Top 50 Best British Actresses In Their 30s

Carey Mulligan is a celebrated British actress who has won both a British Academy Film Award and a Critics' Choice Movie Award. She made her feature film debut in 2005 with the acclaimed adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

In addition to her impressive film career, Mulligan has appeared in notable television shows such as Bleak House and Doctor Who. Her versatility shines in films like An Education, Never Let Me Go, Drive, and Shame, among others.

Mulligan's critically acclaimed performance in An Education earned her the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, further solidifying her reputation. She later starred in the acclaimed film Promising Young Woman, gaining widespread recognition for her talent and range.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge stands out as one of the most talented personalities in British television today. Renowned as an actress, screenwriter, and producer, she created, wrote, and starred in the acclaimed comedy series Fleabag.

For her groundbreaking work on Fleabag, Phoebe earned three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and a British Academy Television Award. She also served as writer and producer for the hit spy thriller Killing Eve, receiving Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her contributions.

Michaela Coel is a remarkably versatile Ghanaian-British actress, filmmaker, singer, and composer. She rose to fame for creating and starring in the hit E4 sitcom Chewing Gum, a role that showcased her comedic talents. In addition, she captivated audiences with her work in the acclaimed series I May Destroy You.

Her performance in Chewing Gum earned her the BAFTA Award for Best Female Comedy Performance. Later, she received the British Academy Television Award for Best Actress in 2021 for I May Destroy You, highlighting her impressive dramatic range.

Coel also made history as the first Black woman to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards, thanks to her groundbreaking work on I May Destroy You.

Keira Knightley has long been celebrated as one of England's most prominent actresses. She began her career with a role in an episode of Screen One back in 1993.

Renowned for her nuanced portrayals in period dramas, Knightley has excelled in both independent films and major studio productions throughout her impressive journey.

She is best known for standout roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Atonement, Anna Karenina, The Duchess, and Begin Again.

In the 2020s, Knightley portrayed feminist activist Sally Alexander in Misbehaviour. She also showcased her talent in the holiday comedy Silent Night and then earned acclaim for her gripping performance as crime reporter Loretta McLaughlin in the 2023 film Boston Strangler, which sheds light on the notorious Boston Strangler murders.

Over her career, Knightley has garnered numerous accolades, including two Academy Award nominations and two BAFTA nominations, solidifying her status as a leading actress of her generation.

Claire Elizabeth Foy stands out as a remarkably gifted actress, honored with two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for her outstanding performances on screen.

She began her career with a television appearance in the series Being Human in 2008, but rose to international fame portraying a young Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of the acclaimed series The Crown.

Foy's impressive range extends to film as well, with notable roles in projects such as Unsane and First Man. Her performance in First Man earned her nominations for both a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Beyond these, she captivated audiences as Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, in the Amazon Prime series A Very British Scandal, and appeared in the 2022 drama film Women Talking.

Emma Watson remains a globally recognized figure, especially among young adults. She launched her film career in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," where she captivated audiences as one of the leading protagonists.

Renowned for her versatility, Watson has excelled in both major blockbusters and independent cinema. Her talent has earned her prestigious accolades, including a Young Artist Award and three MTV Movie Awards.

Regularly featured on lists by Vanity Fair, Forbes, and Time magazine, she was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world in 2015. She is also recognized as one of the industry's highest-paid actresses.

Watson's impressive filmography includes acclaimed films such as "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," "The Bling Ring," "Beauty and the Beast," "Noah," "Little Women," and, of course, the cherished Harry Potter series.

In 2022, she delighted fans by reuniting with her Harry Potter co-stars in the HBO Max special, "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts."

Recently, Watson has stepped away from major film projects, expressing that she is currently reevaluating her professional path and seeking fulfillment beyond acting.

Cynthia Erivo is an acclaimed English actress and singer who first gained widespread recognition for her powerful performance in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple from 2015 to 2017. Her role earned her the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

Erivo began her on-screen career with a role in the British series Chewing Gum. She has since appeared in a variety of acclaimed films and television series, including Widows, Bad Times at the El Royale, Harriet, and The Outsider.

Her outstanding portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Additionally, Erivo contributed to the film's soundtrack by writing and performing the inspiring song "Stand Up."

This powerful track also earned her a nomination for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, highlighting her impressive talents beyond acting alone.

