Ella Purnell is an English actress known for her versatile roles in film and television. She is born on September 17, 1996, in London, England. Ella began her acting career at a young age and gained recognition for her performances in both dramatic and action-packed roles. Purnell trained at Sylvia Young Theatre School and the Young Actors Theatre Islington, which helped her develop her craft early on. She has been praised for her compelling performances and the emotional depth she brings to her characters, often portraying complex and nuanced roles.
Key Roles and Projects
“Sweetbitter” (2018-2019): In this television series, Ella starred as Tess, a young woman navigating the chaos of the New York City restaurant scene.
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” (2016): Ella played the character Emma Bloom in this Tim Burton-directed fantasy film, based on the novel by Ransom Riggs.
“Army of the Dead” (2021): She appeared as Kate Ward in this action-horror film directed by Zack Snyder.
“Yellowjackets” (2021-present): Purnell plays a key role in this critically acclaimed psychological thriller series on Showtime, which explores the aftermath of a plane crash involving a girls’ soccer team.
“Fallout” (2024): Ella portrayed Lucy – a character from Vault 33, depicted as innocent and naive, having grown up in the safety and privilege of the vault without exposure to the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world. Purnell describes Lucy as akin to “a newborn baby,” curious and untested by the Wasteland, where her optimism and all-American spirit will be severely challenged when she encounters violence and threats against her loved ones.
“Sweetpea” (2024): The story centers on Rhiannon, portrayed by Ella Purnell, a seemingly ordinary woman who hides a disturbing secret: she maintains a personal kill list and acts on her violent impulses.
Ella Purnell has also done voice work, most notably as Jinx in Netflix’s animated series Arcane (2021), based on the popular video game League of Legends. Her performance was well-received and added to her reputation as a talented and adaptable actress.
Ella Purnell’s career continues to flourish as she takes on a wide range of roles that showcase her exceptional talent and versatility. Her ability to transition seamlessly between film, television, and voice acting demonstrates her dedication to her craft and her willingness to explore diverse characters. With critically acclaimed performances and an impressive body of work at a young age, Ella has established herself as a rising star in the entertainment industry. As she continues to captivate audiences with her compelling portrayals, her future in Hollywood looks incredibly promising.
