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Last updated on the 22 July 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 28 May 1985, London, England.
Carey Mulligan’s journey began with a spark ignited during her school days at Woldingham School. There, amidst the all-girls Roman Catholic environment, Mulligan discovered a passion for acting. She actively in the drama department, culminating in her role as student head of drama and a memorable performance in “Sweet Charity” during her final year.
Carey Mulligan’s professional debut arrived in 2004 on the London stage. Stepping onto the prestigious Royal Court Theatre, she embodied a narcoleptic teenager in Kevin Elyot’s play “Forty Winks.” This initial foray paved the way for her screen debut the following year.
In 2005, audiences were introduced to Mulligan’s charm in the film adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, “Pride & Prejudice.” Though a minor role as Kitty Bennet, it shared the screen with established names like Keira Knightley and Judi Dench. The same year, she graced the television screens in the BBC miniseries “Bleak House,” a Charles Dickens adaptation, where she played the orphaned Ada Clare.
Mulligan’s breakthrough came in 2009 with the critically acclaimed film “An Education.” Here, she took center stage as Jenny Mellor, a young woman yearning for adventure who gets entangled with an older man. This powerful performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA award.
In 2010, she delivered a heart-wrenching performance in the dystopian drama “Never Let Me Go,” followed by a turn as the enigmatic Irene in the neo-noir thriller “Drive” (2011). Mulligan further showcased her range with her portrayal of Sissy Sullivan in Steve McQueen’s raw and unflinching drama “Shame” alongside Michael Fassbender (2011). This versatility continued with her portrayal of Daisy Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann’s extravagant adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” (2013) and the hauntingly beautiful Llewyn Davis’ muse in the Coen brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013).
Carey Mulligan has never shied away from historical dramas either. She embodied the determined Maud Watts in “Suffragette” (2015), a film highlighting the fight for women’s suffrage in Britain. More recently, she delivered a powerful performance as Kate in Emerald Fennell’s dark comedy “Promising Young Woman” (2020).
Beyond the silver screen, Mulligan has captivated audiences on the stage. Notably, her portrayal of Laura Wingfield in a 2016 Broadway production of “The Glass Menagerie” garnered critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination.
While her career thrives, Mulligan maintains a private life. In 2012, she married musician Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons.
WINNER | Fillm: Leading Actress for An Education (2010)
Suggested viewing
Collateral (2018)
Bftv 8.5. / IMDb 6.8
“Collateral” is a captivating crime thriller that unfolds in contemporary London. Following the fatal shooting of a pizza delivery driver, detective Kip Glaspie investigates the homicide, revealing a tangled network of intertwined narratives featuring politicians, refugees and influential figures. As she probes further into the investigation, hidden truths and surprising links emerge.
Top cast: Carey Mulligan, John Simm, Nicola Walker, Billie Piper, Nathaniel Martello-White, Jeany Spark, Hayley Squires, Ben Miles.
Northanger Abbey (2007)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2
In “Northanger Abbey” , Catherine Morland, a young and imaginative woman, visits the grand estate of Northanger Abbey. She befriends the Tilney siblings and becomes engrossed in Gothic novels. However, her naive imagination leads her to misinterpret events, testing her perception of reality and love in this satirical coming-of-age story by Jane Austen.
Top cast: Felicity Jones, Carey Mulligan, JJ Feild, Geraldine James, Sylvestra Le Touzel, Desmond Barrit, William Beck, Gerry O’Brien, Liam McMahon.
Suffragette (2015)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.5
“Suffragette” is a powerful film that tells the story of the British suffragette movement in the early 20th century. It follows Maud Watts, a working-class woman who becomes involved in the fight for women’s voting rights. Facing immense challenges and sacrifices, Maud’s journey highlights the resilience and determination of suffragettes.
Top cast: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne-Marie Duff, Meryl Streep, Ben Wishaw, Romola Garai, Samuel West, Geoff Bell.
Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1
Far from the Madding Crowd” tells the tale of Bathsheba Everdene, a strong-willed young woman who inherits a farm. She becomes entangled in a complex love triangle with three suitors: Gabriel Oak, a loyal shepherd; William Boldwood, a wealthy landowner; and Sergeant Francis Troy, a charming soldier. This classic novel by Thomas Hardy explores themes of love, independence and the consequences of choices.
Top cast: Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge, Juno Temple, Jessica Barden, Hilton McRae, Harry Peacock, Bradley Hall.
Alternative version
External link – Far from the Madding Crowd (2015) at Period Drama Stills
An Education (2008)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3
In “An Education”, Jenny, a bright and ambitious schoolgirl in 1960s London, meets David, an older man who introduces her to a world of glamour and excitement. As their relationship develops, Jenny must confront the consequences of her choices and tackle the complexities of adulthood, love and personal growth.
Top cast: Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike, Olivia Williams, Alfred Molina, Cara Seymour, Sally Hawkins, Emma Thompson.
The Dig (2021)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1
“The Dig” is a historical drama film based on true events. Set in 1939, it follows the story of a wealthy widow, Edith Pretty, who hires an excavator, Basil Brown, to investigate mysterious mounds on her property. As they unearth an ancient Anglo-Saxon burial ship, their discovery unravels secrets and ignites a race against time amidst the backdrop of impending war.
Top cast: Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan, Ken Stott, Ben Chaplin, Johnny Flynn, Lily James, Monica Dolan, Archie Barnes, Eamon Farren.
My Boy Jack (2007)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.1
“My Boy Jack” is a heartfelt drama based on true events. It revolves around Rudyard Kipling’s desperate search for his son, Jack, who goes missing during World War I. The film explores the toll of war on a family and the complex emotions that arise in the face of sacrifice and duty.
Top cast: Daniel Radcliffe, David Haig, Kim Cattrall, Carey Mulligan, Julian Wadham, Robbie Kay, John-Paul Macleod, Bill Milner, Michael McElhatton.
Bleak House (2005)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
Bleak House television drama series based on Charles Dickens’ novel. It intertwines the lives of various characters, including the orphan Esther Summerson, the mysterious Lady Dedlock and the relentless lawyer Mr. Tulkinghorn. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a seemingly endless legal case known as Jarndyce and Jarndyce, revealing secrets, scandals and the complexities of Victorian society.
Top cast: Anna Maxwell Martin, Carey Mulligan, Denis Lawson, Gillian Anderson, Tom Georgeson, Charles Dance, Patrick Kennedy, Timothy West, Burn Gorman, Hugo Speer, Pauline Collins, Phil Davis, Nathaniel Parker, Alun Armstrong, Anne Reid.
More Dickens
Shame (2011)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2
A man in New York grapples with a consuming sex addiction, seeking anonymous encounters to fulfill a deep emptiness. His carefully constructed world is disrupted by the arrival of his troubled sister, forcing him to confront the loneliness and isolation that fuel his desires.
Top cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Nicole Beharie, Alex Manette, Lucy Walters, Amy Hargreaves, Elizabeth Masucci.
