Jodie Comer’s rise from British television to international stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, with a breakthrough turn as the unpredictable assassin Villanelle in Killing Eve that earned her both a Primetime Emmy and BAFTA recognition and thrust her into global fame.
From early roles in series like My Mad Fat Diary and Thirteen to critically praised film work in The Last Duel and socially resonant drama Help, she has shown an astonishing range, later winning major theatre awards for her one‑woman stage show Prima Facie and continuing to expand her repertoire with big projects.
Villanelle — Killing Eve (2018–2022)
Jodie Comer’s portrayal of Villanelle, the stylish and unpredictable assassin in Killing Eve, is widely credited with turning her into a global star. The character’s mix of charm, cruelty, and dark humor allowed Comer to explore a complex, multidimensional villain rarely seen on television.
Her performance earned critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress, and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, memes, and conversations about female antiheroes.
Beyond the accolades, Villanelle cemented Comer’s reputation as an actress capable of commanding every scene, blending menace with playful charisma in a way that mesmerized audiences worldwide.
Hilly — The Bikeriders (2023)
In the gritty, atmospheric drama The Bikeriders, Comer brings depth and subtlety to Hilly, a key member of a postwar Midwestern motorcycle club navigating changing loyalties and identities.
Her performance stood out for its emotional nuance and quiet power, grounding the ensemble piece with a character who is as resilient as she is vulnerable. The film allowed Comer to stretch her range into richly layered period storytelling, working alongside a stellar cast in a project that solidified her transition from television standout to respected film presence.
Sarah — Help (2021)
In this socially conscious drama set during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Comer played Sarah, a care home worker confronting the emotional and ethical turmoil of life-and-death decisions amid a crisis. Her portrayal humanized the pandemic’s impact on frontline workers, capturing exhaustion, empathy, and moral conflict with subtlety and precision.
Critics hailed Comer’s performance as emotionally resonant, demonstrating a maturity and depth that extended beyond her more flamboyant roles, and ultimately earned her a BAFTA for Leading Actress, cementing her status as a versatile and socially aware performer.
Marguerite de Carrouges — The Last Duel (2021)
In Ridley Scott’s historical epic, Comer portrayed Marguerite de Carrouges, a woman whose accusation of rape sets off a fateful trial by combat in medieval France. Comer brought emotional intensity and moral complexity to Marguerite, illustrating the courage required to challenge patriarchal authority while navigating personal trauma.
Critics praised her ability to communicate internal struggle with restrained but powerful expressions, and her scenes offered a counterpoint to the high-stakes dueling action of the film. The role solidified Comer’s capacity to carry weighty historical drama while remaining relatable and compelling.
Millie Rusk / Molotov Girl — Free Guy (2021)
Comer made her mark in the blockbuster action-comedy Free Guy, playing the dual role of Millie and her in-game avatar, Molotov Girl. She balanced humor, romance, and gamer-inspired fantasy with precision, creating a character that felt grounded even within the film’s chaotic video game universe.
Her chemistry with Ryan Reynolds and skill in navigating the script’s meta-humor helped her reach wider international audiences, showcasing her adaptability and charisma in big-budget Hollywood productions.
Chloe Gemmell — My Mad Fat Diary (2013–2015)
Early in her career, Comer gained recognition in the British teen comedy-drama My Mad Fat Diary as Chloe Gemmell, a character who blends wit, teenage angst, and emotional authenticity.
While not a lead role, Comer’s performance stood out for its timing and naturalism, helping to establish her as a rising talent in British television. The series gave her the opportunity to explore humor and drama in a contemporary setting, laying the foundation for her later, more complex roles.
Elizabeth of York — The White Princess (2017)
As Elizabeth of York, Comer navigated a young royal’s politically fraught marriage and ascent to the throne in this Tudor period drama. Her performance captured Elizabeth’s intelligence, ambition, and resilience, highlighting Comer’s capacity to inhabit historical characters with nuance.
The role showcased her ability to handle period dialogue and costume-heavy storytelling while maintaining emotional accessibility, adding a distinguished credit to her growing body of work.
Kate Parks — Doctor Foster (2015–2017)
In Doctor Foster, Comer played Kate Parks, a pivotal character whose actions intensify the series’ central drama. The BBC thriller relied on subtle, tense performances, and Comer’s ability to convey ambiguity, secrecy, and emotional stakes contributed significantly to the show’s gripping narrative. Though an early role, it demonstrated her aptitude for layered character work and her capacity to elevate supporting parts into memorable screen moments.
Rey’s Mother — Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Though brief, Comer’s appearance as Rey’s mother in the climactic installment of the Skywalker saga left a lasting impression. The cameo added gravitas to Rey’s backstory while allowing Comer to participate in one of the world’s most iconic franchises. Her presence, though fleeting, demonstrated her ability to make a mark even in limited screen time, blending seamlessly into high-profile, visually spectacular cinematic universes.
Ivy Bolton — Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2015)
Comer’s early film work includes Ivy Bolton in Lady Chatterley’s Lover, where she showcased emotional subtlety and depth in a supporting role. Though not widely seen internationally, the performance revealed her instinct for dramatic nuance and ability to inhabit emotionally complex characters, signaling the talent that would later earn her global recognition.