017), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018), and The Dig (2021).
Lily James Biography
Lily James was born Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson in Esher, Surrey, to actress Ninette Mantle and actor/musician Jamie Thomson. Her paternal grandmother, Helen Horton, was an American actress best known for voicing the computer “Mother” in Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979). She began her training at the Arts Educational School in Tring before continuing her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors in acting, graduating in 2010. A mezzo-soprano, James has musical as well as dramatic talent. Upon discovering that the name Lily Thomson was already registered with the Actors’ Equity Association, she adopted the stage surname James as a tribute to her late father, James Thomson, who had passed away a few years earlier.
Lily James Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson
5 April 1989 Esher, Surrey, England
|
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Partner | Miko Hughes (2025-present) |
| Relatives | Helen Horton (grandmother) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Lily James
Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, known professionally as Lily James, is an English actress. She studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and began her career in the British television series Just William.
Lily James Wiki
- Born: 5 April 1989 (age 36 years), Esher, United Kingdom
- Height: 1.7 m
- Parents: Jamie Thomson, Ninette Thomson
- Upcoming movies: Downton Abbey 3, The Angry Birds Movie 3
- Siblings: Sam Thomson
Early Life and Education
Born in Esher, Surrey, Lily James is the daughter of actress Ninette Mantle and musician James “Jamie” Thomson. She has two brothers—one older and one younger. Her paternal grandmother, Helen Horton, was an American actress, while her maternal grandmother was French and fled Nazi-occupied France, later marrying a Royal Air Force minister. James attended the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire before graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London in 2010. Shortly after completing her studies, she signed with Tavistock Wood, a talent management agency in London.
Lily James Facts
Where does Lily James live? And how much money does Lily James earn?
| Birth Date | 5-4-1989 |
| Heritage/origin | English |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Other |
| Residence | She lives together in an apartment in London. |
Lily James Net Worth 2025 & Houses
| Estimated Net Worth | 8 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | National Brain Appel |
| Colleagues | Bradley Cooper, Jamie Dornan & Helena Bonham Carter |
| Management | United Talent Agency |
Lily James: Boyfriend, Dating, Family & Friends
Who is Lily James dating in 2025?
| Relationship status | Dating (Since 2015) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Boyfriend of Lily James | Matt Smith |
| Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands | |
| Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- James Thomson (Father)
Friends
- Cate Blanchett
- Richard Madden
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This endearing desirable actress originating from Esher, Surrey, England has a voluptuous body & oval face type. Lily James makes commercials for NuBo, but actually uses: Mac & Liz Earle.
| Hair color | Light brown |
| Hair type | Wavy Swavy |
| Hair Length | medium long hair |
| Hairstyle | preppy |
| Distinct feature | smile |
| Makeup Style | soft |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type II: Fair skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Does Lily James smoke? | No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 165 cm |
| Weight | 55 kilo |
| Clothing style | delicate |
| Favorite colors | silver |
| Feet size | 9 |
| Dress size | S |
| Bra-size | 32B |
| Waist size | 61 |
| Buste size | 87 |
| Butt size | 89 |
| Does Lily James have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What was Lily James’s first major stage role?
Lily James’s first notable stage role was playing Taylor in the Young Vic’s adaptation of Vernon God Little in 2011, directed by Rufus Norris. This role was part of a strong early theater career that showcased her dramatic range.
How did Lily James get into acting?
After completing her training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Lily James went on to study acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She graduated in 2010 and soon signed with Tavistock Wood management, marking the start of her professional career.
Did Lily James appear in any Shakespeare plays?
Yes, Lily James played Desdemona in Othello at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 2011. The production starred Dominic West as Othello and was directed by Daniel Evans.
What was Lily James’s role in Fast Girls?
In the 2012 British sports drama Fast Girls, Lily James played one of the lead roles as part of a team of young female athletes preparing for an international track and field championship.
Who were Lily James’s grandparents?
Lily James’s paternal grandmother was American actress Helen Horton, while her maternal grandmother was French and fled Nazi-occupied France before marrying a Royal Air Force minister, James’s grandfather.
Has Lily James performed in any adaptations of classic literature?
Yes, one of her significant television roles was portraying Natasha Rostova in the BBC’s 2016 adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s War & Peace, a performance that earned her widespread acclaim.