Ella Purnell is a name that has steadily gained recognition in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her versatile performances and undeniable charm. From her early days in London’s theater scene to her breakthrough roles in Hollywood, she has carved a niche for herself as a talented actress with a compelling presence. Whether portraying complex characters in films or lending her voice to animated series, Ella’s journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and artistic evolution.
Born on September 17, 1996, in London, England, Purnell’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. She first caught the industry’s attention with her role as Young Ruth in Never Let Me Go (2010), a performance that showcased her ability to bring depth and emotion to her characters. Over the years, she has starred in critically acclaimed films and television series, including Maleficent (2014), Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016), Yellowjackets (2021–2025), and Fallout (2024).
Beyond her acting prowess, Ella has also made strides in philanthropy and social activism, co-founding Educate2Eradicate in 2016—a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing honor-based violence and forced child marriage. Her commitment to both her craft and humanitarian causes makes her a multi-dimensional personality admired by fans and industry peers alike.
Age & Birthday
Purnell’s background is as fascinating as her career. She was born on September 17, 1996, as Ella Summer Purnell in London, England, and spent her formative years in the Bethnal Green area. Her British nationality and Virgo zodiac sign reflect her practical, hardworking, and artistic nature, traits that have undoubtedly contributed to her success in the entertainment industry. Her current age is 28 years as of June 2025.
Growing up, Ella attended Bethnal Green Montessori, Forest School, and The City of London School for Girls, where she honed her academic and artistic skills. Her passion for performing arts led her to enroll in Sylvia Young Theatre School and Young Actors Theatre Islington, institutions known for nurturing young talent. It was here that she developed her skills in acting, singing, and dancing, setting the stage for her future in the industry.
Despite her early success, Ella once considered pausing her acting career to pursue university studies, with aspirations of becoming a children’s writer or teacher. However, fate had other plans, and she soon found herself immersed in Hollywood projects, solidifying her place as a rising star.
Family Background
Ella was born into a diverse and supportive family that played a significant role in shaping her career and personal values. Her father, Simon Reid, is a businessman, while her mother, Suzy Purnell, is a yoga instructor. Although her parents separated shortly after her birth, Ella maintained strong relationships with both sides of her family.
Following the separation, Ella was primarily raised by her mother and stepfather, Jon Squirrell, in East London. Jon, a personal trainer and gym owner, has been a pillar of support in her life, often expressing pride in her achievements. Meanwhile, her father, Simon, remarried Isabelle Peterson Reid, a Swedish artist, and together they have three sons—Noa, Enzo, and Leon Reid. Despite living separately, Ella remains close to her father and half-brothers, frequently spending holidays with them.
Ella Purnell Wiki | BIO
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ella Summer Purnell |
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1996 (Tuesday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 Years |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Hometown | London, England |
| Height | 5′ 5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 56 kg |
| Eye Colour | Hazel Brown |
| Hair Colour | Dark Blonde |
| Educational Background | Bethnal Green Montessori, Forest School, The City of London School for Girls, Sylvia Young Theatre School, Young Actors Theatre Islington |
| Acting Training | Acting, Singing, and Dancing at Sylvia Young Theatre School, London |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Boyfriend | Max Bennett Kelly (musician) |
| Father | Simon Reid (businessman) |
| Mother | Suzy Purnell (yoga instructor) |
| Half Brothers | Noa Purnell, Enzo Reid, Leon Reid |
| Debut Film | Never Let Me Go (2010) as Young Ruth |
| Debut TV Show | Cyberbully (2015) as Megan |
| Notable Movies | Maleficent (2014), Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016), Army of the Dead (2021) |
| Popular TV Shows | Yellowjackets (2021–2025), Arcane (2021–2024), Fallout (2024) |
| Podcast Projects | The Seneschal: A Rebel Moon Story (2024) as Raina |
| Video Game Roles | Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova (2022) as Gwyn |
| Music Video Appearance | Imagine Dragons x J.I.D: Enemy (2021) as Jinx (voice) |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $10 million USD |
| @ella_purnell/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Ella_Purnell |
Physical Attributes
Purnell’s striking features and graceful presence have made her a standout in the entertainment industry. She stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), a height that complements her slender yet athletic frame. Weighing approximately 56 kg, she maintains a healthy and fit lifestyle, which is evident in her on-screen performances.
