History of Lily James in Timeline

Lily James, born Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, is an English actress who trained at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her acting career began with the British television series *Just William* in 2010. After a supporting role in the popular period drama *Downton Abbey* (2012–2015), James rose to prominence playing the title role in Disney's live-action film adaptation of *Cinderella* (2015).

1950: Original Cinderella Songs

The songs featured in the 2015 "Cinderella" movie were originally from the 1950 animated film.

April 1989: Birth of Lily James

Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson was born in Esher, Surrey in April 1989.

April 1989: Birth and Family Background

Lily James was born in April 1989 to actress Ninette Mantle and musician James Thomson. Her family has a history in the arts.

2007: The Dig Novel

The film "The Dig" is based on John Preston's novel of the same name, published in 2007.

2008: Father's Death and Stage Name

Lily James' father died in 2008. She adopted his first name as her stage name.

2010: Just William Role

In 2010, Lily James played Ethel Brown in the BBC production of "Just William".

2010: Television Debut and Graduation

Lily James graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and began her career with the television series "Just William" in 2010.

2010: Graduation and Management

Lily James graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and signed with Tavistock Wood management in 2010.

2011: Stage Roles

In 2011, James performed in stage productions of "Vernon God Little", "The Seagull", and "Othello".

2011: Secret Diary of a Call Girl

Lily James played Poppy in the fourth series of "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" in 2011.

2012: Stage and Film Roles

In 2012, James appeared in plays at the Orange Tree Theatre and starred in the film "Wrath of the Titans" and "Fast Girls".

2012: Downton Abbey and Stage Performances

In 2012, James began her supporting role in "Downton Abbey".

December 2014: Vogue Photoshoot

Lily James was photographed as Cinderella by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue in December 2014.

2014: Relationship with Matt Smith Begins

Lily James began dating Matt Smith in 2014.

2015: Cinderella and Singing Debut

In 2015, James played Cinderella and made her singing debut in the film.

2015: Breakthrough with Cinderella

Lily James' breakthrough role as Cinderella in the Disney film adaptation occurred in 2015.

2016: War & Peace and Other Roles

In 2016, James portrayed Natasha Rostova in the television adaptation of "War & Peace" and starred in "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies".

2016: War & Peace, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Romeo and Juliet

In 2016, James starred in the TV series "War & Peace", the film "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies", and played Juliet on stage.

2017: Baby Driver, Darkest Hour, and The Exception

In 2017, James appeared in the films "Baby Driver", "Darkest Hour", and "The Exception".

2017: Film Appearances

Lily James appeared in several films in 2017, including "Baby Driver" and "Darkest Hour".

July 2018: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

In July 2018, James appeared in the sequel "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again", and "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society".

2018: Mamma Mia and Guernsey

In 2018, James starred in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" and "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society".

2019: Yesterday Musical

In 2019, Lily James appeared in the musical film "Yesterday".

2019: All About Eve

James starred as Eve Harrington in the stage play "All About Eve" in 2019.

2019: Relationship with Matt Smith Ends

Lily James and Matt Smith's relationship ended in 2019.

2020: Rebecca

In 2020, James starred in the film adaptation of "Rebecca".

2021: The Dig and Pam & Tommy Casting

James played Peggy Piggott in "The Dig" in 2021 and was cast as Pamela Anderson in the miniseries "Pam & Tommy".

2021: The Dig

James starred in the period drama "The Dig" in 2021.

2021: Relationship with Michael Shuman Begins

Lily James began dating Michael Shuman in 2021.

September 2022: Brand Ambassador

In September 2022, James became a brand ambassador for the Natural Diamond Council.

2022: Pam & Tommy

Lily James portrayed Pamela Anderson in the series "Pam & Tommy" in 2022, earning award nominations.

February 2023: Breakup with Michael Shuman

Lily James and Michael Shuman reportedly broke up in February 2023.

June 2023: Lyonesse Play

In June 2023, James was announced to star in the play "Lyonesse".

November 2023: Reconciliation with Michael Shuman

James and Shuman reportedly rekindled their romance in November 2023.

2024: Greedy People Release

The film "Greedy People" starring Lily James was released in 2024.

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