Born Zoë Isabella Kravitz on December 1, 1988, in Los Angeles, she really managed to make her place in Hollywood. The actress, director, and musician turns 37 today, marking a career defined by bold artistic choices, a seamless transition from indie darling to blockbuster star, and a refusal to be defined by her famous lineage.
Zoë Kravitz attends the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 29, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Kravitz has successfully leveraged her unique background to forge an independent path. In recent years, she moved behind the camera for her highly anticipated directorial and screenwriting debut, Blink Twice (released August 2024). This commitment to creating her own material, alongside securing roles in auteur-driven projects like Darren Aronofsky’s latest crime thriller, confirms her status as a major multi-hyphenate creator in the industry.
To honor her birthday, here are 10 roles that highlight the breadth and magnetism of her acting career.
Bonnie Carlson in ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017-2019)
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Kravitz truly broke into the mainstream and earned widespread critical praise for her portrayal of Bonnie Carlson in HBO’s Emmy-winning drama. As the free-spirited yoga instructor, Bonnie initially appeared as an outsider to the Monterey Five but became central to the series’ dark core. Kravitz handled the character’s complex emotional journey, particularly when Bonnie’s trauma was revealed in the second season.
Catwoman / Selina Kyle in ‘The Batman’ (2022)
Zoë Kravitz attends the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 29, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Taking on the iconic role of Selina Kyle, Kravitz delivered a definitive, gritty, and deeply vulnerable performance as Catwoman opposite Robert Pattinson’s Batman. Critics lauded her electric chemistry with Pattinson and her ability to bring a fresh, street-level realism to the classic anti-heroine. The role cemented her status as a leading lady capable of anchoring a major blockbuster franchise.
Toast the Knowing in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
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In George Miller’s action masterpiece, Kravitz was one of the phenomenal ensemble of “Wives” being rescued by Furiosa. As Toast the Knowing, she was a fierce survivor—intelligent and resourceful. Despite the minimal dialogue, Kravitz conveyed immense strength and spirit, making her a crucial and memorable part of one of the most acclaimed action films of the 21st century.
Christine in ‘High Fidelity’ (2020)
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In the Hulu series adaptation of the music-obsessed romance, Kravitz starred as Rob Brooks, a gender-flipped take on the protagonist. Her performance as the cynical, list-making, unlucky-in-love record store owner in Brooklyn was a revelation, successfully blending vulnerability and cynicism with effortless charm. Kravitz also served as an executive producer on the series.
Caught Stealing (2025)
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In Darren Aronofsky’s dark comedy crime thriller, Kravitz co-starred as Yvonne, the maybe-girlfriend of protagonist Hank Thompson (Austin Butler). Yvonne’s character sets the initial emotional stakes by demanding Hank prove he can move on from his past. Her shocking, early demise in the film—later revealed to be at the hands of Russian gangsters—is the catalyst that plunges Hank into the wild New York criminal underworld.
Leta Lestrange in ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Series (2016 & 2018)
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Joining the Wizarding World, Kravitz brought depth and tragedy to the complex character of Leta Lestrange. As a figure from Newt Scamander’s past and the fiancée of his brother, Leta’s storyline was central to the second film. Kravitz skillfully portrayed the character’s haunted past and inner conflict, making her eventual sacrifice a poignant moment in the series.
Robin in ‘Rough Night’ (2017)
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Showcasing her sharp comedic instincts, Kravitz was a standout in this dark comedy about a bachelorette party gone wrong. As Robin, the bohemian, free-spirited friend, she brought a grounded, yet quirky, energy to the chaotic proceedings. Her performance demonstrated an ability to pivot from dramatic intensity to perfectly timed comedic beats within a large ensemble cast.
Angel Salvadore in ‘X-Men: First Class’ (2011)
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One of Kravitz’s earliest high-profile roles saw her join the mutant universe as Angel Salvadore, a stripper with insect-like wings. She played a key role in the original team recruited by Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. Kravitz brought a blend of youthful defiance and vulnerability to the character, holding her own amidst a star-studded cast.
Angela Childs in ‘Kimi’ (2022)
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In this Steven Soderbergh-directed thriller, Kravitz anchored the entire film as Angela Childs, an agoraphobic tech worker in Seattle who believes she has witnessed a violent crime while reviewing a data stream. Her intense, contained performance required her to communicate paranoia, fear, and ultimate resolve while confined to her apartment, showcasing her strength as a psychological lead.
Nakia in ‘Dope’ (2015)
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In this critically acclaimed independent comedy-drama, Kravitz delivered a cool, understated performance as Nakia, the lead character’s mysterious love interest. The film, which mixes humor with serious social commentary, allowed Kravitz to portray a character who is both street-smart and effortlessly stylish, further establishing her status within the indie film scene.