Letitia Wright, the talented Guyanese-British actress, has quickly established herself as a notable presence on screen. Early in her career, she appeared in acclaimed television series such as Top Boy, Coming Up, Chasing Shadows, Humans, Doctor Who, and Black Mirror, earning praise for her compelling performances.

Her standout work in Black Mirror led to a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, showcasing her versatility and skill. Wright's breakthrough came with her nuanced portrayal in the 2015 film Urban Hymn, which earned her recognition as one of BAFTA's Breakthrough Brits that same year.

Wright achieved worldwide acclaim with her role as Shuri in Marvel's Black Panther, a character she reprised in Black Panther's sequel, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, solidifying her status as a global star.

Juno Temple began her acting career at just 11 years old with a role in the film Pandaemonium. Demonstrating remarkable talent, she soon established herself as a versatile and accomplished screen performer through both film and television.

Her impressive filmography includes acclaimed titles such as Atonement, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Three Musketeers, The Dark Knight Rises, Magic Magic, Maleficent, Black Mass, Unsane, and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.

Recently, Temple has captivated audiences with her standout role in the award-winning sports comedy-drama series Ted Lasso. She has also delivered memorable performances in popular television shows like Vinyl and Dirty John.

Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, better known as Lily James, began her acting career in 2010 with her debut on the television show Just William.

She honed her craft at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London before rising to prominence with a key role in the acclaimed series Downton Abbey.

Lily James became a household name after starring as Cinderella in the 2015 live-action film adaptation, showcasing her versatility and charm as a motion picture actress.

Her impressive filmography also includes standout performances in movies such as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Baby Driver, Darkest Hour, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Yesterday, Rebecca, and The Dig, among others.

Her star continued to rise when she headlined the 2022 miniseries Pam & Tommy, cementing her status as one of Britain's most talented actresses in her 30s.

Samantha Barks first attracted attention in 2008 after participating in the talent show-themed television series I'd Do Anything.

She made her feature film debut in the acclaimed musical drama Les Misérables and is also recognized for her role in the television show Groove High.

Barks received widespread praise for her performance in Les Misérables, earning numerous awards and nominations for her portrayal.

In addition to her acting achievements, Barks released her own musical album in April 2007.

Tegan Lauren-Hannah Murray, widely recognized as Hannah Murray, began her acting career with a role in the television series 'Marple' in 2009.

She rose to fame through her standout performances in popular shows like 'Skins' and 'Game of Thrones.' Murray has also made her mark on the big screen with notable roles in films such as 'God Help The Girl' and 'Bridgend.'

Her exceptional acting in 'Bridgend' earned her the Best Actress award at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival.

Imogen Poots, born in Hammersmith, London, is the daughter of an English journalist and an Irish-born television producer. Her background has contributed to her unique presence in the entertainment industry.

Poots made her acting debut in 2004 with an appearance on the television series Casualty. Her breakthrough came soon after, thanks to her standout role in the post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Weeks Later.

Following her early success, Poots continued to build a remarkable career. She impressed audiences in films like Jimi: All Is by My Side, The Look of Love, Need for Speed, The Father, and A Long Way Down, among others.

Renowned for her natural screen presence, Imogen Poots consistently captivates viewers with her compelling performances.

Nathalie Emmanuel, widely recognized for her standout role in the acclaimed television series Game of Thrones, started her acting journey on the stage before venturing into British television. She first captured attention on screen with her role in the popular soap opera Hollyoaks, which paved the way for her feature film debut in Twenty8k.

The talented British actress achieved global fame for her portrayal of Missandei in Game of Thrones. Building on this success, she has starred in major blockbuster films, including the Fast & Furious franchise and Army of Thieves, further cementing her presence in the industry.

Lily Jane Collins is a British-American actress recognized for her signature thick, defined eyebrows. She made her television debut on the series 90210 in 2009, quickly drawing attention with her striking looks and talent.

Collins began exploring acting and modeling in the early 2000s, but her big break came with her role in the acclaimed sports-drama The Blind Side. This performance helped launch her successful film career.

Her most notable films include Priest, Abduction, Mirror Mirror, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, Stuck in Love, The English Teacher, and Love, Rosie. Each has showcased her range and screen presence.

For her charming lead performance in Netflix's Emily in Paris, Collins earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, further cementing her status as a star.

In 2021, she was announced as both producer and star of a new feature film directed by Lena Dunham, based on the beloved children's toy Polly Pocket.

Interestingly, Collins has also contributed to journalism, penning the "NY Confidential" column for Elle Girl magazine early in her career—a lesser-known facet of her impressive résumé.

