Jenna Coleman
A British actress who has compellingly embodied both a time-traveling companion on 'Doctor Who' and the formidable young Queen Victoria.
Born 1986 (age 40)·British actress·Birthday: April 27·Millennials
Biography
Jenna Coleman's career is a masterclass in selective, transformative roles. She first gained attention on the long-running soap 'Emmerdale,' but it was her entrance into the TARDIS as the enigmatic Clara Oswald on 'Doctor Who' that made her a sci-fi favorite. Her character's complex arc showcased her range, from charming to fiercely intelligent. She then swapped the cosmos for a crown, portraying Queen Victoria from her tumultuous ascension to early reign in the ITV series 'Victoria,' delivering a performance full of wit and steel. Coleman consistently chooses parts that allow her to delve into the psychology of women navigating extraordinary circumstances, whether in fantasy or historical drama.
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.
Jenna was born in 1986, 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 Jenna Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jenna's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed companion Clara Oswald across three series of the globally popular series 'Doctor Who.'
- Starred in the title role of the ITV/PBS period drama 'Victoria' for three series.
- Received an International Emmy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in 'Victoria.'
Did You Know?
She originally auditioned for the role of a different character, Soufflé, before being cast as Clara Oswald on 'Doctor Who.'
She provided the voice for Melia in the video game 'Xenoblade Chronicles.'
She studied ballet for many years before pursuing acting.
“I'm drawn to characters who are a bit of a mystery, even to themselves.”
