At 30 years old and with a net worth of approximately $6 million, Jodie Comer has become one of the most versatile and celebrated actresses of her generation. Known for her Emmy and BAFTA-winning performance as Villanelle in Killing Eve, Comer’s career is a testament to her extraordinary talent and determination. From her humble beginnings in Liverpool to the bright lights of Broadway, here’s a closer look at her life and career.
What Is Jodie Comer’s Background?
Jodie Comer was born on March 11, 1993, in Liverpool, England. The eldest of two children, her mother Donna worked for Merseyrail, and her father James served as a physiotherapist for Everton Football Club. Raised in the Childwall area of Liverpool, Comer attended St. Julie’s Catholic High School, where her passion for acting first emerged.
At just 11 years old, Comer declared her desire to become an actress, and her parents supported her decision by enrolling her in local drama classes. Her talent became evident in 2006 when she won first place at the Liverpool Performing Arts Festival with a monologue about the Hillsborough disaster. This success led her to audition for the BBC radio play Tin Man, which marked her first professional acting job at the age of 13.
How Did Jodie Comer Start Her Acting Career?
Comer’s acting career began on television in 2008 when she appeared in an episode of the medical drama The Royal Today. Over the next few years, she honed her skills with guest roles on popular British series like Holby City, Silent Witness, Law & Order: UK, and Vera.
Her breakthrough came with the 2013–2015 series My Mad Fat Diary, in which she played Chloe, a complex character navigating teenage friendships and mental health challenges. This role solidified her reputation as a talented actress capable of bringing depth and nuance to her characters.
Comer continued to explore challenging roles, including playing Ivy Moxam in the gripping miniseries Thirteen (2016), where she portrayed a young woman escaping captivity after 13 years. Her portrayal of Elizabeth of York in the historical drama The White Princess (2017) further demonstrated her versatility.
How Did Jodie Comer Achieve Global Fame?
Comer’s global breakthrough came in 2018 when she was cast as Villanelle, a psychopathic assassin, in the critically acclaimed series Killing Eve. Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the show paired Comer with Sandra Oh, who played British intelligence agent Eve Polastri.
Villanelle’s chilling charisma, multilingual dialogue, and array of accents showcased Comer’s range and ability to transform into complex characters. Her performance earned widespread praise, culminating in an Emmy Award and BAFTA for Best Actress in 2019. Over four seasons, Killing Eve became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Comer’s status as a leading actress.
What Other Notable Roles Has Comer Played in Film and TV?
Comer’s success on television translated to a flourishing film career. In 2017, she appeared in the Morrissey biopic England Is Mine. She later had a minor but pivotal role in Star Wars: Episode IX—The Rise of Skywalker (2019), portraying Rey’s mother in a flashback.
In 2021, Comer starred in Ridley Scott’s historical drama The Last Duel, playing Marguerite de Carrouges, a woman who accuses a squire of assault, sparking France’s last sanctioned duel. Her compelling performance alongside Matt Damon and Adam Driver drew critical acclaim.
That same year, Comer showcased her comedic chops in Free Guy, a sci-fi adventure co-starring Ryan Reynolds. She played both a video game developer and her in-game avatar, adding a dynamic layer to the story.
In 2023, Comer starred in The Bikeriders, a crime drama set in the 1960s that explores the lives of a Chicago motorcycle club. Acting alongside Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, she continued to diversify her portfolio with compelling roles.
Has Jodie Comer Succeeded on the Stage?
In addition to her screen work, Comer has achieved remarkable success in theater. Her stage debut came in 2010 with Fiona Evans’ The Price of Everything at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Her West End debut arrived in 2022 with Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie, a one-woman legal drama in which she played a defense barrister grappling with her own trauma. Comer’s performance was universally lauded, earning her an Olivier Award for Best Actress.
In 2023, Prima Facie transferred to Broadway, marking Comer’s American stage debut. Her portrayal won her a Tony Award, solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse talent in both screen and theater.
What Makes Jodie Comer’s Performances Stand Out?
Comer’s ability to inhabit a wide array of characters with authenticity and depth sets her apart. Whether she’s portraying a medieval woman fighting for justice, a psychopathic assassin, or a modern-day game developer, her transformative performances captivate audiences.
Her use of accents and her mastery of emotional expression enable her to bring an unparalleled level of realism to her roles. Directors and critics alike praise her ability to switch seamlessly between vulnerability and strength, humor and menace.
What’s Next for Jodie Comer?
As one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation, Comer’s future is bright. While she continues to explore challenging roles in film and television, her recent success on Broadway suggests a growing interest in theater.
With her unwavering dedication to her craft and an impressive body of work, Comer is poised to remain a dominant force in the entertainment industry. Fans eagerly await her next projects, knowing she will continue to deliver unforgettable performances.