Full Name: Daisy Jazz Isobel Ridley
Age: 31
Birthday: April 10, 1992
Birthplace: Westminster, London, England
Relationship Status: Single
Height: 5‘7" (1.7 m)
Net Worth: $9 million
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English actress Daisy Ridley rose to prominence as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, becoming the face of a new generation of Star Wars heroes. After early roles on British television, her career took off with her acclaimed performance as the scrappy scavenger Rey in 2015‘s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. With grit, athleticism, and irresistible charm, Ridley anchored the sequel trilogy as its central heroine through The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. Her portrayal of Rey captured the hearts of fans worldwide and cemented her place as one of the most exciting actresses of our time.
Early Life and Background
Born in Westminster, London, Daisy Ridley developed a passion for performing at a young age. She trained in dance and musical theater at the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. Even as a student, her talent was apparent in school productions.
After graduation, Ridley began booking small TV roles in Britain, appearing on shows like Casualty and Mr. Selfridge. I still recall seeing her on these shows and thinking she had a captivating screen presence even in minor parts.
One early credit that stood out was her leading role in the 2013 indie film Scrawl, where she played a troubled teen. It was a brooding, intense performance that really impressed me. At that point, I suspected big things were in store for the rising star.
Her lucky break came in 2014 when she auditioned for a top secret film project that turned out to be The Force Awakens. Of the many hopefuls, she clinched the coveted part of Rey, a true dream role. The intergalactic adventure would propel her to global fame.
Rise to Stardom as Rey in Star Wars
Ridley lit up the screen as Rey in The Force Awakens, bringing heart, grit, and physicality to the lonely scavenger looking for belonging in the galaxy. She was instantly magnetic and relatable as a character.
I‘ll never forget watching Rey‘s introduction early in the film, where she slides down a massive sand dune before piloting her speeder across the desert planet of Jakku. Ridley conveyed so much about Rey through subtle facial expressions – her resourcefulness, integrity, and longing for community.
The dynamic between Ridley‘s Rey and Boyega‘s runaway stormtrooper Finn provided the new trilogy with infectious energy and charm. Their characters exemplified a new generation of heroes.
Ridley trained rigorously for the action demands of the role. She did months of fight training, weight lifting, and wire work to perform her own stunts with grace and power. All her preparation paid off in creating an authentic, badass Jedi-in-the-making.
With The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, Ridley built on her character in emotional new ways while sustaining top-notch action. She portrayed Rey‘s struggle to find meaning and identity with nuance, establishing the character as an inspiration.
Diverse Film Roles
Between Star Wars chapters, Ridley has pursued a diverse range of roles that demonstrate her acting range:
In Murder on the Orient Express, she took on a glamorous period piece as a 1930s socialite tangled in a web of lies. As Ophelia, she grounded Shakespeare‘s tragedy through the feminist lens of Hamlet‘s ill-fated love. And in Chaos Walking, she showed grit battling alongside Tom Holland in a dystopian world.
I‘m always impressed by her willingness to experiment with new genres, time periods, and styles. She consistently challenges herself beyond just capitalizing on her Star Wars fame.
Personal Life and Causes
Despite living her life in the public eye, Ridley maintains privacy regarding her personal relationships. In interviews, she comes across as humble, funny, and candid.
Ridley uses her platform to champion social causes like women‘s rights, mental health, and climate action. She works closely with charities like UNICEF and International Rescue Committee, even travelling to Ghana and Kenya. As a fan, I admire her commitment to lifting up others.
Why We Love Daisy Ridley
There are endless reasons for Daisy Ridley‘s widespread admiration:
- Her raw talent and technique – She brings honesty and nuance to every character, from action heroine to Shakespearean lady. Her acting elevates each film she‘s in.
- Her magnetic charm and charisma – Ridley has old Hollywood elegance combined with a warm, approachable demeanor. She‘s infinitely watchable.
- Her social consciousness – From speaking up about issues to donating her time, Ridley uses her fame as a force for good. She‘s a role model.
5 Fascinating Facts About Daisy Ridley
- Before her breakout, she worked as a bartender at a London pub.
- She loves singing and taught herself to play guitar and piano.
- She has matching tattoos with her two best friends.
- Growing up, she was obsessed with Matilda and even named her first pet mouse after the character.
- Her favorite Star Wars film is actually The Empire Strikes Back because of the Leia and Han Solo storyline.
Conclusion
Daisy Ridley has transcended from a rising talent to worldwide star, thanks to her tenacity and the perfect role of Rey. She revitalized Star Wars for a new era. Her range and social consciousness point to great potential ahead. At just 31, this powerhouse actress no doubt has iconic chapters still to be written. As a devoted fan, I‘m thrilled to continue following the journey.
