Rose Leslie
Rose Leslie
Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie, born on 9 February 1987, is a highly acclaimed Scottish actress known for her diverse roles across television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Gwen Dawson in the ITV drama series Downton Abbey and for her captivating performance as Ygritte in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. Her talent further shone through in her portrayal of Maia Rindell in three seasons of the CBS All Access legal and political drama The Good Fight. Additionally, she mesmerized audiences as Clare Abshire in HBO's adaptation of The Time Traveler's Wife.
Arbuthnot-Leslie's ability to immerse herself into multifaceted characters has earned her praise and admiration from audiences and critics alike. Her contributions to both the small and big screens have solidified her status as one of the most versatile and talented actresses of her generation.
Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and spent her formative years at Lickleyhead Castle in Aberdeenshire, the historic ancestral home of her family. Until the age of 10, she resided there before her family relocated. Her father, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, holds the esteemed title of Chieftain of the Aberdeenshire branch of the Scottish Clan Leslie. Her mother, Candida Mary Sibyl "Candy" Leslie (née Weld), hails from Clan Fraser of Lovat, with ancestry tracing back to Simon Fraser, 13th Lord Lovat, and King Charles II.
Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie's lineage boasts a rich tapestry of historical figures, including her great-great-grandfather, Frederick Weld, who served as the sixth prime minister of New Zealand. On her father's side, she is descended from Don Guillermo Landa y Escandón, a former governor of Mexico City. Notable ancestors in her family tree include Ambrose Lisle March Phillipps De Lisle, politician Charles March-Phillipps, and MP James Grimston, 3rd Earl of Verulam. Presently, her family resides at the ancient Wardhill Castle in Old Rayne, which dates back to the 12th century.
Arbuthnot-Leslie's educational journey began at Rayne North School in Aberdeenshire before she embarked on an international experience, attending Ermitage International School in Maisons-Laffitte, France, for three years. Upon returning to the UK, she pursued her studies at Millfield, a prestigious boarding school in Street, Somerset, from 2000 to 2005. She later honed her acting skills at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for three years, earning a BASSC certificate in stage combat and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in 2008. Her diverse educational background laid a strong foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.
Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie's career is marked by a series of impressive achievements and acclaimed performances across various mediums.
Her foray into narrating began with BBC Radio's documentary, The British Slave Trade: Abolition, Parliament and People, showcasing her versatility beyond traditional acting roles.
Arbuthnot-Leslie's on-screen debut came with the television film New Town in 2009, earning her the Scottish BAFTA for Best Acting Performance - New Talent Award at just 21 years old. Her talent continued to shine in the lead role in Nell Leyshon's play Bedlam at the Globe Theatre, where her portrayal of May garnered praise from critics.
Her breakthrough role came as Gwen Dawson in the first series of the ITV drama Downton Abbey in 2010-11. This role catapulted her into the spotlight, setting the stage for further success.
In 2012, Arbuthnot-Leslie joined the cast of the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones as the formidable Ygritte, receiving widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the complex character. Her performance captivated audiences and critics alike, establishing her as a rising star in the industry.
While on Game of Thrones, Arbuthnot-Leslie also showcased her versatility in various film and television projects, including Now Is Good, Vera, Utopia, and Blandings.
She continued to impress with roles in projects like The Great Fire, Honeymoon, Luther, The Last Witch Hunter, and Sticky Notes.
Arbuthnot-Leslie's talent extended beyond acting as she ventured into voice acting, notably providing the voice for the protagonist "En" in the video game Echo.
In 2016, she joined the cast of The Good Fight, portraying Maia Rindell, a role that further solidified her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress.
Her career continued to soar with notable roles in projects such as Death on The Nile, Vigil, and HBO's The Time Traveler's Wife TV series.
Throughout her career, Arbuthnot-Leslie has proven herself as a dynamic and talented performer, captivating audiences with her remarkable range and depth in every role she undertakes.
Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie's life outside of acting is as intriguing as her on-screen roles.
Having lived in France during her formative years, Leslie became fluent in French, adding another layer to her already impressive linguistic skills. Despite her career taking her to London, she maintains a strong connection to her Scottish roots, often expressing her fondness for Aberdeen and the sense of peace she feels in Scotland.
In her personal life, Leslie's romance with Kit Harington, her co-star from Game of Thrones, captured the public's attention. The couple's relationship blossomed, culminating in marriage in June 2018. Their journey into parenthood began with the birth of their son in January 2021, followed by the arrival of their daughter in July 2023.
Beyond her family life, Leslie actively engages in various interests and pursuits. She has demonstrated her passion for outdoor activities such as running, rock climbing, skiing, and archery, reflecting her adventurous spirit. Additionally, she enjoys cooking and tennis, showcasing her diverse range of interests.
Leslie is not only dedicated to her career but also to making a positive impact in the world. As a patron of the charity Firefly International, she contributes to humanitarian efforts, embodying her commitment to giving back to society.
In the realm of politics, Leslie has voiced her stance on significant issues. During the 2014 Scottish independence referendum campaign, she advocated for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom. Furthermore, she actively supported the Conservative Party in her local constituency during the 2015 UK general election, demonstrating her engagement with political affairs.
Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie's multifaceted personality and diverse interests highlight her as not only a talented actress but also a compassionate individual dedicated to making a difference in both her personal and professional life.
References
- "Rose Leslie". TV Guide. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ "Downton Abbey web-site". Downtonabbey.com. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
- ^ McDonald, Toby (12 October 2011). "Downton Abbey maid Rose Leslie grew up a Scottish castle Lady". Daily Record. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ^ Smith, Emma (12 May 2013). "Aberdeenshire castle where Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie was born is put on the market for £1.3 million". Daily Record. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
- ^ "'Juego de Tronos': Descubrimos los orígenes aristocráticos de Rose Leslie ante su boda con Kit Harington" (in Spanish). Antena 3. 23 June 2018.
- ^ Leslie, Sebastian. "Warthill Castle". About Scotland. Archived from the original on 24 November 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ^ "Clan Leslie, Aberdeenshire Council". Aberdeenshire Council. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ^ "Obituary Jillian Ada Burcher". Newsletter of Clan Leslie Society of Australia and New Zealand, CLANZ. December 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ^ "Qui Est Rose Leslie, la girlfriend de Kit Harington?". Le Figaro. 4 April 2016.
- ^ "Old Millfieldian Society". Omsociety.com. Archived from the original on 16 May 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
- "Rose Leslie" (PDF). London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. 17 July 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
- ^ Rockson, Gabrielle (30 August 2021). "BBC Vigil: Rose Leslie's marriage to Game of Thrones co-star and family links to King Charles II". MyLondon. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
- "New Talent Awards in 2009". The BAFTA site: Scotland. British Academy of Film and Television Arts. 12 March 2009. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
- ^ "Awards and Nominations". LAMDA. The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Archived from the original on 29 October 2012.