Lola Kirke, born Lola Clementine Kirke in London back in 1991, made the big move to New York City with her family when she was just five years old. Growing up in the bustling city, Lola was raised alongside her two sisters, Jemima and Domino—Jemima would later gain recognition for co-starring on the HBO series “Girls.” As the daughter of Simon Kirke, the legendary drummer from Bad Company, and Delilah Kirke, a clothing industry professional, Lola was immersed in a creatively rich environment from an early age.
Her journey into acting began in 2011 when she stepped into the role of Charlie in the film “Another Happy Day,” marking her first onscreen appearance. Fast forward to 2013, and Lola Kirke appeared in an episode of the long-running “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 1999–), showcasing her growing talent. That same year, she took on the role of Margaret in the independent film “Reaching for the Moon” (2013), further establishing her presence in the indie scene.
Then came a major turning point: the psychological thriller “Gone Girl” (2014), based on Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel. The film was a massive hit, and Lola Kirke’s performance added depth to its gripping narrative. Not one to slow down, she also joined two high-profile television series that year—”The Leftovers” (HBO, 2014–) and “Mozart in the Jungle” (Amazon, 2014–), the latter created by Jason Schwartzman and Francis Ford Coppola. These roles helped solidify Lola Kirke as a rising star in both film and television.
One of her most notable performances arrived in 2015 with Noah Baumbach’s “Mistress America,” where Lola Kirke starred opposite Greta Gerwig, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film became a critical favorite and remains one of her highest-profile roles to date. She continued building momentum with a role in the romantic fantasy “Fallen” (2016), followed by a leading part in Aaron Katz’s moody mystery “Gemini” (2017). In 2018, Lola Kirke co-starred in Doug Liman’s action-packed, darkly comedic drama “American Made,” proving her versatility across genres. Through each project, Lola Kirke has steadily carved out a unique space for herself in Hollywood.
When it comes to Lola Kirke’s filmography, one standout performance comes from her role in AWOL (2016), which is widely regarded as her highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike have praised her compelling portrayal in this indie drama, highlighting it as a career highlight for Lola Kirke. On the other hand, Fallen (2016) tends to receive much less favorable reviews, making it Lola Kirke’s lowest rated film to date. While both movies were released in the same year, they showcase quite different trajectories in terms of reception. It’s interesting to see how Lola Kirke’s work can vary so distinctly in critical acclaim, yet still contribute meaningfully to her evolving career. Overall, Lola Kirke continues to build a diverse portfolio, with AWOL shining as her most acclaimed project so far.