Katie Louise Jarvis began her acting career in 2009 with the critically acclaimed feature film Fish Tank. She gained significant recognition for her role as Hayley Slater in the BBC's long-running soap opera EastEnders.

Fish Tank received outstanding reviews upon its release, winning the Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and securing the 2010 BAFTA Award for Best British Film, affirming its impact on cinema.

Despite her early success, Katie announced in October 2019 that she had decided to take a break from acting.

Talulah Riley made her television debut in 2003 with an appearance in an episode of Poirot.

She rose to prominence with notable roles in films such as Pride & Prejudice, St Trinian's, St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold, The Boat That Rocked, and Inception.

Riley is also well recognized for her role as Angela in the acclaimed science fiction Western series Westworld.

Lashana Lynch, who won the prestigious BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2022, rose to fame with her captivating portrayal of Maria Rambeau in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

She made her film debut with Fast Girls in 2012 and has since impressed audiences as Rosaline Capulet in the period drama Still Star-Crossed. More recently, Lashana has delivered standout performances in major releases, including the James Bond blockbuster No Time to Die and the acclaimed film The Woman King.

Wunmi Mosaku has been garnering significant acclaim in recent years for her impressive body of work. The Nigerian-born English actress is widely recognized for her standout performances in series like Moses Jones and Vera.

In 2019, she captured audiences with her role in the fifth series of Luther. Her remarkable portrayal in the TV film Damilola, Our Loved Boy earned her the prestigious BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Mosaku's talent has continued to shine internationally, with memorable appearances in HBO's Lovecraft Country and the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series Loki, further raising her profile.

Jenna-Louise Coleman is a talented English actress who made her acting debut on the television show Emmerdale Farm in 2005.

She is best known for playing key roles in extremely popular shows such as Doctor Who, The Cry, Victoria, and The Serpent, to name a few.

The actress received a lot of nominations and appreciation for being one of the most talented newcomers within the entertainment industry.

Needless to say, Coleman was soon seen making her presence felt in feature films such as Captain America: The First Avenger and Me Before You.

The charismatic Gemma Arterton made her acting debut in the 2007 television movie Capturing Mary.

The actress came to fame after having won an Empire Award for Best Newcomer for her performance in Quantum of Solace.

Since her debut, Gemma has been seen in motion pictures such as The Disappearance of Alice Creed, Tamara Drewe, Clash of the Titans, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, The Escape, and Vita and Virginia.

Even though Sarah Niles made her screen debut more than a decade ago, the mainstream audience was introduced to her through the acclaimed comedy-drama series Ted Lasso. In fact, the show earned her a nomination for an Emmy for her performance as Dr. Sharon Fieldstone.

Besides the aforementioned series, she has also marked her presence in projects such as Mister Eleven, Beautiful People, Thorne: Sleepyhead, Spotless, Catastrophe, Trust Me, I May Destroy You, Trying, Viewpoint, Riches, and The Sandman. Prior to her stint on television, Niles had appeared mainly in theatre productions.

Tamzin Claire Merchant was first seen in a feature film Pride & Prejudice in 2005. The English author, who has written the children's book The Hatmakers, can be seen playing a role in shows such as The Tudors and Salem.

You'd be thrilled to know that she had first played Daenerys Targaryen in the unaired pilot of the smash hit HBO series Game of Thrones.

Kaya Rose Scodelario-Davis, who is known in her professional space as Kaya Scodelario, was first seen in the 2009 feature film Moon.

She rose to prominence after having played the role of Effy Stonem in the E4 teen drama Skins. Further fame came as she appeared in the Maze Runner film series.

One can also find the gorgeous actress making her presence felt in feature films such as Crawl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Wuthering Heights, and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.

Jodie Turner-Smith is a British model and actress who made her acting debut on the television show True Blood in 2013.

Based in the United States of America, she is known for her performances in The Last Ship, Nightflyers, Queen & Slim, Without Remorse, and Jett, to name a few.

She received excellent feedback for her portrayal of Queen Anne Boleyn in the television series Anne Boleyn. Smith has also played a part in the metaphysical science fiction drama film After Yang in 2021.

Rosie Alice Huntington-Whiteley is an English actress and model who made her acting debut in the popular feature film Transformers: Dark of the Moon in 2011.

Best known for being one of the faces of the lingerie retailer Victoria's Secret, she has also been seen playing the role of The Splendid Angharad in the hit 2015 film Mad Max: Fury Road.

