Full Name | Eva Gaëlle Green |
Age | 43 |
Birthday | July 6, 1980 |
Birth Place | Paris, France |
Height | 5‘ 7" (1.7 m) |
Net Worth | $8 million |
Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
With her penetrating green eyes, refined beauty, and undeniable acting talent, Eva Green has captured the attention of Hollywood and moviegoers around the world. As the daughter of French actress Marlène Jobert, acting talent runs in her blood. But Eva has paved her own path, showcasing incredible versatility and charisma in her films. Let‘s take a deeper look at the life and career of this French star.
Early Life and Background
Born in Paris, France on July 6, 1980, Eva Gaëlle Green displayed an introspective, quiet nature from a young age. Though her mother Marlène was an established actress, Eva had no aspirations of following in her footsteps early on. She has described herself as a "geeky intellectual" during her school days.
At 17, Green moved to London to study acting at the prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. There, she trained in Shakespeare and practiced everything from fencing to pantomime. After graduating in 2002, Green returned to France and gained experience acting in theater productions. In 2003, she made her onscreen debut in Bernardo Bertolucci’s film The Dreamers, which sparked her career.
Breakthrough Role in Casino Royale
Eva Green‘s Hollywood breakthrough came in 2006 when she portrayed the mysterious Bond girl Vesper Lynd opposite Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. As the first leading Bond girl in the rebooted franchise, Green made a striking impression on viewers with her stylish sensuality and complexity. Her performance earned rave reviews, with many critics noting her captivating screen presence.
For this star-making role, Green won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2007. She also became internationally known for her ability to play provocative, sexy characters. According to Green, "I was discovered for Casino Royale, and when 90% of the actresses in Hollywood are chasing a part, and it‘s given to you, it‘s an incredible opportunity."
Demonstrating Versatility in Blockbusters and Indies
After gaining attention from Casino Royale, Eva Green continued to showcase her versatility in projects ranging from fantasy epics to independent dramas. Some especially memorable roles include:
- Playing the witch Serafina Pekkala in The Golden Compass (2007)
- Portraying the villainous Artemisia in 300: Rise of an Empire (2014)
- Delivering a harrowing performance in Cracks (2009), an indie boarding school drama
- Embodying the femme fatale Ava Lord in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)
Rather than stick to one genre, Green prefers more eclectic choices. As she told W Magazine, “I don’t want to do just blockbusters, or just art house films. I want to have a mixture.”
Winning Acclaim for Penny Dreadful
From 2014-2016, Eva Green captivated television audiences as powerful medium Vanessa Ives in the horror drama series Penny Dreadful. Her haunting performance earned her Best Actress awards from the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards and International Emmy Awards. She also received nominations from the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Critics Choice Awards.
Green dove deep into the character of Vanessa Ives, a woman struggling with her faith and inner demons. She conveyed raw intensity and emotion that drew praise from critics and fans alike. The show solidified her reputation as one of the most talented actresses working today.
Eva Green: Movie Star and So Much More
Though acting takes up much of her schedule, Green has many other creative passions off screen. An avid photographer, she took black-and-white photos behind the scenes on Casino Royale. She also loves literature, fashion, and music, citing Michel Gondry, Marion Cotillard, and Cate Blanchett among her favorite artists.
Green values her privacy and rarely posts about her personal life on social media. While she does not have children yet, she has mentioned wanting to have a family someday. She previously dated New Zealand actor Marton Csokas from 2005 to 2009.
Fluent in both French and English, Green remains proud of her French heritage, often speaking fondly of Paris in interviews. She now resides in London as she continues her acting career.
Eva Green‘s Acting Career Timeline
Tracing Eva Green‘s evolution from aspiring actress to Hollywood star:
- 1999 – Moves to London to attend acting school at 18
- 2003 – Makes onscreen debut in The Dreamers
- 2006 – Achieves international fame starring in Casino Royale
- 2007 – Plays witch Serafina Pekkala in The Golden Compass
- 2008 – Wins BAFTA Rising Star Award
- 2014 – Portrays Artemisia in 300: Rise of an Empire
- 2014-2016 – Stars in TV series Penny Dreadful, winning Best Actress awards
- 2016 – Makes directorial debut with short film The Story of a Sister
- 2019 – Plays Colette in Disney‘s Dumbo adaptation
- 2020 – Stars in sci-fi drama Proxima as astronaut Sarah
With upcoming films like A Patriot, Eva Green‘s stardom and acclaim continues to grow. Her adventurous choices and passion for her craft make her an actress to watch for years to come.