The incredible talents, and accents, of British actress Jodie Comer.
Jodie Comer has emerged as one of the most compelling talents of any generation. Born in Liverpool in March 1993, her journey from school plays to international stardom captures a story of perseverance, versatility, and exceptional skill, much like the narrative of England Is Mine.
A Breakout Role: Villanelle in Killing Eve
Jodie Comer’s career is already marked by a series of critically acclaimed performances, paving her way to future projects like Star Wars. Her ascent to fame arguably came with a breakout role as Villanelle in the spy thriller series Killing Eve, where she portrayed a mercurial and fashion-forward assassin with a penchant for flamboyant murders.
The Charismatic Scouser
The 31-year-old Scouser’s portrayal was both chilling and charismatic, blending a sense of danger with a disarming vulnerability; and though she did a very convincing Russian accent, Comer believes that Villanelle could easily have been from Liverpool.
“I think she would have fit well as a Scouser,” the actress begins, laughing. “It is always great to be allowed to use my natural accent. I had started off in the industry thinking that altering my accent was necessary to distance myself from my own identity, but I’ve happily come to see that’s not the case.”
Recognition and Awards Villanelle
Playing the murderous Villanelle was a role that not only won her critical acclaim but also a glut of awards, including the prestigious Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2019, and the British Academy Television Award for Best Actress.
The Star’s Early Success in British Television
Jodie Comer’s value was already on the rise with significant roles in British television dramas such as Doctor Foster, where she played the complex character of Kate Parks, and Thirteen, as Ivy Moxam, a young woman readjusting to life after escaping a 13-year kidnapping ordeal.
Transition to the Big Screen
Yet the period that followed saw Comer’s achievements extend far beyond the small screen, marking her as a rising star in 2023. From a starring role in Free Guy in 2021, a science fiction action-comedy where she played Millie/Molotov Girl alongside Ryan Reynolds, to The Last Duel, directed by Ridley Scott, a movie which demonstrated an ability to hold her own alongside industry heavyweights such as Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, she has excelled.
Life in Hampstead, London
The demands of her burgeoning career prompted her to make the move to live in Hampstead, London, and it’s brought about neighbours such as Ricky Gervais and Harry Styles – though, she’s not in the same drinking circles just yet.
“Hampstead has a really nice vibe – it really is like a village. Perhaps what I like about it most is the fact people leave each other alone!”
Aspirations Beyond Acting
That said, the actress may need to be a bit more willing to strike up conversations in the Waitrose aisle, particularly with Styles, if her aspirations of making it in the music industry are to be believed.
“I really don’t think I’ve got much of a chance there,” she laughs, “although it’s no secret I would love, at some point, to be able to play the piano or the guitar.
“Perhaps when the acting work dries up I can segue into that world!”
Continuing Success and Future Projects
And yet any diminishing of roles shows little sign of happening. Comer has continued to expand an already impressive acting portfolio; she stars alongside Tom Hardy and Austin Butler in medium budget Jeff Nicholls-directed road drama The Bikeriders.
“I know that to keep moving forward I need to stay diverse in my choices… and my accents too, for that matter!”
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