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Explore the full biography of Olivia Cooke – English actress known for House of the Dragon, Bates Motel & more. Discover her age, movies, net worth, and latest projects in 2025.
Introduction
Olivia Cooke is an acclaimed English actress who gained international recognition for her captivating performances in both film and television. Best known for her roles in “House of the Dragon,” “Bates Motel,” and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” she is celebrated for her versatility, expressive performances, and ability to fully embody complex characters.
In this SEO-optimized blog post, we’ll explore Olivia Cooke’s biography, age, early life, acting journey, movie roles, TV series, awards, and what’s next for her in 2025.
Who is Olivia Cooke?
Olivia Kate Cooke, born on December 27, 1993, in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, is a British actress known for her impressive work across genres. She began acting at a young age and quickly rose to prominence in both British and Hollywood productions.
Olivia’s global breakthrough came from the psychological drama series Bates Motel, followed by a prominent role as Alicent Hightower in HBO’s House of the Dragon, which solidified her status as a rising star in the industry.
Olivia Cooke Biography Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olivia Kate Cooke |
| Date of Birth | December 27, 1993 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 31 Years |
| Place of Birth | Oldham, Greater Manchester, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actress |
| Known For | House of the Dragon, Bates Motel |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $3–5 Million USD |
Early Life and Education
Olivia Cooke was raised by her single mother, a sales representative, after her parents separated. She developed a passion for acting in her early teens and began taking drama classes at the Oldham Theatre Workshop.
She studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) but left early to pursue professional opportunities. Her talent and dedication quickly landed her roles in TV commercials and short films.
Breakthrough in Acting
Olivia’s screen debut came with roles in BBC productions like Blackout and The Secret of Crickley Hall. However, her major breakthrough was in the A&E psychological thriller series Bates Motel, where she played Emma Decody, a role that earned her critical acclaim and international attention.
Major Movies and TV Shows
🎬 Top Olivia Cooke Movies:
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) – Played Rachel Kushner
- Ready Player One (2018) – Played Art3mis/Samantha
- Sound of Metal (2019) – As Lou, the drummer and girlfriend
- Life Itself (2018)
- Katie Says Goodbye (2016)
- The Limehouse Golem (2016)
- Pixie (2020)
📺 Popular TV Shows:
- Bates Motel (2013–2017) – Emma Decody
- Vanity Fair (2018) – Becky Sharp
- House of the Dragon (2022–present) – Queen Alicent Hightower
Her role in House of the Dragon earned her widespread acclaim, especially in Season 2 (released in 2024), where her performance intensified dramatically.
Role in House of the Dragon
In HBO’s House of the Dragon, Olivia Cooke portrays Alicent Hightower, a powerful and politically sharp queen involved in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Cooke’s performance was praised for its nuance and emotional depth, helping the show achieve high ratings and global popularity.
Alicent Hightower’s Highlights:
- Central role in Season 1 & 2
- Power struggle with Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Key player in the war over succession
- Delivered some of the series’ most emotional scenes
Awards and Nominations
Although Olivia has not yet won a major international award, she has received several nominations and praise from critics for her performances.
Notable Recognition:
- Nominated for Screen Actors Guild Award (ensemble)
- Nominated at British Independent Film Awards
- Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 (Europe – Entertainment)
As of 2025, she is considered a strong contender for future Emmy Awards or BAFTAs, especially for her performance in House of the Dragon Season 2.
Olivia Cooke’s Acting Style
Olivia is known for:
- Emotional intelligence in performance
- Authentic British and American accents
- Strong screen presence and chemistry with co-stars
- Ability to portray both vulnerability and strength
Her roles are often layered, and she prefers characters with complex inner lives.
Personal Life
Olivia is known to be very private about her personal life. She prefers staying away from media gossip and focuses on her craft. She has previously spoken about her struggles with mental health and supports organizations advocating mental well-being.
Olivia Cooke in 2025: What’s Next?
As of 2025, Olivia Cooke is:
- Reprising her role in House of the Dragon Season 3 (filming underway)
- Set to star in an upcoming Netflix British thriller series
- In talks for a biopic role of a famous 1960s actress
- Expected to make her directorial debut in a short film project
She is actively expanding her reach beyond acting into storytelling and production.
Olivia Cooke Net Worth (2025)
As of early 2025, Olivia Cooke’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 to $5 million USD. Her income sources include:
- Acting in premium TV series and films
- Brand endorsements and campaigns
- Independent film royalties
- Streaming platform contracts (Netflix, HBO)
Social Media and Online Presence
Although Olivia doesn’t maintain a high-profile social media presence, fan pages and official updates are available through:
- Instagram (fan pages): @oliviacooke_fans
- Twitter/X: Not officially verified
- Fan Sites: OliviaCookeOnline.com
- IMDb: Olivia Cooke – IMDb
Fun Facts About Olivia Cooke
- She originally wanted to become a ballet dancer.
- She did most of her stunts in Ready Player One.
- Olivia is an avid reader and often posts book recommendations.
- She admires Kate Winslet and Jodie Comer as role models.
- Olivia once voiced a character for Axe Cop, an animated series.
Final Thoughts
Olivia Cooke is undoubtedly one of the most talented and exciting actresses of her generation. With a blend of raw talent, emotional intelligence, and growing influence in the entertainment world, she is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
As of 2025, Olivia’s career is at a fascinating crossroads — transitioning from rising star to an established powerhouse in both British and Hollywood circles.
