Learn more about Ella Purnell
Ella Purnell is an English actress who made her debut as a child performer in West End theatre and films such as Never Let Me Go (2010).
The actress first came to the notice of a wider audience after she appeared in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016), Army of the Dead (2021), and Yellowjackets (2021–present).
She has recently attained global fame through her portrayal of Lucy MacLean in the post-apocalyptic series Fallout (2024–present) on Prime Video, where she was highly commended for her subtle and charming acting.
Profile
- Full Name: Ella Summer Purnell
- Stage Name: Ella Purnell
- Born: September 17, 1996
- Age: 29 years old
- Birthplace: Whitechapel, London, England
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Actress
- Height: 165 cm (5 ft 5 in)
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: White British
- Parents: Simon Reid and Suzy Purnell
- Siblings: Noa, Enzo, and Leon
- Spouse: Max Bennett Kelly
- Relationship: Dating
- Net Worth: $2 million to $3 million USD
Early Life and Education
Ella Summer Purnell was born on 17 September 1996 in Whitechapel, London, England. She was brought up in the Bethnal Green and Isle of Dogs areas of East London.
Her mother is Suzy Purnell, a yoga instructor, and her father is Simon Reid. Ella has three younger half-brothers (Noa, Enzo, and Leon) from her father’s side.
Being of White British ethnicity, she was raised in a Christian family. Though she mainly resided with her mother and stepfather, she also saw her father quite frequently.
Ella’s schooling included Bethnal Green Montessori, Forest School in Walthamstow, City of London School for Girls, and Young Actors Theatre in Islington.
Besides this, she also took acting, singing, and dance lessons at Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Performing was what Ella wanted to do, and at 12, she was making her West End debut in the musical Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
Her family was sufficiently creative and at the same time quite down-to-earth, and this combination, along with her hard work and commitment to drama from a very young age, gave the basis for a successful career in acting.
Career
Ella Purnell began to work as a professional actress at a very young age having done roles in Never Let Me Go, Ways to Live Forever, and Intruders.
Working with Tim Burton, she was featured in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016). Later she was also seen in Churchill (2017) and Army of the Dead (2021).
The voice of the animated Jinx in the series Arcane (2021–present) belongs to her.
Sweetbitter (2018-2019) and even more so Yellowjackets (2021-present) as Jackie, were her first TV hits. Playing an upbeat Vault Dweller named Lucy MacLean in the post-apocalyptic drama Fallout (2024–present), which is the highest-rated show on Prime Video, brought her international stardom.
Currently, and in the near future, Ella Purnell will be producing and starring in Sweetpea (Sky series), The Scurry, Hot Ted (also producer), and voice work.
She always finds time for live-action, animation, and producing, which demonstrates her ability to play deeply developed characters.
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Award and Nominations
- Madame Figaro Rising Star Award Winner at Canneseries Festival (2024)
- Annie Awards – Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production Winner for Arcane
- Los Angeles Independent Film Festival – Best Actress Winner for Wildlike (2015)
- Additional wins at Gasparilla International Film Festival, Hill Country Film Festival, and National Film Awards UK (Best Newcomer nomination)
- Nominations including Astra TV Awards and Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards for Yellowjackets and Fallout
Total number of awards and nominations: Multiple (at least 4 wins and over 10 nominations).
Social Media
Instagram: @ella_purnell
Personal Life
Ella Purnell, 29, is currently in a relationship with musician, singer-songwriter, and actor Max Bennett Kelly.
They started dating sometime in 2022 and, apart from being partners, have also worked together artistically.
Ella Purnell usually does not talk much about her private life but has made thankful posts on social media about her boyfriend.
Before him, she was dating actor Rob Raco and had other rumored or short-term relationships, including a 2025 rumor with musician Gabe Kennedy.
There is no data on marriage or children. Ella lives alternately in London and Los Angeles.
She is very down-to-earth and a big animal lover which, coupled with her thoughtful approach to fame, makes her family the main source of keeping her grounded.
Controversy
Ella Purnell hasn’t yet been involved in any scandals or public controversies.
Up to the year 2026, she has been basically controversy-free and without any hint of problems with the law, public disputes, or scandals.
She is known for staying focused on her art and for being a positive face in the entertainment industry.
Net Worth
Ella Purnell’s net worth stands somewhere between $2 million and $3 million USD.
Ella Purnell earns most of her money through acting in big television shows (Fallout, Yellowjackets, Arcane) and movies, in addition to voice work, producer credits, and payments from streaming platforms.
Watching her become more well-known through lead roles and producing will likely lead to even higher earnings for her.
Filmography
- Never Let Me Go (2010)
- Intruders (2011)
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
- Churchill (2017)
- Army of the Dead (2021)
- Sweetbitter (2018–2019) – TV series
- Yellowjackets (2021–present) – Jackie
- Arcane (2021–present) – Voice of Jinx
- Fallout (2024–present) – Lucy MacLean
- Sweetpea (2024–2026) – Rhiannon (also executive producer)
- Additional credits: Wildlike (2014), The Scurry (TBA), Hot Ted (TBA, also producer), and early West End theatre (Oliver!)
Total number of Filmography: 12 (including released television, film, voice roles, and announced projects).
Conclusion
Starting with her child star roles like Never Let Me Go and Oliver! on the West End stage to the big screen adaptation of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, TV series Yellowjackets, and the Fallout video game character Lucy MacLean.
Ella Purnell has transformed from a sweet and endearing actress into a working, multi-talented, and effective one.
29 is just the beginning of her journey. She has a great ability to connect emotionally, she has a strong presence, and she has proven to be versatile by working on different projects, which got her highly praised by critics as well as a loyal fan base around the world.
By the time you read this, starring and producing will be an integ/ral part of her career.
Ella Purnell is one of the shining stars in both British and world entertainment.
Chimezie Duru is a Lagos-based Digital Entrepreneur, Wikipedia Editor & Biography Writer, Affiliate Marketing Strategist, IT Consultant, and Blogging Coach with over 6 years of experience building and monetizing blogs in Nigeria’s digital space. He is the founder of InkRise Academy (InkRise Digital Concepts) and creator of the Ink To Income Masterclass. A 9-module blogging course for aspiring Nigerian & African writers and bloggers covering SEO, content strategy, and monetisation.
As the creator of AffiliatePlog.com, Chimezie writes from real experience on Wikipedia editing & biography writing, affiliate marketing, online earnings, and digital tools for Nigerian freelancers and content creators. He also works as a freelance Business and Data Analyst, IT Consultant & System Administrator, bringing an analytical edge to every content and business decision.
