Emerald Fennell

Biography

Emerald Lilly Fennell is a British actress, writer, director, and producer celebrated for her sharp storytelling and fearless approach to complex female characters. She was born on October 1, 1985, in London, England. Fennell studied English at Oxford University (University of Oxford), where her passion for writing and performance began to take shape.

Coming from a creative family — her father, Theo Fennell, is a renowned jewelry designer — Emerald grew up surrounded by art and culture, which deeply influenced her creative vision.

Acting Career

Fennell began her career as an actress, appearing in television and film projects that showcased her natural talent and range. Some of her early acting credits include:

“Albert Nobbs” (2011)

“Anna Karenina” (2012)

“The Danish Girl” (2015)

She gained wider recognition for her role as Patricia “Patsy” Mount in the acclaimed BBC drama “Call the Midwife” (2013–2017), where her performance was praised for its warmth and emotional depth. She also appeared as Camilla Parker Bowles in the hit Netflix series “The Crown” (2019–2020), earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of the future Queen Consort.

Writing and Directing Career

Emerald Fennell’s greatest impact on the industry has been behind the camera. She gained significant recognition as the head writer and showrunner for Season 2 of “Killing Eve” (2019), which earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations.

Her feature directorial debut, Promising Young Woman (2020), solidified her as one of the most exciting new filmmakers of her generation. The film, starring Carey Mulligan, was a bold and provocative exploration of revenge, trauma, and empowerment. It received widespread acclaim and won Fennell the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2021, along with nominations for Best Director and Best Picture.

In 2023, she wrote and directed “Saltburn”, a darkly satirical thriller starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. The film was praised for its daring storytelling, lush visuals, and exploration of class, obsession, and privilege.