Anya-Taylor-Joy: American Actress
Biography
Name:
Anya-Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy
Date of Birth: April 16, 1996
Place of Birth: Miami, Florida, United States
Nationality:
American, British, and Argentine (triple citizenship)
Profession: Actress, Model
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Languages: English and Spanish (native fluency)
Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Weight: Approx. 55 kg (121 lbs)
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Colour: Hazel
Distinctive Features: Wide-set eyes, porcelain skin, and ethereal beauty
Education
Attended Hill House School in Kensington, London
Later studied at Queen's Gate School , a private school in South Kensington
Trained in ballet before turning to acting
Dropped out of school at age 16 to pursue acting full-time
Family Background
Father: Dennis Alan Taylor – Argentine of Scottish descent; former banker and racing yacht champion
Mother: Jennifer Marina Joy – Born in Zambia to English and Spanish parents; psychologist
Anya is the youngest of six children.
Moved from Miami to Argentina as a baby, then to London at age six
Grew up speaking Spanish as her first language
Career
Breakthrough Roles:
Debut Film: The Witch (2015) – A24 horror film
Received critical acclaim and launched her career internationally
Followed by standout roles in:
Split (2016) and Glass (2019) – directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Thoroughbreds (2017) – psychological thriller
Mainstream Success:
Emma. (2020) – Played the title role in this Jane Austen adaptation
The Queen's Gambit (2020, Netflix)
Role: Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy
Massive global popularity
Made her a household name and fashion icon
Other Notable Works:
Last Night in Soho (2021) – Psychological horror by Edgar Wright
The Northman (2022) – Viking epic by Robert Eggers
Amsterdam (2022)
The Menu (2022) – Satirical thriller
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – Voice of Princess Peach
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) – Played the younger version of Furiosa, previously portrayed by Charlize Theron.
Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth (2024): $7–10 million
Earns from films, modeling, endorsements, and brand collaborations
Awards & Nominations
Major Awards:
Golden Globe Award – Best Actress in a Limited Series for The Queen's Gambit (2021)
Screen Actors Guild Award – Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor (The Queen's Gambit)
Critics' Choice Television Award – Best Actress in a Limited Series
TCA Award – Individual Achievement in Drama
Other Nominations:
Primetime Emmy Award – For The Queen's Gambit
BAFTA Rising Star Award nominee (2017)
Multiple critics' and film festival awards
Quick Facts
Speaks fluent Spanish and English
Was discovered by a modeling scout outside a London department store
Appeared in music videos and fashion campaigns before acting took over
Known for her elegant red carpet style and classic fashion sense
Married musician Malcolm McRae in 2023
Summary
Anya Taylor-Joy has rapidly become one of the most compelling young actresses of her generation. With her breakout in The Witch, global fame through The Queen's Gambit, and continued success in both indie films and blockbusters, she's admired for her versatility, beauty, and command of screen presence. Fluent in multiple languages and styles, she is as much a fashion icon as she is a talented performer.
