Lily Jane Collins is an English and American actress, model, and writer, known for her captivating performances and striking on-screen presence. Born on March 18, 1989, in Guildford, Surrey, England, she is the daughter of musician Phil Collins and his second wife, Jill Tavelman. Raised in Los Angeles, Lily displayed a penchant for the arts from an early age, making her on-screen debut at just two years old in the BBC sitcom Growing Pains.
As she transitioned into her teenage years, Collins began to establish her career more prominently. In the late 2000s, she gained recognition for her supporting role in the critically acclaimed sports drama film The Blind Side (2009), where she showcased her ability to hold her own alongside seasoned actors like Sandra Bullock. Following this breakthrough, she starred in a variety of genre films, including the horror thriller Priest (2011) and the action-packed Abduction (2011). She further expanded her repertoire with leading roles in the fantasy films Mirror Mirror (2012) and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013), both of which solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Collins' career reached new heights with her performance in the romantic comedy Rules Don't Apply (2016), where she portrayed a young actress entangled in the complexities of Hollywood's golden age. This role earned her a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. She continued to draw critical acclaim for her portrayal of a young woman struggling with anorexia in the drama To the Bone (2017), which further demonstrated her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her film work, she showcased her musical talents by playing Fantine in the BBC miniseries Les Misérables (2018–2019), captivating audiences with her powerful singing and acting.
In recent years, Collins has found success in the Netflix romantic comedy series Emily in Paris, where she stars as marketing executive Emily Cooper. The series, which premiered in 2020, has garnered a significant following and led to Collins receiving nominations for both a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series as a producer.
Beyond her acting career, Collins is also an accomplished author. In 2017, she released her memoir titled Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, where she candidly discusses her struggles with mental health and body image, providing inspiration and insight to readers. With a diverse body of work and a commitment to authentic storytelling, Lily Collins continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her talent and resilience.