Rosie started her career as a model during her teenage years. While she has campaigned for some of the top fashion brands in the world, one can also find her gracing the covers of several famed magazines.

Jessica Rose Brown Findlay made her feature film debut in the 2011 film Albatross. She is best known for playing the role of Lady Sybil Crawley in the period drama television series Downton Abbey.

She has also been seen making her presence felt in shows such as Harlots, Brave New World, Life After Life, Castlevania, and Jamaica Inn, to mention a few.

Add to that the fact that she also appeared as Abi in an episode of the popular series Black Mirror.

Lauren Marie Socha is an English actress who made her feature film debut in 2008's Summer. She gained recognition after having portrayed Kelly Bailey in the E4 comedy-drama television series Misfits.

For her promising character play in the aforementioned show, she won a well-deserved BAFTA TV Award in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Lauren can also be seen playing a role in television projects such as The Unloved and Five Daughters, among others.

Anna made her acting debut in the television movie Frenchman's Creek in 1998. She is best known for playing the part of Susan Pevensie in the fantasy film series The Chronicles of Narnia.

Apart from the aforementioned projects, one can also find her making her presence felt in shows such as Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn and Reign.

That said, she has not really been seen consistently on-screen since she appeared in Reign.

Stacy Martin made her feature film debut in the two-part erotic art film Nymphomaniac.

Her brave character projection in the movie earned her nominations for Best Actress from two Danish organizations, the Robert Awards and the Bodil Awards, respectively.

The actress has also played a part in motion pictures such as High-Rise and Tale of Tales.

Martin has also worked as a model. She has been a part of the Rag & Bone Spring 2014 campaign and the Miu Miu 2014 and 2015 Fall and Winter campaigns, respectively.

Annabelle Wallis is a talented English actress and model who was first seen playing a role in the Indian motion picture Dil Jo Bhi Kahey... in 2005.

She rose to prominence after having appeared in shows such as The Tudors, Peaky Blinders, and Pan Am. When it comes to the movies, the beautiful actress can be seen in titles such as The Mummy, Silent Night, and Annabelle, to mention a few.

The Malignant star featured in several short films before moving to London to try her hands in full-length features.

This British actress is best known for playing the role of Sophy Hutton in the BBC One period drama Cranford, which was her debut television project.

She can also be seen in feature films such as Wild Child, Hunky Dory, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, to mention a few.

Furthermore, Nixon has played a part in television series such as Kidnap and Ransom, Hebburn, Critical, and Fresh Meat, among others.

Born in Hackney, London, Zawe Ashton is an actor, playwright, and narrator who is best known for her roles in the comedy-dramas Fresh Meat and Not Safe for Work.

She gained further recognition after participating in the Netflix horror thriller film Velvet Buzzsaw and for her character projection in 2011's Dreams of a Life. The actress, who is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dar-Benn in The Marvels, has also had enough experience working in theater.

Yet another multi-talented British actress in her 30s is Susan Wokoma, who is perhaps best known for her roles as Edith in Enola Holmes and Raquel in the show Crazyhead.

She deservingly found a spot in Europe's Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2017. The very same year, she was named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit by an international jury.

Phoebe made her debut on the television show Crashing and has since been seen in projects such as the radio adaptation of Marie NDiaye's Three Strong Women, the film adaptation of Half of a Yellow Sun and The Inbetweeners 2, and Year of the Rabbit, to mention a few.

Holly Grainger was first seen in the television show All Quiet on the Preston Front in 1994.

She has been a part of television shows such as Roger and the Rottentrolls, The Borgias, Strike, and Capture, to name a few.

One can also find the actress playing a part in feature films such as Great Expectations, Jane Eyre, Bel Ami, and The Scouting Book for Boys.

Lily Cole, who was first seen in the motion picture St. Trinian's in 2007, is a multi-talented personality. Not only has she been a model but she is also an author, film director, actress, and entrepreneur.

She got the opportunity to play the main lead for the first time in Terry Gilliam's 2009 fantasy film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

The performer is also known to have featured in shows such as Doctor Who and Elizabeth I, among others. She has also participated in quite a few music videos.

Mickey Sumner made her feature film debut in 2008's Last Chance Harvey. She is best known for playing a role in feature films such as Frances Ha, The Mend, and CBGB.

One can also find her making an appearance in television shows such as Low Winter Sun and Snowpiercer. She also featured in four episodes of the historical-fiction drama series The Borgias.

