Kelly Reilly

Jessica Kelly Siobhán Reilly, born on July 18, 1977, is a distinguished English actress renowned for her versatile performances across both television and film. Her illustrious career commenced in 1995 with her debut appearance on the series The Biz, laying the foundation for a remarkable journey in the world of entertainment.


On the small screen, Reilly has captivated audiences with starring roles in various acclaimed productions. She notably portrayed the lead character in the British crime drama Above Suspicion from 2009 to 2012, showcasing her depth and range as an actress. Her repertoire further expanded with roles in notable series such as the American psychological medical drama Black Box in 2014, the anthology crime drama True Detective in 2015, and the historical fantasy drama Britannia in 2018. Since 2018, she has mesmerized viewers with her portrayal of Beth Dutton in the Paramount Network's neo-Western drama series Yellowstone, sharing the screen with the esteemed Kevin Costner.


Reilly's cinematic journey commenced in 2000 with her appearance in the English comedy film Maybe Baby. Over the years, she has delivered memorable performances in various genres, including a supporting role in the romantic drama Pride & Prejudice in 2005, a leading role in the chilling horror thriller Eden Lake in 2008, and the portrayal of Mary Morstan in the acclaimed Sherlock Holmes series alongside Robert Downey Jr. Her filmography also includes notable works such as Flight alongside Denzel Washington in 2012 and the gripping thriller 10x10 alongside Luke Evans in 2018.


In recognition of her exceptional talent, Reilly received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for her remarkable performance in After Miss Julie at the Donmar Warehouse from 2003 to 2004, underscoring her prowess as a versatile and accomplished stage actress.
Jessica Kelly Siobhán Reilly continues to captivate audiences with her extraordinary performances, leaving an indelible mark on both the stage and screen with her unparalleled talent and dedication to her craft.

Jessica Kelly Siobhán Reilly, born and raised in Chessington, hails from humble yet grounded beginnings. Her upbringing was marked by the loving presence of her mother, a dedicated hospital receptionist, and her father, Jack Reilly, who served the community as a police officer.


Reilly's formative years unfolded in Tolworth, where she attended Tolworth Girls' School. It was here that her passion for drama began to blossom, as she immersed herself in the study of the craft to obtain her GCSE. This early exposure to the world of theater ignited a spark within her, setting her on a path towards a future illuminated by the stage and screen.
Rooted in her heritage, Reilly proudly embraces her Irish ancestry, a testament to the rich tapestry of her familial background. Her grandparents, with their Irish roots, instilled in her a deep sense of connection to her heritage, shaping her identity and influencing her artistic journey.


From her humble beginnings in Chessington to the heights of her acclaimed career, Jessica Kelly Siobhán Reilly remains grounded in her roots, guided by the values instilled by her family and driven by her unwavering passion for the craft of acting.

Kelly Reilly's journey into the world of acting began with a bold move - she penned a letter to the producers of the acclaimed television drama "Prime Suspect," expressing her eagerness to work. This bold step paid off when she secured a role in "Prime Suspect 4: Inner Circle" in 1995, marking her debut on the small screen. Her performance garnered attention, leading to further television roles, including appearances in "Bramwell" and "Pie In The Sky."


Transitioning to the stage, Reilly honed her craft in a series of theatrical productions, collaborating with renowned director Terry Johnson in multiple acclaimed works. Her talent and dedication shone through, earning her praise and invaluable learning experiences, particularly under the mentorship of director Karel Reisz.
As her career progressed, Reilly sought to break free from typecasting, landing a pivotal role in the film "Last Orders" in 2001. Her versatility was further showcased in diverse projects, including the French comedy "L'Auberge espagnole" in 2002 and historical dramas like "Mrs. Henderson Presents" and "Pride & Prejudice" in 2005.


Reilly's breakthrough came with her lead role in the 2008 horror film "Eden Lake," demonstrating her ability to command the screen with depth and intensity. Subsequent years saw her star in major films like "Sherlock Holmes," "Flight," and "Heaven is for Real," showcasing her range and versatility as an actress.
In 2018, Reilly joined the cast of the Paramount Network drama series "Yellowstone," portraying the complex and formidable character of Beth Dutton. Her portrayal of the daughter of Kevin Costner's character earned widespread acclaim, solidifying her status as a versatile and captivating actress in both television and film.


Kelly Reilly's remarkable talent has been recognized and celebrated throughout her career, both on stage and on screen. Her performance in "After Miss Julie" at the Donmar Warehouse propelled her to stardom in the London theater scene, earning her a nomination for the prestigious Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actress at just 26 years old, making her the youngest nominee for that award at the time.


Her achievements continued to garner acclaim, with Reilly winning the Best Newcomer Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005 for her role in "Russian Dolls." The following year, she received the Empire Award for Best Newcomer for her performance in the British comedy "Mrs. Henderson Presents."


Reilly's versatility and skill as an actress were further demonstrated by her nomination for another Olivier Award for her portrayal of Desdemona in "Othello" at the Donmar Warehouse in 2009. She continued to impress critics and audiences alike, earning a nomination for Best Actress at the British Independent Film Awards for her role in "Eden Lake" in 2010.
In 2012, Reilly's standout performance as Nicole in "Flight" earned her the Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Festival, solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse performer capable of delivering compelling and nuanced performances across genres.

References

1.  Chloe Fox (, 20 October 2007). "Kelly Reilly: from the heart", Telegraph (London). Retrieved 3 October 2009.
2. ^ Top 10 Facts - Kelly Reilly // Top Facts, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 6 September 2021
3. ^ "Kelly Reilly From The Heart", Interview Daily Telegraph. Retrieved on 13 July 2013.
4. ^ "Kelly Reilly stars in ITV's Above Suspicion". This is Nottingham (29 December 2008). Retrieved on 13 July 2013.
5. ^ "The life of Reilly", undated, The Scotsman. Retrieved on 13 July 2013.
6. a b Stephen Applebaum (2002). Interview with Kelly Reilly, Netribution.co.uk. Retrieved 3 October 2009.
7. ^ Review of Piano/Forte, theguardian.com, 21 September 2006.
8. ^ Kate Kellaway (3 September 2006). "It's good days and bad days, no rules". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 May 2008.
9. ^ Kate Whiting (5 January 2009). "Kelly Reilly stars in Above Suspicion", Chester Chronicle. Retrieved 3 October 2009.
10. ^ "Old Times". roundabouttheatre.org. 13 July 2016. Archived from the original on 13 July 2016.
11. ^ Fadal, Tamsen; Pestalozzi, Kim (8 October 2015). "Backstage on Broadway: Clive Owen, Kelly Reilly make debut in Old Times alongside Eve Best". pix11.com.
12. ^ "'Yellowstone': Kelly Reilly's Shattering Take on the Unbreakable Beth Dutton". Vanity Fair. 27 June 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
13. ^ Halutz, Doron (13 November 2008). "A Whale of a Time". Haaretz. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
14. ^ Tracy, Nancy (19 November 2012). "Five Things You Should Know About 'Flight's' Kelly Reilly". omg!. Yahoo!. Archived from the original on 24 November 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.