Before she takes flight as the Girl of Steel, Milly Alcock has already proven she can command a global audience. While many recognize her as the defiant young Rhaenyra Targaryen from “House of the Dragon,” her casting in James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe marks a bold new chapter for the iconic superhero.
Moving away from the traditional girl-next-door archetype, Alcock brings a gritty, battle-hardened edge to the character of Kara Zor-El. From her humble beginnings in Sydney to her meteoric rise in prestige television, these fifteen facts explore the journey of the actress set to redefine what it means to be a hero in the modern age.
She is an Australian Native
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Amelia “Milly” May Alcock was born on April 11, 2000, and grew up in the Sydney suburb of Petersham. She first found her footing in Australia’s television scene, where early roles helped launch the career that would eventually earn her international attention.
Her Acting Journey Began in an Early School Production
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Milly Alcock’s first introduction to the world of acting occurred during her formative school years in a memorable, playful performance. She took on the role of Little Red Riding Hood in Taverners Hill Infants School’s distinctive production of Little Red Rocking Hood, which was a key moment in discovering her passion for performance.
Her Breakthrough Came in Westeros
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Milly Alcock achieved widespread international fame for her portrayal of the young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the critically acclaimed HBO series, House of the Dragon. Her intense and compelling performance in the first season of the Game of Thrones prequel instantly propelled her into the Hollywood spotlight.
James Gunn Was Her Champion for Supergirl
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DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn reportedly had his eye on Milly Alcock for the role of Supergirl almost immediately. He has stated that she was his first choice to play the iconic Kryptonian hero in the new DC Universe.
She Decided to Drop Out of High School
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In 2018, while she was still in her final year, Milly made the difficult decision to leave Newtown High School of the Performing Arts to commit full-time to her career. This early commitment to her craft was driven by securing the main role in the Australian drama Upright.
Upright Was a Pivotal Early Role
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The Australian comedy-drama series Upright saw Alcock play the main role of Meg Adams, a runaway teenager who embarks on a cross-country adventure. Her performance opposite co-star Tim Minchin earned her significant praise, including a nomination for a Best Comedy Performer AACTA Award.
The Casting Guild of Australia Recognized Her Talent Early
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Even before her major international breakthrough, her burgeoning career was highlighted with a significant honor. In 2018, Alcock was named one of the “Rising Stars” by the Casting Guild of Australia for her work across various television projects.
She Was Washing Dishes When She Got the Call for Rhaenyra
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Showing the sudden nature of her life-changing success, Milly Alcock shared that she was working as a dishwashing maid in a Sydney restaurant when she received the news about her casting in House of the Dragon.
Her Supergirl Will Be Distinctly Jaded
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The DCU’s take on Kara Zor-El is characterized by a more hardened and world-weary persona compared to her cousin, Superman. This version of the character, whose story is adapted from the comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, was raised on a shard of Krypton and saw everyone around her die, leading to a much more “attitudinal” hero.
Her Very First Television Appearance Was in 2014
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Milly Alcock made her small-screen debut as a teenager in an episode of the Australian romantic comedy series Wonderland. This small but important role marked the official beginning of her professional career.
She Has Performed on the West End Stage
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Beyond her television and film work, Alcock has also demonstrated her skills in live theatre. She made her London West End debut in 2023, starring as Abigail Williams in the Gielgud Theatre’s production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, The Crucible.
She Has Received Multiple Award Nominations
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Her impactful performance as Princess Rhaenyra earned her several accolades, including a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards.
She Moved to London After House of the Dragon
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Following the explosive success of the HBO fantasy series, Alcock left her family home in Sydney and relocated to the UK. She first lived in the Primrose Hill area before eventually settling into a flat in East London.
She Appeared in Various Commercials Early in Her Career
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Like many actors, she gained experience and exposure through commercial work for major brands while building her profile. Her early resume includes appearances in advertisements for companies such as Cadbury, KFC, and Woolworths.
She Got Her Supergirl Cameo in Superman
Source: IMDb
Milly Alcock was first officially introduced as Kara Zor-El in a cameo appearance at the end of James Gunn’s Superman, which helped establish her in the new DC Universe. This brief introduction set the stage for her character’s much larger role in her own subsequent solo movie.
