Anya Taylor-Joy
With her striking gaze and ethereal presence, she became the defining face of a new wave of psychological horror and period drama.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Actress·Birthday: April 16·Millennials
Biography
Born in Miami to an Argentine-Spanish father and a British-Scottish mother, Anya Taylor-Joy's childhood was a transatlantic journey, moving from Buenos Aires to London. Discovered by a modeling scout at 16, she quickly pivoted to acting, her otherworldly look landing her first major role in Robert Eggers's chilling period horror 'The Witch' at 18. The film's critical success announced a singular talent, one capable of conveying profound unease with a mere glance. She followed this by anchoring M. Night Shyamalan's 'Split', proving her box-office draw in genre films, but also showcased a razor-sharp comedic wit in 'Thoroughbreds'. Her turn as a cunning 19th-century matchmaker in 'Emma.' revealed a deft touch for comedy of manners, while her relentless performance as a chess prodigy in 'The Queen's Gambit' catapulted her to global fame, transforming her into a symbol of obsessive genius for a new generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Anya was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Anya Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Anya's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her leading role in the Netflix limited series 'The Queen's Gambit'.
- Received widespread critical acclaim for her breakthrough role as Thomasin in the atmospheric horror film 'The Witch'.
- Headlined the successful horror-thriller 'Split', which grossed over $278 million worldwide.
- Nominated for a BAFTA Award for her performance as the titular character in the 2020 adaptation of 'Emma.'.
Did You Know?
She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
She was a nationally ranked competitive equestrian in her youth in England.
She has a condition called prosopagnosia, which makes it difficult for her to recognize faces.
She was discovered by fashion photographer Sarah Doukas, the same scout who found Kate Moss.
“I think the most radical thing you can do is to be completely, unapologetically yourself.”
