
Anya Taylor-Joy has taken Hollywood by storm with her captivating performances and unique style. From her breakout role in "The Witch" to her mesmerizing portrayal in "The Queen's Gambit," she has proven herself a versatile and talented actress. But who is the woman behind these iconic roles? Did you know she was born in Miami, raised in Argentina, and later moved to London? Her multicultural background has given her a rich tapestry of experiences that she brings to her roles. Anya Taylor-Joy is not just an actress; she's a model, a dancer, and a polyglot, speaking multiple languages fluently. Ready to learn more about this fascinating star? Here are 39 intriguing facts about Anya Taylor-Joy that will make you appreciate her even more.
Early Life and Background
Anya Taylor-Joy's journey to stardom is as fascinating as her performances. Here are some intriguing facts about her early life and background.
- Anya Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy was born on April 16, 1996, in Miami, Florida.
- She has a diverse heritage, with her mother being of Spanish-English descent and her father of Scottish-Argentinian descent.
- Anya spent her early years in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before moving to London at the age of six.
- She initially struggled with the move to London, refusing to speak English for two years as a form of protest.
- Anya was discovered by a modeling scout while walking her dog outside Harrods department store in London.
Rise to Fame
Anya's rise to fame was meteoric, thanks to her unique talent and striking looks. Let's explore some key moments in her career.
- Her breakout role came in 2015 with the horror film "The Witch," where she played the lead role of Thomasin.
- Anya's performance in "The Witch" earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations.
- She starred in the 2016 sci-fi horror film "Morgan," further establishing her as a rising star.
- Anya played the role of Casey Cooke in M. Night Shyamalan's thriller "Split" in 2017.
- She reprised her role as Casey Cooke in the 2019 sequel "Glass."
Notable Roles and Performances
Anya Taylor-Joy has taken on a variety of roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Here are some of her most notable performances.
- In 2017, she starred in the dark comedy "Thoroughbreds," playing the character Lily.
- Anya portrayed Emma Woodhouse in the 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma."
- She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the Netflix miniseries "The Queen's Gambit" (2020).
- Her performance in "The Queen's Gambit" earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.
- Anya played Illyana Rasputin / Magik in the superhero horror film "The New Mutants" (2020).
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond her acting career, Anya Taylor-Joy has a rich personal life and a variety of interests. Here are some facts about her life off-screen.
- Anya is fluent in both English and Spanish.
- She has a passion for ballet and trained as a dancer before pursuing acting.
- Anya is an avid reader and often shares her love for books on social media.
- She has a pet cat named Kitsune, which means "fox" in Japanese.
- Anya enjoys playing the ukulele in her free time.
Awards and Recognition
Anya Taylor-Joy's talent has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career.
- She won the Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Actor for her role in "The Witch."
- Anya received the Empire Award for Best Female Newcomer in 2016.
- She was nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2017.
- Anya won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries for "The Queen's Gambit."
- She was named one of Time magazine's 100 Next in 2021.
Fun and Quirky Facts
Anya Taylor-Joy is not just a talented actress; she also has some fun and quirky aspects to her personality. Here are a few interesting tidbits.
- Anya has a unique fashion sense and often makes bold choices on the red carpet.
- She has a fear of driving and does not have a driver's license.
- Anya is a fan of horror films and enjoys watching them in her spare time.
- She has a distinctive beauty mark above her lip, which she considers a lucky charm.
- Anya loves vintage clothing and often shops at thrift stores.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Anya Taylor-Joy's career shows no signs of slowing down. Here are some of her upcoming projects and aspirations.
- She is set to star in the upcoming film "Last Night in Soho," directed by Edgar Wright.
- Anya will play the role of Furiosa in the prequel to "Mad Max: Fury Road."
- She has expressed interest in working behind the camera and hopes to direct films in the future.
- Anya is passionate about mental health advocacy and plans to use her platform to raise awareness.
- She dreams of one day performing on Broadway.
Interesting Facts About Her Name
Anya Taylor-Joy's name has its own set of interesting facts. Let's take a look at some of them.
- Her full name is Anya Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy.
- The name "Anya" is of Russian origin and means "grace."
- She often goes by the nickname "Anya Joy" among friends and family.
- Anya's unique name has become synonymous with her distinctive and memorable performances.
Anya Taylor-Joy: A Rising Star
Anya Taylor-Joy's journey from a ballet dancer to a Hollywood sensation is nothing short of inspiring. Her unique blend of talent, charisma, and dedication has made her a standout in the entertainment industry. From her breakout role in "The Witch" to her captivating performance in "The Queen's Gambit," Anya has proven she’s here to stay. Her multilingual abilities and diverse heritage add layers to her persona, making her even more intriguing. As she continues to take on challenging roles and expand her repertoire, fans eagerly await what she’ll do next. Whether on screen or off, Anya Taylor-Joy embodies the spirit of a true artist, constantly pushing boundaries and redefining success. Keep an eye on this rising star; her story is far from over.
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