27. Ella Purnell
Rising Star of Screen
Ella Purnell has blossomed into one of Britain’s most captivating young talents, with a career that already showcases remarkable range and promise. Born in London in 1996, she trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, where her natural charisma and discipline quickly marked her out for stardom.
Her early career saw her step into high-profile projects while still a teenager. She appeared in Never Let Me Go (2010), impressing audiences alongside Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan, and soon followed with roles in Maleficent (2014) and Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016). Each performance demonstrated a maturity beyond her years, blending vulnerability with strength.
But it was television that brought her to a global stage. In Showtime’s Yellowjackets, Purnell played Jackie Taylor — the popular, confident team captain whose fate becomes one of the most gripping storylines of the series. Jackie’s arc, balancing bravado with fragility, showcased Purnell’s ability to deliver layered, emotionally complex performances. She made Jackie unforgettable, even as the story turned darker and more haunting.
Purnell has since continued to expand her repertoire. She shone in the Starz drama Sweetbitter (2018), bringing depth to the role of Tess, a young woman navigating life in New York. Her voice work as Jinx in the hit Netflix animation Arcane(2021) revealed yet another facet of her artistry, contributing to one of the most acclaimed animated series of the decade. Most recently, she has taken centre stage in Fallout (2024), the blockbuster television adaptation of the video game franchise. As Lucy, Purnell blends toughness, humour, and emotional honesty, earning rave reviews for leading a series with global reach.
What defines Ella Purnell’s rise is not only her versatility but her ability to embody characters who feel authentic, no matter how fantastical the setting. Whether stepping into the surreal worlds of Burton, the gritty survivalism of Yellowjackets, or the post-apocalyptic wastelands of Fallout, she grounds her performances with humanity and relatability.
Off-screen, Purnell is admired for her humility and down-to-earth presence, qualities that make her both approachable and inspiring to young fans. She has avoided the clichés of celebrity, choosing instead to let her work and passion for storytelling speak for themselves.
Still in her twenties, Ella Purnell has already achieved a career many would envy, and yet her trajectory feels only just beginning. With each new role, she proves herself capable of even greater heights. A true rising star of British screen, Purnell is destined to remain a powerful force in global entertainment.
