Ella Purnell is a British actress who has become one of the most recognizable names in modern streaming television, best known for playing Lucy MacLean in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series Fallout and Jackie Taylor in Showtime’s Yellowjackets. From child actress on the London stage to leading one of the biggest video game adaptations on television, her journey reflects steady, deliberate growth rather than overnight fame.
Ella Purnell is also widely recognized for voicing Jinx in Netflix’s award-winning animated series Arcane, further proving her range across live-action and voice acting.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Ella Summer Reed Purnell |
| Age (2026) | 29 years old |
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1996 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Nationality | British (English) |
| Profession | Actress, Voice Actress, and Producer |
| Years Active | 2009 – Present |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Net Worth (2026) | $3 million to $4 million |
| Boyfriend | Musician and filmmaker Max Bennett Kelly |
| Famous For | Fallout, Yellowjackets, Arcane |
Ella Purnell Biography
Ella Summer Purnell was born on September 17, 1996, in London, England. She grew up primarily in East London, spending her early years in areas including Whitechapel and Bethnal Green before her family later settled in different parts of the city.
Ella’s parents, Suzy Purnell and Simon Reid, separated when she was young. She was raised mainly by her mother, a yoga teacher, but maintained a close relationship with her father throughout her childhood.
She began performing at a young age, training at institutions including the Sylvia Young Theatre School and the Young Actors Theatre Islington, alongside her academic education at Forest School and later the City of London School for Girls.
At just 12 years old, Ella was selected from hundreds of candidates for a role in the West End musical Oliver!, performing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a year. This early stage experience laid the foundation for her transition into film shortly after.
Ella Purnell made her film debut in 2010, playing the young version of Kathy H., portrayed by Keira Knightley, in the acclaimed drama Never Let Me Go, based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel. In August 2018, she relocated to Brooklyn, New York, to further pursue international acting opportunities, and today she divides her time between London and Los Angeles.
Ella Purnell Wiki-Style Quick Facts
- Full birth name: Ella Summer Purnell
- Birthplace: London, England
- First stage role: Oliver!, West End (age 12)
- Film debut: Never Let Me Go (2010)
- Major breakout roles: Yellowjackets, Fallout, Arcane
- Relocated internationally: Brooklyn, New York (2018)
- Currently based: London and Los Angeles
Ella Purnell Family & Parents
Ella Purnell was born to Suzy Purnell and Simon Reid, who separated shortly after her birth. She was primarily raised by her mother but maintained a strong, ongoing relationship with her father.
Her father, Simon Reid, later remarried and had three sons — Enzo, Noa, and Leon — giving Ella three younger half-brothers on her father’s side. Ella has often spoken about how growing up as the eldest child and only girl among brothers shaped her resilient, protective personality.
Her mother later remarried as well, to Jon Squirrell, and the couple runs a gym and fitness space in London. Ella has described her family as close-knit and supportive throughout her acting career, despite her parents’ early separation.
Ella Purnell Boyfriend & Dating History
Ella Purnell is currently in a relationship with musician, actor, and filmmaker Max Bennett Kelly, whom she has been dating since around 2022. The couple has collaborated creatively together, with Ella making her directorial debut by co-writing and co-producing an award-winning short film alongside Max.
They made their first widely publicized red-carpet appearance together in April 2024 at the world premiere of Fallout, and they have continued to support each other’s creative projects since.
Before her relationship with Max Bennett Kelly, Ella Purnell was previously linked to actor Rob Raco (2019–2020) and actor Asa Butterfield (2015–2016), her former Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children co-star. She was also briefly rumored to be connected to businessman Gabe Kennedy in 2025, though details of that report were never confirmed.
Throughout her career, Ella Purnell has largely avoided major public controversies, maintaining a relatively private and professional public image compared to many of her Hollywood peers.
Ella Purnell Career Timeline
2007–2009: Early Stage Roles
Ella Purnell began her performing career on the London stage, training at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and performing in productions including the West End musical Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
2010: Film Debut
She made her feature film debut playing the younger version of Keira Knightley’s character in Never Let Me Go, an acclaimed drama based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel.
2011–2014: Building a Film Resume
Ella appeared in Intruders (2011) and later starred in Disney’s Maleficent (2014) alongside Angelina Jolie, expanding her visibility in major studio productions.
2016: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
She starred in Tim Burton’s fantasy film Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, a role that significantly raised her profile and connected her with a wider international audience.
2017: Churchill
Ella Purnell appeared in the historical drama Churchill, continuing to diversify her filmography across genres.
2021: Army of the Dead & Yellowjackets
She starred in Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead on Netflix and took on the role of young Jackie Taylor in Showtime’s critically acclaimed series Yellowjackets, further establishing her as a leading television talent.
2021–Present: Arcane
Ella Purnell voiced Jinx, the emotionally complex anti-hero, in Netflix’s Arcane, an award-winning animated series based on the League of Legends universe.
