Science Enthusiast and Westworld Star: Talulah Riley
Talulah Riley, the British actress, has found her perfect role in the science fiction thriller Westworld. She plays the android greeter at a fictional futuristic theme park in the hit HBO series. With a degree in Natural Science and a passion for studying physics and engineering, it’s no wonder she’s drawn to the world of science fiction. Let’s dive into 5 fascinating facts about Talulah Riley that you probably didn’t know.
1. The Only Child of a PR Maven and Crime Squad Head
Born in Hertfordshire, England on September 26, 1985, Talulah Riley is the only child of Una Riley, who founded a public relations firm, and Doug Milburn, who was the head of the British National Crime Squad and now works as a screenwriter. Talulah attended several prestigious British schools, including Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Berkhamsted Collegiate School, and Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls. While acting in London, she received a degree in Natural Sciences from Open University.
2. A Passion for the Stage
Talulah Riley’s acting journey began on the London theater scene. Her stage debut was in 2005 when she appeared in The Philadelphia Story at the Old Vic Theatre. The following year, she appeared in the London production of Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke. In the meantime, she found work in television and film.
3. From Agatha Christie to Doctor Who: Talulah’s TV and Film Career
While studying in London, Talulah began working in television and film. She appeared in Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Marple in 2003 and 2006. She also appeared in 2 episodes of Doctor Who and played Lila, a star-struck writer in the British television series Nearly Famous. Talulah’s film career includes roles in Pride and Prejudice (2005), St. Trinians and its sequel, The Boat That Rocked, Inception, Thor: The Dark World, and Submerged. In 2011, she was voted “Brit to Watch” by the Academy of Film and Television Arts.
After appearing in the first season of the HBO science fiction series Westworld, Talulah Riley’s role as android Angela was picked up as a series regular in the second season. She plays the robotic greeter at a futuristic theme park where visitors can have their fantasies fulfilled. The JJ Abrams thriller is based on Michael Crichton’s 1973 film.
4. A Whirlwind Romance with Elon Musk
Talulah Riley was young when she met billionaire tech mogul and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk. The couple met in 2008, had a whirlwind courtship, and married in 2010. Musk has five sons with his ex-wife, novelist Justine, and Talulah put her acting career on hold to help raise the family. Musk and Riley divorced in 2012 but remarried a year later, only to divorce again in 2016. They remain good friends today. Always interested in science, Musk inspired Talulah to study physics and engineering for fun. She appeared in the 2011 documentary Revenge of the Electric Car.
5. Talulah Riley: Writer, Entrepreneur, and Innovator
In addition to her acting career, Talulah Riley has explored other creative avenues. In 2016, her book “Acts of Love” was published, which explores relationships around Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. She and a friend, Stacey Ferreira, raised $1.5 million for their project Forge. The app, launched this year, provides low-paid restaurant and retail workers access to jobs and the ability to sign up for hours working for approved companies. Talulah is currently editing her latest novel, “The Quickening”. She lives in San Francisco and remains close with Elon Musk and his family.
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