What is Felicity Jones Known For?
Felicity Jones is proving to be one of the most respected and renowned British actresses of our time. She is best known for creating powerful and complex roles that embody real women. From her cinematic successes, gripping performances, and tendency for pioneering female-led productions, Felicity Jones has made an indelible mark on the world of both entertainment and acting.
Biography
Felicity Rose Hadley Jones was born on October 17th, 1983, in Birmingham, England. She was the only child of a BBC sound engineer and a paralegal. After taking part in youth acting classes throughout her childhood, Jones was accepted into Oxford University’s Wadham College to study English Literature. However, after only one year of study, she chose to pursue acting, leaving her studies and enrolling into The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Early Career
Jones began her acting career at the age of fifteen in television and radio productions such as The Tempest and Radio’s ‘The Archers’. After graduating from The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, she made her feature film debut with 2011’s Like Crazy. The film, which earned Jones a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, marked the beginning of a career that would be recognized for its consistent excellence.
The Rise to Fame of Felicity Jones
Since her break-out role in Like Crazy, Felicity Jones has seen her profile rise on both sides of the Atlantic. She starred in several British television series, such as the E4 hit, The Worst Witch and the big-budget drama Northanger Abbey. Her next significant step in the American market came with the 2014 Tom Hanks film The Theory of Everything. As Stephen Hawking’s first wife, Jane Hawking, the role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Crowning Achievements
Felicity Jones’ crowning achievement thus far came in 2016 when she portrayed the leading role of Jyn Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This was the first major female-led production in the franchise’s history. In her performance, Jones made captivating and brave choices while bringing this historic character to life. The film was a huge box-office success, reaching a $1 billion gross and earning Jones the status of a genuine box-office star.
Advocating for Women in Film
In addition to her acting successes, Felicity Jones has also become an advocate for women in film. She has gone on record to be an outspoken voice for further opening up the industry to more female-led productions and leadership. She is an ambassador for the charity Women for Women International, which supports female survivors of war through a variety of programs.
Awards and Accolades
For her endeavours, Felicity Jones has been honoured with critical praise, awards and accolades. She has won a Saturn Award, MTV Movie Award, as well as having been nominated for numerous Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. In 2018, she was made an Honorary Fellow of her alma mater, The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
In 2020, Jones was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, which is the highest ranking of British military honours.
Filmography
In many ways, Felicity Jones is only just beginning what is sure to be one of the most significant acting legacies of our time. To date, she has starred in the following films:
• Like Crazy (2011)
• My Week with Marilyn (2011)
• Breathe In (2013)
• The Invisible Woman (2013)
• True Story (2015)
• Inferno (2016)
• A Monster Calls (2016)
• Collide (2016)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• The Simpsons (Guest Voice, 2018)
• On The Basis Of Sex (2018)
• The Aeronauts (2019)
• The Dig (2021)
Looking Forward
Unsurprisingly, Felicity Jones’ popularity is only increasing with each role. Her presence, both on and off the screen, has created an ever-growing fan-base that are eagerly anticipating what she will do next. With continuing advocacy for a more equitable industry and a roster of films and projects in the works, it looks like we are in for far more from the career of Felicity Jones.