2024: Fallout — Global Breakthrough
Purnell landed the lead role of Lucy MacLean in Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout, based on the popular video game franchise. The show became a massive hit, drawing over 65 million viewers in its first two weeks and receiving 16 Emmy nominations, including a win for Best Music Supervision.
2024: Sweetpea
The same year, she starred as the lead in Sweetpea, a dark comedy series on Sky Atlantic, also serving as an executive producer — expanding her creative influence beyond acting.
2025–2026: Fallout Season 2
Ella Purnell returned as Lucy MacLean in Fallout Season 2, which premiered on December 16, 2025, and ran through February 3, 2026, continuing the show’s massive success on Amazon Prime Video.
2026 and Beyond: New Projects
Ella Purnell has multiple upcoming projects, including the horror-comedy The Scurry, the teen comedy Hot Ted (which she also produces), the romantic comedy That Time We Met alongside Pete Davidson, and the thriller The Return of Stanley Atwell with Nicholas Galitzine.
Ella Purnell Movies & TV Shows List
| Year | Project | Role | Type |
| 2010 | Never Let Me Go | Young Kathy H. | Film |
| 2011 | Intruders | Mia | Film |
| 2014 | Maleficent | Young Aurora | Film |
| 2016 | Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children | Emma Bloom | Film |
| 2017 | Churchill | Helen | Film |
| 2021 | Army of the Dead | Kate Ward | Film |
| 2021–Present | Yellowjackets | Jackie Taylor | TV Series |
| 2021–Present | Arcane | Jinx (voice) | Animated Series |
| 2024 | Sweetpea | Rhiannon | TV Series |
| 2024–2026 | Fallout | Lucy MacLean | TV Series |
| 2026 (upcoming) | The Scurry | Jenny | Film |
| 2026 (upcoming) | Hot Ted | Lead/Producer | Film |
| 2026 (upcoming) | That Time We Met | Lead | Film |
| 2026 (upcoming) | The Return of Stanley Atwell | Lead | Film |
Ella Purnell: Fallout
Ella Purnell’s role as Lucy MacLean in Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout is widely considered the defining role of her career. Based on the beloved Bethesda video game franchise and overseen by Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the show became one of Prime Video’s most successful original series.
Season 1 drew massive viewership, with reports citing over 65 million viewers within its first two weeks, and the show earned 16 Emmy nominations, winning for Best Music Supervision. Purnell’s portrayal of Lucy — an optimistic, sheltered vault dweller adapting to a brutal post-apocalyptic wasteland — earned widespread critical praise for its emotional depth.
Season 2 premiered on December 16, 2025, running through February 3, 2026, with Purnell reprising her role alongside co-stars Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, Moisés Arias, and Kyle MacLachlan. Due to the show’s release timeline, Purnell and Goggins will next be eligible for awards consideration at the 2026 Emmys.
Ella Purnell: Yellowjackets & Arcane
Before Fallout, Ella Purnell built significant acclaim through two very different roles. In Showtime’s Yellowjackets, she plays the young version of Jackie Taylor, a key character in the psychological survival drama that has developed a passionate global fanbase.
Meanwhile, Purnell has voiced Jinx in Netflix’s Arcane, an animated series set in the League of Legends universe. Her performance as the chaotic, emotionally layered anti-hero has been widely praised and contributed to the show’s numerous industry awards, showcasing her range beyond live-action performance.
Ella Purnell Net Worth
As of 2026, Ella Purnell’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million to $4 million, according to multiple celebrity finance trackers, reflecting her steady rise across film, television, and voice acting.
Income Sources
- Television lead salaries — Including her role as Lucy MacLean in Fallout and her voice work as Jinx in Arcane
- Film salaries — Roles in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Army of the Dead, and other studio productions
- Executive producing credits — Including her work on Sweetpea, which adds production income beyond acting fees
- Streaming residuals — International residual income from major streaming hits across Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Showtime
- Upcoming film and producing projects — Including Hot Ted, which she also produces
Following Fallout Season 1’s massive success, reports suggested Ella Purnell secured a significantly increased salary for Season 2, reflecting her growing negotiating power as one of the show’s lead stars.
Ella Purnell Salary Per Project (Estimated)
| Project | Estimated Fee Range |
| Fallout (Season 1, per episode) | Six figures (reported) |
| Fallout (Season 2, per episode) | Reported significant increase |
| Arcane (voice role) | Undisclosed, ongoing residuals |
| Feature Film Lead Role | Six figures |
Note: These are industry estimates, not officially confirmed figures.
Ella Purnell Physical Stats Table
| Attribute | Detail |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall |
| Body Type | Petite, Slender |
| Hair Color | Medium to Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Ella Purnell Nationality
Ella Purnell is British, born and raised in London, England. She began her acting career in the West End theatre scene before transitioning into British and American film and television productions.
Her career now spans both the UK and the US entertainment industries, and she currently divides her time between London and Los Angeles, reflecting her growing status as a global streaming and film star.
