Meet Anya Taylor-Joy: Hollywood‘s Rising Star

Actress Anya Taylor-Joy won Golden Globe, SAG Award & Emmy nomination; Time‘s 2021 "100 Next" list.

With major roles in films like The Witch, Split, and The Queen‘s Gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy has quickly become one of Hollywood‘s most sought-after young talents. Her magnetic performances demonstrate impressive range across genres. Let‘s take a deeper look at her background, meteoric rise to stardom, stand-out roles, and what‘s next for this shining star.

Early Life and Background

Born in Miami, Florida in 1996, Anya Taylor-Joy holds dual American-British citizenship. Her father is Scottish-Argentinean and her mother is African-English-Spanish. Her unusual blend of cultures exposed her to various languages and perspectives from a young age.

When Anya was six, her family relocated to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There, she became fluent in Spanish while attending an English-speaking school. As a child, Anya excelled in ballet, opera singing, and ice skating. However, she decided to focus her talents on acting.

In 2008, a 12-year-old Anya made her acting debut in the Spanish horror film El Arbol de la Sangre. This early role demonstrated her comfort in darker material that would later define her career.

Breakout Role in The Witch

After landing small parts in various TV shows, Anya got her big break at age 19 in the 2015 horror film The Witch. She gave a chilling lead performance as Thomasin, a colonial girl accused of witchcraft by her Puritan community. This haunting indie film premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance and established Anya as a breakout talent.

Her mature, nuanced portrayal of a girl grappling with religious oppression demonstrated immense on-screen poise and magnetism. Anya‘s bewitching breakthrough marked the start of her rapid rise to fame.

Versatility in Split and Thoroughbreds

Following the success of The Witch, Anya proved her versatility by pivoting between very different roles in 2017. In M. Night Shyamalan‘s Split, she gave a restrained yet powerful performance as Casey Cooke, a victim held captive by James McAvoy‘s character with multiple personalities.

That same year, Anya showed off her comedy chops in the razor-sharp satire Thoroughbreds opposite Olivia Cooke. As the polished, wealthy Lily, Anya delivered hilarious deadpan lines with polished panache. Her ability to flawlessly switch between genres established her as one of Hollywood‘s most dynamic young talents.

Emmy-Nominated Turn in The Queen‘s Gambit

However, Anya‘s biggest breakthrough came in 2020 with her Emmy-nominated lead performance in Netflix‘s hit miniseries The Queen‘s Gambit. As chess prodigy Beth Harmon, Anya offered a mesmerizing portrait of genius, addiction, and perseverance.

With subtle expressions and gravitas, Anya‘s Beth anchored the show‘s coming-of-age story. The Queen‘s Gambit became one of Netflix‘s most-watched miniseries ever, and Anya‘s performance earned her Golden Globe and SAG awards.

Acclaimed Lead Roles

In addition to her Emmy-nominated turn in The Queen‘s Gambit, Anya has taken on various compelling lead film roles:

• Emma (2020) – Anya shone as the witty matchmaker Emma Woodhouse in this lively Jane Austen adaptation.
• Last Night in Soho (2021) – She played an aspiring 1960s singer who mysteriously time travels to swinging London.
• The Northman (2022) – In this Viking epic, Anya portrayed a Norse princess opposite Alexander Skarsgård‘s vengeance-driven prince.

Upcoming Projects

Anya has several highly anticipated films in the works:

• Furiosa – She will play the title role in this Mad Max spinoff/prequel opposite Chris Hemsworth.
• The Menu – Anya joins Ralph Fiennes in this satirical horror-comedy centering on an exclusive restaurant.
• Nosferatu – She is set to star in this remake of the classic vampire tale from director Robert Eggers.

With major franchises and collaborations with visionary directors on the horizon, Anya‘s rise to A-list stardom is all but guaranteed.

Why Anya Taylor-Joy Is So Popular

What is it exactly about Anya Taylor-Joy that makes her such a magnetic performer? Here are some of the key reasons she‘s struck a chord with audiences:

Raw, emotional depth – Anya packs immense vulnerability and complexity into every character. She compellingly telegraphs her characters‘ inner demons through subtle facial expressions and body language.

Riveting screen presence – With her large, expressive eyes and graceful physicality, Anya exerts an almost hypnotic pull on-screen. She draws viewers into her character‘s perspective.

Impressive range – From spirited rom-com heroines to anguished Vikings princesses, Anya disappears completely into each wildly diverse role. Her stellar acting across genres is incredibly rare among young stars today.

Old Hollywood glamour – With her timeless elegance, Anya evokes the mystique of Classic Hollywood stars. She epitomizes cinema‘s iconic leading ladies.

Gen Z relatability – While channeling past icons, Anya also embodies the humor, candor, and strength of her Gen Z peers. This unique blend of qualities has allowed her to fully cross over into mainstream superstardom.

Anya Taylor-Joy: FAQs

When is Anya Taylor-Joy’s birthday?

Anya was born on April 16, 1996. She is currently 27 years old.

Where was Anya Taylor-Joy born?

She was born in Miami, Florida but spent most of her childhood in Argentina.

What was Anya Taylor-Joy’s first major acting role?

Her first big breakout role was in the 2015 horror film The Witch when she was 19 years old.

What awards has Anya Taylor-Joy won?

Her awards include a Golden Globe for The Queen‘s Gambit, a SAG Award for the same role, and a Gotham Independent Film Award for Split.

Is Anya Taylor-Joy on social media?

Yes! She is active on Instagram under @anyataylorjoy and posts fun behind-the-scenes shots from sets.

What films does Anya Taylor-Joy have coming up?

Anya has highly anticipated roles upcoming in Furiosa, The Menu, and Nosferatu.

Who is Anya Taylor-Joy dating?

She is reportedly dating Irish actor Eoin Macken. The two met on the set of The New Mutants in 2017.

What are Anya Taylor-Joy’s hobbies?

In her spare time, Anya enjoys reading and writing poetry, painting, photography, and vintage fashion.

With her undeniable talent, timeless allure, and promising future projects, Anya Taylor-Joy‘s stardom is certainly poised to continue rising exponentially. She is one of the most refreshing and engaging young performers in years. We can expect many more sharp, heartfelt, and transportive performances from this gifted star.