Rose Leslie — Biography
Rose Leslie is a talented actress hailing from Scotland. She made her prominent debut at the age of 21 in the TV film New Town (2009). She gained widespread recognition for her role as Ygritte in the acclaimed HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones (2011). Leslie's filmography also includes roles in Now Is Good (2012) and The Last Witch Hunter (2015). Born Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie in Aberdeen, Scotland, near Lickleyhead Castle—where her family has resided for over 500 years—she is the daughter of Candida Mary Sibyl Weld and Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, who serves as the Aberdeenshire Chieftain of Clan Leslie. As the middle child in a family of five, she attended a local primary school in Rayne before moving to England to study at Millfield, a co-educational public school renowned for its impressive drama program. It was during her time at Millfield that Leslie's passion for acting truly flourished. After five years there, she proceeded to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where she completed her bachelor's degree with honors in 2008. Her first acting role was in the 2007 documentary series Locked Up Abroad, which aired in 2008. In 2009, she starred in the TV movie Purves + Pekkala, earning a Scottish BAFTA Award for Best Acting Performance - New Talent Award. The following year, she featured in the popular British series Downton Abbey (2010) as Gwen Dawson, appearing in seven episodes. Additionally, in 2010, she performed in the play Bedlam at the Globe Theatre in London. In 2011, Leslie took on the role of Laura Wyre in the British drama Case Histories for two episodes. The following year, she portrayed Lena Holgate in the Vera episode titled The Ghost Position. Notably, later in that same year, Rose made her memorable entrance as Ygritte in the second season of Game of Thrones, partnering with Kit Harington. She has been married to her co-star Harington since June 23, 2018, and together they have welcomed two children. Her performances in Game of Thrones included scenes showcasing nudity, as well as in The Time Traveler's Wife, where she appeared in lingerie scenes.
