Who is Vanessa Kirby? Quick Facts about the Actress Making Waves as Sue Storm in the 'Fantastic Four' Flick

Vanessa Kirby is a British actress known for her captivating stage performances and compelling screen roles who has become a familiar face on both stage and screen, with a career that spans theatre, television, and now, blockbuster films. From her early days in theatre to her acclaimed turn as Princess Margaret, and now as Sue Storm in Marvel's latest blockbuster, her career reflects a steady rise driven by talent and dedication.

Her upcoming projects suggest she will remain a prominent face in film and television for years to come. But who exactly is Vanessa Kirby, and what do we know about her?

Early Life and Background

Born on 18 April 1987 or 1988 in London, Vanessa Nuala Kirby grew up in Wimbledon. Her mother, Jane Cooper Kirby, was a writer for Country Living magazine, and her father, Roger Kirby, is a retired surgeon who served as President of the Royal Society of Medicine. She has two siblings: Joe, a school teacher, and Juliet, a theatrical agent.

Kirby's professional debut was on stage, where she quickly gained recognition. In 2010, she starred in All My Sons, Ghosts, and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Octagon Theatre Bolton. Her performance in All My Sons earned her the BIZA Rising Star Award, worth around £5,000. Critics described her as a significant emerging talent, with The Guardian noting her "statuesque distinction" as Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Transition to Screen and International Recognition

Kirby's transition from stage to screen began with television roles in series like The Hour and adaptations such as Great Expectations. Her film debut included parts in movies like The Rise and Charlie Countryman. In 2015, she gained significant fame portraying Princess Margaret in Netflix's The Crown. Her performance earned her a BAFTA nomination in 2017 and won her the award for the second season in 2018, catapulting her into international stardom.

Between 2015 and 2020, Kirby's film career flourished. She was part of Jupiter Ascending, starred in the sci-fi film Kill Command, played Zelda Fitzgerald in Genius, and featured in romantic dramas like Me Before You.

Major Film Roles and Critical Acclaim

Her appearance in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) alongside Tom Cruise showcased her talent in action roles. She also starred in Hobbs & Shaw (2019), where critics noted her wit and ease in physical scenes. The film industry took further notice of her versatility, leading to her casting as Empress Joséphine in Ridley Scott's Napoleon (2023).

In 2020, Kirby starred in Pieces of a Woman, a film about grief and trauma. Her portrayal of Martha was widely acclaimed, earning her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. She received nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG Award for her performance.

Most notably, she was cast as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, in the new Marvel film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Set in a 1960s backdrop, the film features her alongside Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn. Kirby's character is pregnant during the story, adding a layer of real-life experience to her role. She has expressed admiration for Sue Storm's character arc, noting that her pregnancy in the film echoed her own real-life journey toward motherhood.

Personal Life and Future

Vanessa Kirby has been linked to several partners, including actor Callum Turner and retired lacrosse player Paul Rabil, with whom she announced her pregnancy in May 2025. She has expressed that her role as Sue Storm has influenced her outlook on motherhood, describing it as a transformative experience.

Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, Kirby's career continues to grow as she balances her work in both independent cinema and major franchises. With her upcoming roles in Marvel's universe and Netflix adaptations, she remains a notable figure in contemporary acting.