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American Actresses with English Ancestry

Have you ever wondered about the American Actresses who have English roots and add a touch of English magic to your favorite movies? Look no further as we have rounded up a list of beautiful and Talented American Actresses who celebrate their English heritage and are making waves in Hollywood. 

So, get ready to cheer for these fantastic stars who prove that having English roots and being American is a winning combination in the world of showbiz!

Top English American Actresses

Did you know that Emma Watson, Kate Winslet, and Keira Knightley are all of English descent? Let’s take a look at some actresses and veterans who share this heritage. You may be surprised by some of the names.

Emma Watson
Mars Films, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Emma Watson

Emma Watson is an English actress who gained worldwide fame for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” film series. In addition to her work in the “Harry Potter” films, she has been involved in various Hollywood projects, including films like “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Little Women.” 

Emily Blunt
Richard Goldschmidt, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt was born in London, England, and both of her parents, Janice M. Dixon and Oliver Simon Peter Blunt, are of English descent. She has established herself as a successful actress, starring in various Hollywood films such as “The Devil Wears Prada,” “A Quiet Place,” and “Edge of Tomorrow.”

Keira Knightley
Andrea Raffin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley was born in Teddington, London, England, and both of her parents, Sharman Macdonald and Will Knightley, are of English descent. Keira Knightley is widely known for her roles in various films, including “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Pride and Prejudice,” and “Atonement.”

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet was born in Reading, Berkshire, England, and her parents, Sally Anne and Roger Winslet, are of English descent. Kate Winslet has had a highly successful acting career, known for her roles in films such as “Titanic,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and “The Reader.”

Carey Mulligan
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan was born in Westminster, London, England, and both of her parents, Nano and Stephen Mulligan, are of English descent. Carey Mulligan has had a successful acting career, with acclaimed performances in films such as “An Education,” “Drive,” and “Promising Young Woman.”

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie was born in Dalby, Queensland, Australia, and has English ancestry. She received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as figure skater Tonya Harding in the biopic I, Tonya (2017). She has also received praise for her performances as Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots (2018), Sharon Tate in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), and a Fox News employee in Bombshell (2019). Her latest successful films include the period movie Babylon (2022) and the comedy Barbie (2023), in which she plays the titular role of the famous fashion doll.

 

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, but her family moved to London when she was a child. Gillian Anderson spent part of her childhood in London, and her father is of English descent. While she was born in the United States, her connection to England through her upbringing and family background includes English ancestry. Gillian Anderson’s filmography includes iconic roles such as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in “The X-Files” series. She has also appeared in notable films like “The House of Mirth,” “The Last King of Scotland,” and more recently, “The Crown” where she portrayed British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

 

 

 

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh was born in Oxford, England, and her mother, Deborah Pugh, is of English descent. Florence Pugh has gained recognition for her performances in films such as “Lady Macbeth,” “Midsommar,” and “Little Women.”

Lilly James

Lilly James

Lily James was born in Esher, Surrey, England, and both of her parents, James Thomson and Ninette Mantle, are of English descent. Lily James has made a name for herself as an actress, starring in various films such as “Cinderella,” “Baby Driver,” and “Darkest Hour.”

Mischa Barton
Anjaagnieszka, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton, born in London, has English and Irish ancestry. She gained fame for her role in TV series “The O.C.” and has appeared in films like “The Sixth Sense” and “Notting Hill.”

Actresses with Partial English Ancestry

Some of the famous Hollywood actresses have a diverse mix of ancestral backgrounds. Below list of actresses below has both English heritage, as well as other ancestries. Our list includes popular and accomplished actresses with a delightful blend of ancestries.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence was born in Indian Hills, Kentucky, United States, and her ancestry includes English roots. She  is a highly acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like “The Hunger Games” series, “Silver Linings Playbook,” and “Winter’s Bone.”

Anne Hathaway:

Anne Hathaway was born in Brooklyn, New York, and she has English and Irish roots. She is well-known for her versatile acting career, with notable roles in films such as “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Les Misérables,” and “The Princess Diaries.”

Emma Stone

Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Emma Stone’s ancestry includes Swedish, German, and English roots. She is a highly regarded actress known for her performances in films like “La La Land,” “The Help,” and

Gwyneth Paltrow

Born in Los Angeles, California, Gwyneth Paltrow comes from a prominent Hollywood family and has English and German ancestry. She is known for her roles in “Shakespeare in Love” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Reese Witherspoon

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Reese Witherspoon has English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. She is acclaimed for her roles in films such as “Legally Blonde” and “Walk the Line.”

Kirsten Dunst

Born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Kirsten Dunst has German and English ancestry. She gained fame for her roles in “Interview with the Vampire” and the “Spider-Man” trilogy.

Julia Roberts

Born in Smyrna, Georgia, Julia Roberts has English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh ancestry. She is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in “Pretty Woman” and “Erin Brockovich.”

Scarlett Johansson

Born in New York City, Scarlett Johansson has Danish and English ancestry. She is renowned for her performances in films like “Lost in Translation” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jordana Brewster

Jordana Brewster, born on April 26, 1980, is a Brazilian-American actress with English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. She gained prominence for her role in the “Fast & Furious” franchise. Brewster’s versatile performances extend beyond action films, showcasing her talent in projects like “The Faculty” and “The Invisible Circus.”

Dakota Fanning

Born in Conyers, Georgia, Dakota Fanning has English and German ancestry. She has been acting since a young age and is known for roles in films such as “Man on Fire” and “War of the Worlds.”

also reach about Top English American Actors

Legendary English American Actresses

Here’s a list of some legendary English-American actresses who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry

Judi Dench: A distinguished British actress, Dame Judi Dench has had a prolific career on both stage and screen. She is known for her roles in the James Bond series, as well as films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “Notes on a Scandal.”

Helen Mirren: An accomplished actress, Dame Helen Mirren has received critical acclaim for her work in films like “The Queen,” “The Last Station,” and “The Madness of King George.”

Maggie Smith: Dame Maggie Smith is revered for her extensive career in film, television, and theater. Notable roles include Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series and the Dowager Countess in “Downton Abbey.”

Cate Blanchett: Although born in Australia, Cate Blanchett has English ancestry through her mother. She is celebrated for her roles in films like “Elizabeth,” “The Aviator,” and “Blue Jasmine.”

Julie Andrews: An iconic actress and singer, Dame Julie Andrews is known for her roles in classics like “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music.”

Emma Thompson: Known for her wit and talent, Emma Thompson has won Academy Awards for both acting (“Howards End”) and screenwriting (“Sense and Sensibility”). Her notable works also include “Love Actually” and “Saving Mr. Banks.”

Vanessa Redgrave: A member of the renowned Redgrave acting family, Vanessa Redgrave has had a distinguished career, winning an Academy Award for her performance in “Julia” and appearing in films like “Atonement” and “Howards End.”

Charlotte Rampling: With a career spanning several decades, Charlotte Rampling has been recognized for her performances in films such as “45 Years” and “Swimming Pool.”

Glenda Jackson: A two-time Academy Award winner, Glenda Jackson transitioned from acting to a successful political career. Her notable film roles include “Women in Love” and “A Touch of Class.”

also read about Top German American Actors

List of English American Actresses | Top English Actresses