Who is Ruth Wilson?
Ruth is a British actress known for her versatile performances on stage and screen. She gained widespread recognition for portraying the enigmatic and complex character Alice Morgan in the TV series “Luther”, and has also appeared in notable productions such as “The Affair”, “Mrs Wilson”, and “His Dark Materials”, in addition to many other projects on which she has worked so far in her career.
Ruth Wilson Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education
Ruth Wilson was born on 13 January 1982, in Ashford, Surrey, England, to parents Nigel Wilson and Mary Metson. She is the only daughter in a family of four and has three older brothers, Tobias, Samuel and Matthew. Her grandfather was novelist and MI6 officer Alexander Wilson, and her paternal great-grandmother was Irish. Wilson grew up in Shepperton, Surrey, and attended Notre Dame School before moving to Esher College for sixth form. She worked as a model during her teenage years, before studying History at the University of Nottingham, where she also took part in student drama at the Nottingham New Theatre. After graduating in 2003, she attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), completing her studies in July 2005.
Career Beginnings and Success as Jane Eyre
Ruth Wilson began her career by appearing in the TV series “Time Commanders”. However, Wilson’s career took a significant turn in 2006 when she made her breakthrough as the iconic literary character Jane Eyre in the eponymous adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel. Portraying the spirited and independent governess, Wilson mesmerized audiences with her captivating portrayal of the resilient young woman navigating love and adversity.
Following her breakthrough, Ruth continued to impress with her ability to inhabit a range of complex characters across various mediums. In 2006-2007, she displayed her versatility by filming the second series of the sitcom “Suburban Shootout” alongside Tom Hiddleston, and delivered a compelling performance in Agatha Christie’s Marple mystery “Nemesis”, starring Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple.
Ruth Wilson behind the scenes of Suburban Shootout (2006) pic.twitter.com/3IIIzULu1y
— Ruth Wilson Source (@allaboutwilson) June 5, 2020
Expanding her repertoire on the small screen, Ruth joined the cast of the miniseries remake of “The Prisoner” in 2009. In this reimagining of the cult classic, she portrayed “No. 313”, the enigmatic Village Doctor, alongside her co-stars including Jim Caviezel and Sir Ian McKellen, among others.
The same year, Wilson demonstrated her versatility once again by playing Queenie in the adaptation of Andrea Levy’s “Small Island”. This compelling drama explored the intertwined stories of Jamaican immigrants in post-World War II Britain, and featured a talented ensemble cast, including Naomie Harris, Benedict Cumberbatch and David Oyelowo, among others.
Breakout Role: Alice Morgan in “Luther”
However, it was her role as Alice Morgan in the TV series “Luther”, starting in 2010, that truly solidified Wilson’s status as a powerhouse performer. Playing opposite Idris Elba’s titular character, Wilson’s portrayal of the brilliant and enigmatic research scientist mesmerized audiences. Her magnetic presence and undeniable chemistry with Elba made Alice Morgan an unforgettable character.
Transition to the United States: Golden Globe Win
In 2014, Ruth ventured across the Atlantic to star as Alison Bailey in the drama series “The Affair”, alongside Dominic West, Maura Tierney, Joshua Jackson and Julia Goldani Telles, to complete a list of the talented ensemble cast. She starred in 42 episodes of the critically acclaimed drama, and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama.
In 2016, she starred in the film “I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House – directed by Oz Perkins, this atmospheric horror film follows a young nurse who becomes entangled in a haunting presence in an old house.
Two years later, Ruth took on the remarkable task of portraying her own grandmother, Alison Wilson, in the BBC drama “Mrs Wilson”. Serving as an executive producer as well, Wilson delved into her family history to tell the story of Alison’s discovery of her late husband’s hidden secrets.
Wilson’s excellence on- screen continued to be recognized, and in 2020 she won the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actress for her role as Marisa Coulter in the fantasy series “His Dark Materials” (2019-2022). Based on Philip Pullman’s beloved novels, the show follows a young girl’s journey through parallel universes.
To speak further of her accomplishments, In 2021, Ruth took on the role of Kate in the film “True Things”. Starring alongside Tom Burke, she delivered a compelling performance in this thought-provoking drama. The film explores themes of love, obsession and identity, as Kate finds herself entangled in a complicated relationship.
She’s currently working on several projects, including the film “Andorra”, which is in pre-production, and the TV series “The Woman in the Wall”, both projects scheduled to premiere later in 2023.
Theater Career
Wilson’s talent extends beyond the screen and into the world of theater, where she’s garnered acclaim for her captivating performances on stage. In 2009, Wilson portrayed Stella in a revival of Tennessee Williams’ iconic play “A Streetcar Named Desire” at the Donmar Warehouse.
Continuing her success on the stage, Wilson took on the role of Karin in “Through a Glass Darkly” at the Almeida Theatre in 2010, her performance in this introspective drama heavily praised, alongside her co-star Dimitri Leonidas. In 2011, Wilson’s portrayal of Anna Christie in the Donmar Warehouse’s production of the eponymous play garnered critical acclaim – working alongside Jude Law, she breathed life into Eugene O’Neill’s complex and resilient protagonist.
Continuing to push boundaries, Wilson joined the cast of “The El Train” at Hoxton Hall in 2013. In this immersive theater experience, she flawlessly embodied the roles of Mrs Rowland and Rose, co-starring Zubin Varla.
Wilson’s talent extended to the international stage, when she made her Broadway debut in 2015, starring as Marianne in “Constellations” at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, shared the stage with Jake Gyllenhaal in a mesmerizing exploration of love, fate, and the multiverse, her performance earning her a Tony Award nomination.
In 2016 and 2017, Wilson took on the challenging role of Hedda Gabler in the Royal National Theatre’s production of Henrik Ibsen’s masterpiece. Her portrayal of the complex and conflicted Hedda Gabler received critical acclaim.
In 2019, Wilson joined an illustrious cast in the production of “King Lear” at Cort Theatre. Taking on the dual roles of Cordelia and the Fool, she skillfully portrayed the loyalty and wisdom of Cordelia and the sharp wit of the Fool.
Wilson’s theater journey continued in 2022, with “The Human Voice” at the Harold Pinter Theatre, while recently, she starred as Virginia in the play “The Second Woman” at The Young Vic.
Net Worth
According to sources, Ruth Wilson’s net worth is estimated at $7 million, as of mid-2023.
Personal Life, Dating, Married, Husband, Children
Ruth Wilson is very secretive about her love life, but according to reports, she dated Jude Law from 2012 to 2014, while in 2015, she was seen with Jake Gyllenhaal. Since then, there have been no reports on her love life.
Appearance and Body Measurements
Ruth Wilson has blue eyes and light brown hair. She stands at a height of 5ft 6ins (1.68m), weighs approximately 120lbs (55kgs), with vital statistics of 33-24-34, and bra size 32A.
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