Lily Collins

Biography:

​Lily Jane Collins, born on March 18, 1989, in Guildford, Surrey, England, is a British-American actress, model, writer, and producer. She has garnered acclaim for her versatile performances in both film and television, as well as for her contributions to literature and philanthropy.​

Early Life and Education

Lily Collins is the daughter of English musician Phil Collins and American Jill Tavelman, former president of the Beverly Hills Women's Club. After her parents' divorce in 1996, she moved to Los Angeles with her mother. Collins attended the Harvard-Westlake School and later studied broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California. During her teenage years, she wrote columns for magazines like Elle Girl, Seventeen, and Teen Vogue, showcasing her early interest in media and storytelling. 

Acting Career

Early Roles and Breakthrough

Collins began acting at the age of two in the BBC series Growing Pains. Her film debut came in 2009 with The Blind Side, where she played Collins Tuohy, the daughter of Sandra Bullock's character. This role brought her into the spotlight and led to subsequent performances in films like Priest (2011), Abduction (2011), and Mirror Mirror (2012), where she portrayed Snow White. 

Critical Acclaim and Diverse Roles

In 2016, Collins starred in Rules Don't Apply, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. She continued to take on challenging roles, such as portraying a young woman battling anorexia in To the Bone (2017), and appeared in biographical films like Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) and Tolkien (2019). ​

Television Success

Since 2020, Collins has starred as Emily Cooper in the Netflix series Emily in Paris. Her performance has earned her nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. Beyond acting, she serves as a producer on the show, contributing to its creative direction. ​

Writing and Advocacy

In 2017, Collins published her memoir, Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, where she candidly discusses her experiences with self-esteem, relationships, and her struggles with eating disorders. She is an advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity. Collins also supports organizations like Bystander Revolution, focusing on anti-bullying initiatives, and the GO Campaign, which aims to improve the lives of orphans and vulnerable children worldwide. ​

Personal Life

Collins married director Charlie McDowell in September 2021. In January 2025, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Tove Jane McDowell, born via surrogacy. Collins has spoken openly about her decision to use a surrogate, emphasizing the importance of kindness and understanding in discussions about family planning. ​

Lily Collins continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances and commitment to meaningful storytelling, both on and off the screen.