Daisy Ridley’s rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. Before landing one of the most talked-about roles in modern cinema, Daisy Ridley was relatively unknown in the entertainment world. That all changed when she was cast in the highly anticipated reboot of the legendary “Star Wars” franchise—Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens—released in 2015. Born on April 10, 1992, in Westminster, London, Daisy Ridley grew up in a creative household; her mother worked in internal communications, and her father pursued a career as a photographer. Interestingly, Daisy Ridley’s family has deep roots in acting—her great uncle was Arnold Ridley, a beloved figure best known for his role in the classic British comedy series Dad’s Army, which aired on the BBC from 1968 to 1977.
Daisy Ridley’s passion for performing arts led her to attend the prestigious Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire, where she honed her craft before graduating in 2010. Her professional journey began in 2013 with minor appearances on British television, including a guest spot on the long-running medical drama Casualty, a staple of BBC programming since 1986. Around the same time, Daisy Ridley also explored voice acting, taking on the lead role in the independent animated horror film Scrawl, which premiered in 2015.
Then came the big break. In April 2014, it was officially announced that Daisy Ridley would play a central role in J.J. Abrams’ revival of the iconic Star Wars saga. Following in the footsteps of George Lucas, who famously cast lesser-known actors in pivotal roles for the original trilogy, the production team chose fresh faces for the new chapter. Among them was Daisy Ridley, who brought to life Rey—a resilient, resourceful scavenger from a desert planet. With this role, Daisy Ridley not only stepped into the spotlight but also became a key figure in a cultural phenomenon, marking the beginning of a major Hollywood career.
Daisy Ridley’s filmography includes a range of performances, but her highest-rated movie to date is Only Yesterday (1991), which has received widespread acclaim. On the other hand, one of her lowest-rated films is Chaos Walking (2021), which didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Throughout her career, Daisy Ridley has taken on diverse roles, and while Only Yesterday stands out as a favorite, Chaos Walking serves as a reminder that not every project achieves the same level of success. As Daisy Ridley continues to grow as an actress, fans eagerly anticipate what she’ll do next, hoping for more performances like the one in Only Yesterday.