Her hazel brown eyes add to her distinctive look, often described as expressive and captivating, allowing her to convey deep emotions effortlessly. Her dark blonde hair, styled in various ways over the years, enhances her versatility, whether she’s portraying a historical character or a modern-day heroine.
Educational Background
Ella’s education was instrumental in shaping her artistic abilities. She attended Bethnal Green Montessori, Forest School, and The City of London School for Girls, where she developed a keen interest in literature, drama, and performance arts. Her passion for acting led her to enroll in Sylvia Young Theatre School and Young Actors Theatre Islington, institutions renowned for nurturing young talent.
At Sylvia Young Theatre School, Ella received formal training in acting, singing, and dancing, which laid the foundation for her future career. She also studied at Young Actors Theatre Islington, where she refined her skills and gained exposure to professional acting techniques. These experiences prepared her for the competitive world of entertainment, giving her the confidence to pursue acting full-time.
Early Career & Theatre Performances
Ella’s journey into acting began at a young age, with her first major experience in theatre. At 13 years old, she was cast in the chorus of the musical Oliver! at the Theatre Royal in London (2009). This experience ignited her passion for performance, and she soon transitioned into film and television. Her big break came in 2010, when she was cast as Young Ruth in Never Let Me Go, portraying the younger version of Keira Knightley’s character.
Following her success in Never Let Me Go, Ella starred in Ways to Live Forever (2010) and Intruders (2011), further establishing herself as a promising young actress. Her talent was recognized by Screen International, which named her one of the “10 UK Stars of Tomorrow” in 2010. In 2011, she appeared in the BBC HD short film Candy, followed by her role as Dolce in Kick-Ass 2 (2013). These performances demonstrated her versatility, proving that she could excel in both dramatic and action-packed roles.
Rise in the Film Industry
Purnell’s transition from a promising young actress to a Hollywood powerhouse was marked by a series of strategic career choices and standout performances. Following her early success in Never Let Me Go (2010), she continued to build her portfolio with diverse roles that showcased her versatility.
In 2014, she starred in Wildlike, a film that won multiple awards at international film festivals. Her portrayal of Mackenzie, a troubled teenager, was widely praised, solidifying her reputation as an actress capable of delivering emotionally compelling performances. That same year, she played Young Maleficent in Disney’s Maleficent, sharing the screen with Angelina Jolie. This role introduced her to a global audience, further expanding her reach in the industry.
Ella’s career took another leap forward in 2016, when she was cast in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The opportunity to work with Tim Burton, one of her dream directors, was a defining moment. Initially, she felt mixed emotions about postponing her university studies for the role, but ultimately, she embraced the chance to bring Emma Bloom to life. The film’s success reinforced her status as a rising star, and she continued to land high-profile projects.
Return to Hollywood
Ella’s return to acting was marked by a series of critically acclaimed performances. In 2017, she starred in Access All Areas, playing Mia, a rebellious teenager navigating the complexities of youth. This role resonated with audiences, further proving her ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level. In 2016, she co-founded Educate2Eradicate, an organization dedicated to eradicating honor-based violence and addressing forced child marriage.
Ella continued to take on diverse roles, including her portrayal of Lady Maria Grey in Belgravia (2020) and Kate Ward in Army of the Dead (2021). Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres made her a versatile performer, capable of delivering powerful performances across different mediums.
By 2025, she had expanded her portfolio to include voice acting, podcast storytelling, and video game performances. Her work in Arcane (2021–2024), Fallout (2024), and The Seneschal: A Rebel Moon Story (2024) demonstrated her adaptability and willingness to explore new creative avenues.
TV Series and Notable Roles
One of Ella’s most notable roles is Teen Jackie in Showtime’s Yellowjackets, a psychological thriller that explores the aftermath of a plane crash involving a high school girls’ soccer team. Ella lent her voice to Jinx in Netflix’s Arcane, an animated series based on the League of Legends universe. Her performance as Jinx, a troubled yet charismatic character, was highly praised, contributing to the show’s massive success. In 2024, Ella starred in Paramount+’s Sweetpea, a dark comedy thriller directed by Ella Jones and written by Kirstie Swain.
Ella starred as Lucy MacLean in Amazon Prime’s Fallout, a post-apocalyptic series based on the popular video game franchise. The show quickly became one of Prime Video’s highest-rated productions, amassing millions of viewers within its first few weeks. Ella also joined the cast of Amazon Prime’s Invincible, voicing Jane in Season 2. Ella voiced Gwyn in Star Trek: Prodigy, an animated series that introduced new characters to the Star Trek universe.
