Rose Leslie bio, height, age, husband, children, career path, best roles 2025

Rose Leslie's Biography

Rose Leslie is a British actress from aristocratic roots. She gained fame for her role as maid Gwen in the TV series "Downton Abbey," but her portrayal of the wildling Ygritte in "Game of Thrones" launched her to stardom.

Full name of the actress: Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie

Childhood

Rose Leslie was born into a distinguished family whose lineage traces back to ancient Scottish peers and lords. Her father, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, was a successful entrepreneur and head of the large Leslie clan. Her mother, Candida Maria Sibylla, was descended from English monarch Charles II.

Rose grew up on the family estate, Lickleyhead Castle, built in the 15th century. The family also owned another castle from the 12th century, Warthill, located in the Scottish countryside. Rose's childhood was hardly difficult, despite coming from a large family. She was the third child, and two more siblings were born after her.

Rose grew up in a loving, large family. She credits her desire to become an actress to her need for attention. She often had to speak up to be noticed when the entire Leslie family gathered around the large dining table. Rose once even hid her mother's jewelry just to be the one to "find" it and earn her mother's praise.

Girls from 'Game of Thrones': Rose Leslie, Natalie Dormer, and Sophie Turner

Her well-off parents wanted the best education for their daughter. Since Rose had always dreamed of becoming an actress, they enrolled her in the prestigious private school Millfield, which emphasized the development of students' creative abilities. There, the talented young woman honed her acting skills enough to later gain admission to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, an institution that has trained renowned British actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Donald Sutherland.

Rose Leslie graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

At 21, Rose successfully graduated from the drama school with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Throughout this time, her parents supported her in every way, and they were genuinely happy for her as she began to achieve her first successes.

Acting Career

Like many aspiring actors, Rose Leslie started her career with minor roles. Although she could have relied on her parents' influence, as many children of famous families do, Rose wanted to earn recognition through her own talent.

Rose Leslie : What you don't know about me

Her first break came in the 2008 National Geographic documentary series "Banged Up Abroad." In 2009, she starred in the film "New Town," earning a BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer for her standout portrayal of Rhian.

2010 was a successful year for Rose as she landed the role of maid Gwen Dawson in the series "Downton Abbey." Her performance was so compelling that when her character said, "I'm a poor man's daughter; I'm not used to dreams coming true," audiences were completely convinced. This role cemented her place in the industry and won over audiences everywhere.

Rose also conquered the stage, performing at the legendary Globe Theatre. She took on a role in the dark and haunting play "Bedlam," set in an 18th-century London mental institution.

October 2011 marked a career-defining moment when Rose joined the cast of "Game of Thrones," playing the fierce "wildling" Ygritte. Her main co-star was Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow. Rose has said she loved the experience, noting how similar Ygritte's personality was to her own.

Best Of Ygritte - Game Of Thrones

That same year, she appeared in two crime dramas: "Vera" and "Case Histories," playing small but significant roles.

In 2013, she guest-starred in the British series "Utopia," playing a younger version of Geraldine James' character, scientist Milner

In 2014, she starred in the low-budget horror film "Honeymoon." The story follows a young couple who escape to a cozy lakeside cabin, only to discover something sinister in the forest that threatens their blissful getaway. While the premise might sound familiar for a horror film, it earned positive reviews, largely thanks to Rose Leslie's captivating performance as the young wife.

Harry Treadaway, Rose Leslie HONEYMOON Interview

In 2015, Rose Leslie starred in the fantasy film "The Last Witch Hunter" alongside Vin Diesel.

The Last Witch Hunter: Rose Leslie as the witch Chloe

That same year, she joined the cast of "Luther," playing Sergeant Emma Lane.

In 2016, she tackled two major projects. The drama "Sticky Notes," released February 1, 2016, follows a dancer who must return to Florida to care for her cancer-stricken father. Rose also starred in the sci-fi thriller "Morgan," directed by Luke Scott, where a corporate risk consultant must deal with a dangerous artificially created life form.

Sticky Notes - Park Dance

Starting in 2017, Rose Leslie joined "The Good Fight," a spin-off of the legal drama "The Good Wife." She plays young lawyer Maia, whose career gets derailed by her parents' financial scandal. Together with fellow victim Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski), she joins lawyer Lucca Quinn's team.

In 2021, she appeared in the British miniseries "Vigil," which received positive reviews and was renewed for a second season.

Personal Life of Rose Leslie

The most colorful chapter in Rose Leslie's personal life was her whirlwind romance with Kit Harington. Sparks flew almost immediately when they started filming "Game of Thrones." The pair quickly discovered their on-screen chemistry translated off-screen, and they began openly enjoying each other's company.

The show's writers took note and tried to include as many scenes with the couple as possible. However, by late summer 2013, the couple had called it quits, though they remained friends.

Kit Harington and Rose Leslie's interviews talking about each other

Clearly though, their feelings for each other hadn't faded. By early 2016, the actors were spotted together again in public. They were seen on a date at a London restaurant and later at the Los Angeles airport.

It wasn't until April 2016 at the Olivier Awards that Kit Harington and Rose Leslie officially went public as a couple. Hand in hand, they posed for photographers, with paparazzi even capturing their kisses on the red carpet.

In April 2016, Rose Leslie and Kit Harington announced themselves as a couple

In June 2018, the couple tied the knot in a lavish Scottish wedding. The bride wore a lace dress by Elie Saab, and the guest list included all their "Game of Thrones" friends.

The wedding of Rose Leslie and Kit Harington

During the pandemic, Rose and Kit welcomed their first child — a son born in early 2021. In summer 2023, the couple welcomed their second child — a daughter. The couple has chosen not to publicly disclose their children's names.

The actress enjoys rock climbing and archery, and loves good food while staying mindful of her fitness. Growing up, Leslie wasn't fond of her red hair since she was the only redhead in her class. As she matured, she learned to embrace her unique look — her red hair now helps her land great roles and stand out in Hollywood.

Actress Rose Leslie on vacation in Sydney

The Scottish actress is against Scotland separating from Britain:

First and foremost, Scotland is my home, and I consider myself Scottish, but I also feel very British and hope that Scotland will remain part of the Union. I'm very concerned about independence.

Rose Leslie Now

In 2022, the premiere of the series "The Time Traveler's Wife" featuring Rose Leslie and Theo James in the lead roles took place. The series received a lukewarm reception from audiences, except in Britain, and was not renewed for a second season.

Rose Leslie and Theo James (The Time Traveler's Wife)

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Photos: Rose Leslie