Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge, born on July 14, 1985, is a multifaceted English talent renowned as an actress, screenwriter, and producer. She soared to prominence as the creative force behind the acclaimed comedy series Fleabag (2016–2019), where she not only served as the creator and head writer but also mesmerized audiences with her stellar performance, earning her three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and a British Academy Television Award. Her brilliance extended to the spy thriller series Killing Eve (2018–2022), where she garnered further Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her exceptional writing and producing.


In addition to her impressive achievements in television, Waller-Bridge has left an indelible mark in the realm of comedy with her creation, writing, and starring role in the series Crashing (2016). Her talent transcends the small screen, as evidenced by her memorable performances in various projects, including the comedy series The Café (2011–2013), the second season of Broadchurch (2015), and notable films such as Albert Nobbs (2011), The Iron Lady (2011), Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).
Waller-Bridge's creative prowess extends to the big screen, where she contributed to the screenplay of the James Bond film No Time to Die (2021), further showcasing her versatility and storytelling acumen. Her star continued to rise with her role in the adventure film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), solidifying her status as one of the most dynamic and sought-after talents in the entertainment industry.


Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge, born on July 14, 1985, in Hammersmith, London, hails from a family with a rich heritage. Her father, Michael Cyprian Waller-Bridge, is the esteemed founder of the electronic trading platform Tradepoint, while her mother, Theresa Mary, is the daughter of Sir John Edward Longueville Clerke, 12th Baronet, and works for the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. The Waller-Bridge family boasts a lineage of soldiers and clergymen, attaining a place among the landed gentry of Cuckfield in Sussex. Phoebe's grandfather, Cyprian Waller-Bridge, was noted as an actor and BBC announcer, known for his eccentricity and charm.


Raised in the vibrant neighborhood of Ealing in London, Phoebe shares her upbringing with her two siblings: an older sister, Isobel Waller-Bridge, a talented composer with whom Phoebe has collaborated, and a younger brother, Jasper. Despite her parents' divorce, Phoebe's upbringing was marked by educational opportunities. She attended St Augustine's Priory, a Catholic independent school for girls, followed by the prestigious DLD College London in the Marylebone area of London. Phoebe further honed her skills and passion for the arts by graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, solidifying her commitment to a career in acting and storytelling.


Phoebe Waller-Bridge's journey in the performing arts commenced in 2007 when she co-founded the DryWrite Theatre Company alongside Vicky Jones, whom she met and befriended while collaborating on various theatre productions. As co-artistic directors of the company, they embarked on a creative partnership that would shape Waller-Bridge's career.
Her early theatre credits include performances in productions such as "Roaring Trade" at Soho Theatre in 2009 and "Rope" at the Almeida Theatre. Notable among her stage roles are appearances in Noël Coward's "Hay Fever" in 2011 and "Mydidae" in 2012. However, Waller-Bridge's breakthrough came with her creation of "Fleabag," a character she wrote and portrayed. Initially performed at the London Storytelling Festival in November 2012, "Fleabag" evolved into a full-fledged production that premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013. Waller-Bridge continued to refine and perform "Fleabag" onstage between 2013 and 2019, garnering widespread acclaim for her writing and acting prowess.


Transitioning to the screen, Waller-Bridge began her television career in 2009, appearing in short films and individual episodes of various sitcoms and dramas. Notable early television roles include appearances in "The Night Watch" (2011), "Bad Education" and "Coming Up" (2013), and "Blandings" (2014). She also had supporting roles in "The Café" (2011-2013) and the second season of the crime drama series "Broadchurch" (2015). Concurrently, Waller-Bridge lent her voice to several BBC Radio plays and narrated short films and advertisements for various companies.


In 2016, Waller-Bridge made her mark as a television writer and star with the Channel 4 comedy "Crashing." The show, centered around a group of twenty-somethings residing in an abandoned hospital, showcased Waller-Bridge's signature wit and dark humor. "Crashing" garnered critical acclaim for its refreshing take on modern relationships, earning comparisons to the iconic sitcom "Friends" with a darker twist. The six-episode series captivated audiences with its comedic whirlwind, cementing Waller-Bridge's reputation as a rising talent in the television industry.


Phoebe Waller-Bridge's career reached new heights with the success of her dark comedy series "Fleabag." Initially released on BBC Three and later broadcast on BBC Two and Amazon Video, the show garnered widespread acclaim for its sharp writing and Waller-Bridge's captivating performance as the titular character. Her portrayal earned her a British Academy Television Award and a nomination for a Critics' Choice Television Award. The second series of "Fleabag" further solidified Waller-Bridge's reputation, earning her multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Comedy Series.


Expanding her repertoire, Waller-Bridge ventured into the realm of blockbuster films, voicing and performing the droid L3-37 in "Solo: A Star Wars Story" (2018). She then ventured into television production with the critically acclaimed thriller series "Killing Eve," based on novels by Luke Jennings. Serving as the showrunner for the first series, Waller-Bridge received nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series and Outstanding Drama Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
In addition to her television endeavors, Waller-Bridge contributed to the screenplay of "No Time to Die" (2021), the 25th James Bond film, infusing it with her trademark wit and offbeat style of writing. She continued to make waves in the entertainment industry, voicing Sayan Kötör in the second series of "His Dark Materials" and directing music videos for artists such as Phoebe Bridgers and Harry Styles.

Waller-Bridge's creative collaborations expanded into television adaptation projects, including a planned series based on the film "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" alongside Donald Glover. While she exited the project due to creative differences, Waller-Bridge remains actively involved in developing new projects, such as a Tomb Raider TV series for Amazon Prime. Her on-screen presence continued to shine with her appearance in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" (2023), further solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

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