Celebrity Info
Eliza Taylor, the talented Australian actress, first captured audiences’ attention with her role as a rebellious teen on the long-running soap opera Neighbours—a performance that truly put her on the map. But of course, it was her breakout role in The 100 that solidified Eliza Taylor as a rising star in American television. Born Eliza Jane Taylor-Cottor on October 24, 1989, in Melbourne, Australia, she grew up as one of four siblings in a creative household—her father worked as a stand-up comedian, while her mother was both an author and graphic designer.
Interestingly, Eliza Taylor didn’t always dream of acting. In fact, during her early years, she had her heart set on becoming a marine biologist. However, while still in high school, she discovered a passion for performing that ultimately changed the course of her career path. Her first major role came in 2003 on the children’s series Pirate Island, where she played one of three siblings mysteriously drawn into a video game world—a fun and imaginative start to what would become a dynamic career.
From there, Eliza Taylor continued to build her resume with appearances in youth-oriented shows like The Sleepover Club, which aired from 2002 to 2008. But it was her portrayal of Janae Timmins on Neighbours that really showcased her depth as an actress. As the fiery and often troubled teenager, Eliza Taylor brought complexity to storylines involving serious issues like attempted sexual assault and underage marriage—topics that resonated with viewers and made her character a fan favorite. She remained on the show until 2007, when she made the decision to leave after learning that the actors playing her on-screen mother and sister were being written out.
After departing Neighbours, Eliza Taylor moved to the United Kingdom, where she expanded her experience with roles in British TV and short films. She balanced international projects, including a part in Pierce Brosnan’s thriller The November Man (2014), with guest spots on Australian series, demonstrating her versatility across different markets.
Then came the big break: in 2013, Eliza Taylor headed to Hollywood and landed the lead role of Clarke Griffin in The CW’s sci-fi drama The 100. As the strong-willed leader of a group of juvenile delinquents sent back to a post-apocalyptic Earth, Eliza Taylor delivered a powerful, emotionally layered performance that earned widespread acclaim. Her work on the show not only attracted critical praise but also brought her multiple nominations at popular award events like the MTV Fandom Awards and Teen Choice Awards—further boosting Eliza Taylor’s profile among younger audiences.
By 2017, Eliza Taylor’s growing fame opened doors to feature films. That year, she starred in Thumper, portraying a teenager who gets entangled in a dangerous drug ring—a dramatic turn that highlighted her range. She also took on a lighter role in the Netflix holiday film Christmas Inheritance, where she played a wealthy heiress who rediscovers the true meaning of love and community while stuck in a quaint small town. Both roles proved that Eliza Taylor could excel across genres, whether delivering intense drama or heartwarming comedy.
Through dedication, talent, and a willingness to take on complex characters, Eliza Taylor has steadily built a reputation as one of Australia’s most compelling exports in modern television and film. And given her trajectory, it’s clear that Eliza Taylor’s journey is far from over.
When it comes to Eliza Taylor’s film career, one standout performance can be found in Thumper (2017), which happens to be her highest rated movie to date. It really showcased Eliza Taylor’s range as an actress and earned quite a bit of praise from both critics and audiences alike. On the other hand, Eliza Taylor was also part of The November Man (2014), a film that didn’t resonate as well and ended up being her lowest rated movie so far. While Eliza Taylor brought her usual dedication to the role, the overall reception just wasn’t as strong. Still, it’s interesting to see how Eliza Taylor has navigated different genres, with Thumper clearly standing out as a highlight in her filmography.
United States
