Jodie Comer has quickly become one of the most versatile and captivating actresses of her generation. Known for her ability to seamlessly transition between roles, she has captivated audiences worldwide. From her breakthrough performance as the psychopathic assassin Villanelle in the hit TV series Killing Eve to her recent critically acclaimed work on stage and screen, Comer’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. This blog delves into her life, career, and the roles that have defined her as one of the leading talents in contemporary entertainment.
Early Life and Beginnings
Jodie Comer was born on March 11, 1993, in Liverpool, Merseyside, England. Growing up in Childwall, a suburb of Liverpool, she was the eldest of two children in a close-knit family. Her mother, Donna, worked for Merseyrail, and her father, James, was a physiotherapist for Everton Football Club. Comer’s upbringing was grounded in the working-class ethos of Liverpool, a city known for its cultural vibrancy and resilience.
From a young age, Comer exhibited a passion for acting. At just 11 years old, she expressed her interest in pursuing an acting career, a dream that her parents supported wholeheartedly. Comer attended St. Julie’s Catholic High School, where her talent for drama was nurtured. It was during her time here that she began to take classes at a local drama school, honing the skills that would later define her career.
In 2006, Comer participated in the Liverpool Performing Arts Festival, where she performed a powerful monologue about the Hillsborough disaster, a tragic event in which nearly 100 football fans lost their lives due to a stadium crush. Her performance was poignant and impactful, earning her first place in the competition. This success led her drama teacher to recommend that she audition for the BBC radio play Tin Man. This opportunity marked Comer’s first professional acting job, which aired in 2007. During the play’s production, Comer was encouraged by her co-stars to pursue acting seriously. Tin Man playwright Laurence Wilson introduced her to photographer Stephanie de Leng for headshots, leading to her signing with agent David Daly at just 13 years old.
Rise to Fame in Television
Comer’s career in television began in earnest in 2008 with a guest appearance on the medical drama The Royal Today. This role marked the start of a series of guest appearances on popular British television shows, including Doctors, Holby City, Silent Witness, Coming Up, and Law & Order: UK. Each of these roles showcased her ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, laying the foundation for her later success.
One of her early significant roles came in the miniseries Justice (2011), where she played the daughter of a woman seeking justice after her husband’s murder. This role allowed Comer to demonstrate her capacity for portraying intense emotional experiences. In 2013, she landed a more prominent role as Chloe Gemell in the comedy-drama series My Mad Fat Diary. This show, based on the teenage memoirs of Rae Earl, is centered around the life of Rae, a young woman dealing with mental health issues and body image struggles. Comer’s character, Chloe, is a popular teenager who is also Rae’s best friend. The series ran for three seasons from 2013 to 2015, providing Comer with a platform to showcase her comedic and dramatic chops.
In 2014, Comer appeared in the supernatural drama miniseries Remember Me and in 2015, she had a recurring role in Doctor Foster, a thriller about marital infidelity and revenge. Her portrayal of Kate Parks, the young woman entangled in an affair with the lead character’s husband, further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress capable of handling complex and morally ambiguous roles.
Breakthrough Role: Villanelle in Killing Eve
Comer’s big break came in 2018 when she was cast as Villanelle, a cold-blooded and fashion-forward assassin, in the BBC America spy thriller Killing Eve. Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the series follows British intelligence agent Eve Polastri, played by Sandra Oh, who becomes obsessed with capturing Villanelle. What makes Killing Eve particularly compelling is the dynamic, almost symbiotic relationship between Eve and Villanelle. Both women are fascinated with each other, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted.
Villanelle is unlike any character Comer had played before—manipulative, charismatic, and unpredictably violent. Her portrayal required a delicate balance of charm and menace, with the ability to switch from alluring to terrifying in an instant. Comer’s linguistic skills were also on full display, as Villanelle frequently changes accents and languages, showcasing her international reach as a contract killer.
Comer’s performance was met with critical acclaim, earning her numerous awards, including a BAFTA Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2019. Her portrayal of Villanelle not only made her a household name but also established her as one of the most exciting talents in television.
Expanding Her Horizons: Film Roles
While Comer was making waves on television, she was also beginning to establish herself on the big screen. Her film debut came with a small role in the biographical drama England Is Mine (2017), which focused on the early life of British singer Morrissey. Although the film received mixed reviews, Comer’s performance as Christine, a tax office colleague, was noted.
In 2019, she appeared briefly in Star Wars: Episode IX—The Rise of Skywalker, playing the mother of the protagonist, Rey. Although her role was minor, it was a testament to her rising star status that she was cast in such a globally recognized franchise.
Her most significant film role to date came in 2021, with Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel. Starring alongside Matt Damon and Adam Driver, Comer played Marguerite de Carrouges, a woman who accuses her husband’s friend of rape, leading to a historic trial by combat in medieval France. The film, set in the 14th century, explored themes of power, justice, and the subjugation of women, with Comer’s powerful performance receiving widespread praise.
The same year, Comer starred in the sci-fi comedy Free Guy, opposite Ryan Reynolds. In this film, she took on dual roles: Millie, a game developer, and Molotov Girl, her avatar in the video game world. This role allowed Comer to demonstrate her range once again, as she balanced the action-packed sequences with moments of vulnerability and humor.
Theatre: From West End to Broadway
Despite her success on screen, Comer has not shied away from the stage. Her first theatrical role was in 2010, in a production of The Price of Everything by Fiona Evans at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, England. However, it was her 2022 West End debut in Prima Facie by Suzie Miller that truly marked her arrival in the theatre world.
Prima Facie is a one-woman legal thriller in which Comer plays Tessa, a defense barrister who finds herself confronting the biases of the legal system after a personal crisis. Her performance was lauded for its intensity and emotional depth, earning her the Olivier Award for Best Actress. The production was so successful that it transferred to Broadway in 2023, where Comer reprised her role and received further accolades, including a Tony Award for her Broadway debut.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
In 2023, Comer starred alongside Austin Butler and Tom Hardy in The Bikeriders, a 1960s crime drama about a motorcycle club in the Chicago area. The film, set against the backdrop of the counterculture movement, further showcased Comer’s ability to take on diverse and challenging roles.
Comer’s upcoming projects continue to demonstrate her ambition and versatility. Whether in film, television, or theatre, she has proven herself to be an actress of extraordinary range and talent, capable of captivating audiences with her compelling performances.
Legacy and Impact
Jodie Comer’s career trajectory is a testament to her hard work, talent, and versatility. From her early beginnings in Liverpool to her rise as an internationally recognized star, she has consistently chosen roles that challenge her and allow her to explore different aspects of the human experience. Her portrayal of complex characters—whether on TV, film, or stage—has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Comer’s impact extends beyond her performances; she has become a role model for aspiring actors, demonstrating that success in the entertainment industry can be achieved through dedication and a willingness to take risks. As she continues to take on new and diverse roles, there is no doubt that Jodie Comer will remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