Antonia Laura Thomas is a British actress and singer who gained prominence after playing the role of Alisha Daniels in the E4 comedy-drama series Misfits.

The actress made her acting debut in the television movie Stanley Park and went on to make a name for herself by starring in shows such as Lovesick and The Good Doctor.

She has also been a part of a film like Sunshine on Leith and has appeared in several music videos.

Deborah Ayorinde is a British-Nigerian actress who was raised in the United States of America. She is known for her role in the Amazon Prime horror series Them.

Even though she is relatively new to the film scene, the actress has been seen making her presence felt in Netflix's popular Marvel series Luke Cage and the comedy film Girls Trip.

Not only that but Ayorinde has also gone on to feature in projects such as Harriet and a season of HBO's acclaimed series True Detective. We are quite sure that we'll be hearing more about her in the near future.

Adelayo Adedayo is a British actress of Nigerian descent who may not be too popular in the mainstream but has done enough work on television to establish herself as a promising performer.

While her first television appearance was in The Bill, she made her feature film debut in Sket. She later went on to appear in Some Girls on BBC Three.

The actress hails from Dagenham and had trained part-time at the Identity School of Acting while studying Law at Brunel University.

Born at Mile End Hospital in East London to a Nigerian-Swiss father and an English mother, Ashley Madekwe is best known for playing a crucial part in series such as Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Revenge, and Salem.

However, it was her character projection in County Lines that ended up fetching her a nomination for the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress. The actress is known to have trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting.

Eleanor Lucy V. "Ellie" Kendrick, professionally known as Ellie Kendrick, was first seen in an episode of the television show Walking the Dead in 2004.

She is best known for playing the role of Anne Frank in BBC's 2009 miniseries The Diary of Anne Frank.

One can also watch her playing a role in shows such as Upstairs Downstairs and Game of Thrones, to name a few.

Amara Karan is a British actress who was born to Sri Lankan parents. She made her acting debut on the television show The Bill in 2007.

Her feature film debut came in Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited which premièred at the 2007 Venice Film Festival.

She has since then been a part of motion pictures such as A Fantastic Fear of Everything, St Trinian's, All in Good Time, and The Task, among others.

Olivia Hallinan was first seen playing a role in an episode of the television series Just William in 1994.

She is best known for playing the role of Laura Timmins on the BBC TV series Lark Rise to Candleford.

The actress has also been a part of shows such as Girls in Love and Sugar Rush.

Olivia started her training at the age of 11 at her mother's Saturday drama school All Expressions.

Charlotte Salt is known to have participated in several shows in Britain and the United States of America.

One can catch her playing a part in series such as Casualty, Bedlam, and The Musketeers, to name a few.

She can also be seen in motion pictures such as Beneath Still Waters, Beowulf, Blood and Glory, Deep in the Valley, and Everybody's Talking About Jamie, among others.

Tamsin Olivia Egerton was first seen playing a role in the television series The Mists of Avalon in 2001.

She shot to fame after appearing in feature films such as St Trinian's, St Trinian's II: The Legend of Fritton's Gold, Keeping Mum, and Chalet Girl.

The actress has also starred in shows such as Camelot, Sir Gadabout: The Worst Knight in the Land, Money, and Silent Witness, among others.

Lenora Crichlow, who was first seen in the television movie Bella and the Boys, is best known for starring in shows such as Sugar Rush and Being Human.

One can also find her making an appearance in feature films such as Fast Girls and Wilderness, among others.

Over the years, the actress has also participated in television projects such as The Bill, Back in the Game, and Black Mirror, to mention a few.

This British actress made her professional debut in a 2007 episode of Casualty, which was followed by an appearance in The Bill the following year. It was in 2009 that she made her first screen appearance by playing the part of nurse Syd; a new love interest for Bradley Branning in EastEnders.

Following her stint on the show, Nina also appeared in Primeval and acted in several stage productions. In addition, she was seen marking her presence in the Doctor Who episode "Let's Kill Hitler".

Tuppence Middleton was first seen in the television series Bones in 2008. She has been performing in film, television, and theatre over the years.

She was nominated for the London Evening Standard Film Awards for Most Promising Newcomer in 2010.

One can find the actress playing a part in films such as The Imitation Game, Jupiter Ascending, Mank, The Current War, and Downtown Abbey, to name a few.

She has also featured in shows such as Sense8 and Black Mirror, among others.