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Short Films & Special Projects
Ella has also ventured into short films and independent projects, showcasing her range as an actress and storyteller. Ella starred in Junk Male, a short film where she played Decency ‘Dee’ DiMartini. The film explored themes of morality and societal expectations, with Ella delivering a memorable performance. In Toast, Ella served as the narrator, lending her voice to a thought-provoking short film. Her ability to convey emotion through narration added depth to the project.
Ella appeared in Right Place Wrong Tim, a short film that blended surrealism with psychological drama. Her performance was widely appreciated, demonstrating her ability to excel in unconventional storytelling formats. Ella starred as Inca in Oksijan, a short film inspired by real-life events. The film tackled themes of survival and resilience, with Ella delivering a powerful performance.
Podcast & Audio Book Contributions
One of her most notable podcast projects is The Seneschal: A Rebel Moon Story (2024), which is set in Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon universe. This gripping narrative podcast serves as a prequel to the films, unraveling the origins of Jimmy, a robotic warrior voiced by Anthony Hopkins. Ella portrays Raina, a pivotal character in this immersive story, alongside acclaimed actors Naveen Andrews, Alfred Enoch, and Jason Isaacs. The podcast debuted on July 29, 2024, and was praised for its deep, atmospheric storytelling and Ella’s compelling voice performance.
Beyond fictional storytelling, Ella also appeared as a guest on How To Fail With Elizabeth Day (2024), a widely followed podcast that explores personal struggles and resilience. In an episode titled Therapy Changed My Life, released on November 12, 2024, she opened up about her experiences with mental health, overcoming perfectionism, and dealing with the pressures of fame. Her raw, honest conversation with host Elizabeth Day resonated deeply with audiences, providing an insightful perspective on self-growth and healing.
Ella has also made contributions to classic literature through audiobook narration. In 2017, she lent her voice to Northanger Abbey, bringing Jane Austen’s iconic novel to life in an elegantly expressive manner. Her narration was widely appreciated for its depth and ability to capture the essence of Austen’s characters, further demonstrating her versatility beyond visual performances.
Video Games & Music Video Appearances
One of her most prominent gaming projects is Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova (2022), where she voices Gwyndala. The game, based on the animated series Star Trek: Prodigy, was well-received by fans of the franchise, with Ella’s voice performance contributing to the game’s engaging and immersive experience. Her ability to add emotional depth to Gwyndala’s character made her a standout in the industry.
Beyond gaming, Ella’s influence extended into the music industry through her involvement in Imagine Dragons x J.I.D: Enemy (2021). The song was featured in Netflix’s Arcane, a hit animated series, and she reprised her role as Jinx in the official music video. The video’s captivating animation and Ella’s intense voice work helped bring the character’s story to life, further strengthening her connection to the League of Legends universe.
Honors & Recognitions
Ella has received widespread recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry, earning accolades for her performances in film, television, and voice acting. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters has made her a standout talent, garnering praise from critics and audiences alike.
In March 2025, Ella was a featured guest at MEGACON Orlando, where she participated in a panel discussing her most popular roles, including her work in Fallout and Arcane. The event highlighted her growing influence in Hollywood, with fans celebrating her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Relationship & Personal Life
Ella has maintained a relatively private personal life, choosing to focus on her career while occasionally sharing glimpses of her experiences with fans. As of 2025, she remains unmarried, dedicating much of her time to her professional endeavors.
She has been romantically linked to Max Bennett Kelly, a musician known for his indie-pop style. While the details of their relationship remain largely private, the two have been spotted together at various events, sparking speculation among fans. Despite the attention surrounding her personal life, Ella prefers to keep her relationships out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her artistic pursuits.
Net Worth & Career Achievements
Purnell’s success in Hollywood has translated into significant financial achievements, with her estimated net worth reaching $10 million USD as of 2025. Her earnings stem from her work in film, television, voice acting, and brand endorsements, making her one of the most sought-after talents in the industry.
Her role in Amazon Prime’s Fallout contributed to her growing wealth, as the series became a massive hit, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. Additionally, her work in Netflix’s Arcane and Showtime’s Yellowjackets further solidified her financial standing, with both projects receiving critical acclaim and commercial success.
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