Last updated on the 18 March 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born: 16 April 1984, Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. 

Claire Foy is a renowned British actress, celebrated for her compelling portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the acclaimed Netflix series “The Crown.” Foy’s early life was marked by her family’s move to Longwick, Buckinghamshire, for her father’s job. Despite her parents’ divorce when she was eight, Foy’s passion for acting flourished during her formative years.

Claire Foy’s educational journey began at Aylesbury High School and later continued at Liverpool John Moores University, where she studied drama. Her dedication to her craft led her to the Oxford School of Drama, graduating in 2007. Shortly after, she moved to Peckham, south London, to live with five drama school friends.

Claire Foy’s screen debut came in 2008 with the pilot episode of “Being Human,” followed by her professional stage debut at the Royal National Theatre. Her breakthrough role as Amy Dorrit in the BBC One miniseries “Little Dorrit” earned her critical acclaim and an RTS Award nomination.

The role that catapulted Foy to international fame was her stunning performance as the young Queen Elizabeth II in “The Crown,” for which she received a Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Her portrayal was not only a career-defining moment but also a cultural touchstone that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Claire Foy’s career continued to flourish with roles in “The Promise” (2011) and “Crossbones” (2014). Her portrayal of Anne Boleyn in the BBC miniseries “Wolf Hall” (2015) was met with critical praise and a British Academy Television Award nomination for Best Actress. In 2018, Foy starred in Steven Soderbergh’s “Unsane” and played Janet Shearon in Damien Chazelle’s biopic “First Man,” earning a Golden Globe and BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

More recently, Foy has continued to captivate audiences with her performances in the Amazon Prime series “A Very British Scandal” (2021) and the drama films “Women Talking” (2022) and “All of Us Strangers” (2023), the latter earning her another BAFTA nomination.

On a personal note, she married Stephen Campbell Moore in 2014 and although they separated in 2018, they share a child together.

Suggested viewing

A Very British Scandal (2021)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.0

A fiery socialite clashes with a powerful duke in a scandalous 1960s divorce. The explosive court case exposes accusations of infidelity, manipulation and a society with double standards, all splashed across the unforgiving glare of the press.

Top cast: Claire Foy, Paul Bettany, Olwen May, Albertine Kotting McMillan, Julia Davis, Richard McCabe, Amanda Drew, Richard Goulding, Sophia Myles, Miles Jupp.

Similar to

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8

An impoverished artist finds love and inspiration with a governess, but tragedy strikes. His whimsical cat paintings, fuelled by a belief in an electrical life force, bring him fame while his mental state becomes a source of concern.

Top cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, Andrea Riseborough, Toby Jones, Sharon Rooney, Aimee Lou Wood, Hayley Squires, Stacy Martin, Phoebe Nicholls, Adeel Akhtar, Asim Chaudhry.

Little Dorrit (2008)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

“Little Dorrit” is a TV adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel. It revolves around Amy Dorrit, a young woman born and raised in Marshalsea debtors’ prison, and her encounters with the wealthy Arthur Clennam. The story beautifully explores themes of poverty, social class, love and redemption in 19th century London.

Top cast: Claire Foy, Matthew Macfadyen, Tom Courtenay, Emma Pierson, Freema Agyeman, Alun Armstrong, Judy Parfitt, Maxine Peake, Andy Serkis, Eddie Marsan.

More Dickens

Wolf Hall (2015)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1

“Wolf Hall” is based on a historical novel by Hilary Mantel that brings to life the turbulent era of Henry VIII’s reign. It follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell, a commoner who becomes a key advisor to the king. With its richly detailed narrative and complex characters, the series offers a gripping exploration of power, politics and intrigue in Tudor England.

Top cast: Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, Claire Foy, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Joss Porter, Bernard Hill, Hannah Steele, Jessica Raine, Tom Holland.

Related to

The Crown (2016)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 8.0

“The Crown” is a drama series that takes an intimate look at the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Spanning multiple decades, it explores the personal and political challenges she faces as the leader of the British monarchy. With its captivating storytelling and impressive production, it offers a riveting glimpse into the private world behind the public image of the royal family.

Top cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Olivia Coleman, Vanessa Kirby, Helena Bonham Carter, Jeremy Northam, Victoria Hamilton.

Upstairs Downstairs (2010)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.4

“Upstairs Downstairs” is a revival of the classic British drama series. Set in 1936, it follows the lives of the wealthy Holland family residing upstairs and their loyal servants downstairs. The show explores the evolving social landscape, political tensions and personal dramas that unfold within the walls of 165 Eaton Place in London.

Top cast: Keeley Hawes, Ed Stoppard, Adrian Scarborough, Neil Jackson, Anne Reid, Claire Foy, Art Malik, Ellie Kendrick.

Similar to

Going Postal (2010)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7

In the bustling city of Ankh-Morpork, con artist Moist von Lipwig is given an unusual punishment for his crimes: revive the defunct Post Office. With his cunning wit and a motley crew of misfits, Moist breathes new life into the ailing institution, facing opposition from the tyrannical Postmaster General and restoring the magic of communication.

Top cast: Richard Coyle, David Suchet, Claire Foy, Charles Dance, Andrew Sachs, Igor Bonifaci, Adrian Scarborough, Ingrid Bergmann.

More Terry Pratchet

All of Us Strangers (2023)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

A lonely screenwriter grappling with writer’s block and the loss of his parents in a car accident years ago encounters his enigmatic neighbour. As the two form a connection, the screenwriter begins experiencing surreal visits with his deceased parents in their childhood home, seemingly unchanged by the passage of time. These encounters force him to confront unresolved issues from his past, while his blossoming relationship offers a chance for connection and healing in the present.

Top cast: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy, Jamie Bell, Ami Tredrea.

The Great War: The People’s Story (2014)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

This documentary series sheds light on World War I by focusing on the personal experiences of everyday people. Through letters, diaries, and memoirs, the program explores how the war transformed lives on the home front and in the trenches, revealing the hopes, fears, tragedies and acts of heroism that unfolded during this devastating conflict.

Top cast: Olivia Colman, Alison Steadman, Claire Foy, Romola Garai, Daniel Mays, Matthew McNulty, Adrian Scarborough, Lily Loveless, Giles Alderson, Brian Cox, Tuppence Middleton, James Norton, MyAnna Buring.

Claire Foy full filmography @ Wikipedia