Ella Purnell Education
Ella Purnell attended Bethnal Green Montessori before enrolling at Forest School, a private institution on the edge of Epping Forest in northeast London. She later attended the City of London School for Girls, known for its strong academic reputation.
Alongside her academic studies, she trained extensively at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and the Young Actors Theatre Islington, balancing formal education with early stage and screen work. She reportedly considered university studies in English, film, or psychology before ultimately choosing to pursue acting full-time.
Ella Purnell Early Life
Ella Purnell’s early life was shaped by a strong theatrical foundation from a young age. Her early acting work, including her time in the West End production of Oliver!, reportedly helped fund parts of her education.
Growing up between her separated parents’ households, and later gaining three younger half-brothers through her father’s remarriage, Ella has often credited her upbringing with shaping her resilience and adaptability — qualities she has carried into her acting career.
Ella Purnell Personal Life
Ella Purnell keeps much of her personal life private, though she has spoken about her love for animals, including her pet dog, which she often features on social media. She also enjoys playing the piano in her free time.
She is known for maintaining a relatively low-key public profile, avoiding major tabloid controversies throughout her career. Ella Purnell has been in a relationship with musician and filmmaker Max Bennett Kelly since around 2022, and the couple has collaborated on creative projects together, including a co-written and co-produced short film.
Ella Purnell Awards & Recognition
| Award | Category | Project | Result |
| Canneseries International Festival (2024) | Rising Star Award | — | Won |
| Madame Figaro Rising Star Award | Rising Star | — | Won |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Multiple Nominations | Fallout (Season 1) | Nominated (Show won Best Music Supervision) |
Ella Purnell’s Rising Star Award win at the Canneseries International Festival highlighted her growing critical recognition, alongside Fallout‘s strong Emmy nomination haul during its first season.
Ella Purnell 2026: What’s Next
2026 has been a major year for Ella Purnell, marked by the continuation of Fallout Season 2 and multiple new film projects entering production or release. Her expanding producer credits, including on Sweetpea and Hot Ted, show her growing influence behind the camera as well as in front of it.
With upcoming roles alongside high-profile co-stars like Pete Davidson in That Time We Met and Nicholas Galitzine in The Return of Stanley Atwell, Ella Purnell’s 2026 slate reflects a deliberate strategy of balancing franchise television work with diverse film projects.
Ella Purnell: Global & Industry Relevance
Ella Purnell’s career reflects the growing crossover between British acting talent and major American streaming platforms. Her journey from London’s West End theatre scene to leading a hit Amazon Prime Video series demonstrates the increasing global reach of UK-trained actors in mainstream Hollywood and streaming entertainment.
Her voice role in Arcane, one of the most acclaimed animated series in recent years, has also expanded her relevance into gaming and animation fan communities worldwide, broadening her audience far beyond traditional film and television viewers.
Ella Purnell Facts You Might Not Know
- She performed in the West End musical Oliver! at just 12 years old.
- Her film debut was playing a young version of Keira Knightley’s character in Never Let Me Go.
- She relocated to Brooklyn, New York, in 2018 to pursue international opportunities.
- She voices Jinx in Netflix’s award-winning series Arcane.
- She serves as an executive producer on the series Sweetpea.
- She made her directorial debut with a short film co-written with her partner, Max Bennett Kelly.
- She has three younger half-brothers on her father’s side.
- Fallout Season 1 drew over 65 million viewers within its first two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ella Purnell?
Ella Purnell is 29 years old as of 2026, born on September 17, 1996.
What is Ella Purnell’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2026 is around $3 million to $4 million.
Where is Ella Purnell from?
She was born and raised in London, England.
Who is Ella Purnell’s boyfriend?
She has been dating musician, actor, and filmmaker Max Bennett Kelly since around 2022.
What is Ella Purnell known for?
She is best known for playing Lucy MacLean in Fallout, Jackie Taylor in Yellowjackets, and voicing Jinx in Arcane.
How tall is Ella Purnell?
She stands at 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall.
Is Ella Purnell returning for more Fallout seasons?
Yes, she reprised her role as Lucy MacLean in Fallout Season 2, which aired from December 2025 to February 2026.
Has Ella Purnell won any awards?
Yes, she won the Rising Star Award at the Canneseries International Festival and the Madame Figaro Rising Star Award.
Who are Ella Purnell’s parents?
Her parents are Suzy Purnell and Simon Reid, who separated when she was young.
Conclusion
Ella Purnell’s journey from a young West End performer to one of streaming television’s most recognizable leading actresses reflects steady growth built on genuine talent and versatility. Her standout performances in Fallout, Yellowjackets, and Arcane have made her a globally recognized name across film, television, and animation.
With Fallout Season 2 continuing her biggest franchise role, new producing credits, and a diverse slate of upcoming film projects in 2026, Ella Purnell’s career shows strong momentum heading into the rest of the decade. Whether you’re searching for her age, height, net worth, boyfriend, or full filmography, Ella Purnell remains one of the most compelling and versatile actresses working in entertainment today.