From her haunting breakthrough in the New England woods to her high-octane reign as Imperator Furiosa, Anya Taylor-Joy has become the definitive face of modern prestige cinema. Known for her wide-set, expressive eyes and a chameleonic ability to inhabit any era, she has successfully transitioned from a “Scream Queen” to a global icon.
As of early 2026, Anya is entering a new phase of her career, balancing massive blockbusters with intimate, visionary storytelling.
Anya Taylor-Joy Biography
Born Anya-Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy on April 16, 1996, in Miami, Florida, Anya’s heritage is a global tapestry. The youngest of six children, she was raised in Buenos Aires before moving to London at age six. Her mother is of English and Spanish descent, while her father is Scottish-Argentinian.
Anya’s move to London was famously traumatic; she initially refused to learn English for two years, hoping her parents would move the family back to Argentina. She eventually found her voice through acting, dropping out of school at 16 to pursue her dream. She was scouted as a model outside Harrods department store, which she used as a stepping stone to the screen.
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Career
Anya’s career has been a series of “checkmates.” After her 2015 debut in The Witch, she became an international phenomenon with Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit (2020), which earned her a Golden Globe and a SAG Award.
In 2024 and 2025, she reached new heights:
- The Action Star: She led George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024), proving her physical prowess.
- The Apple TV+ Era: In February 2025, she starred in the sci-fi romance The Gorge alongside Miles Teller.
- The Netflix Return: As of early 2026, she is starring in the dark thriller series How to Kill Your Family, playing the vengeful Grace Bernard.
- Future Projects: She is set to voice Princess Peach again in the 2026 Super Mario Galaxy movie and has been teased for a major role in Dune: Messiah.
Anya Taylor-Joy Movies
- The Witch (2015): The folk-horror breakthrough.
- Split (2016) & Glass (2019): Her collaboration with M. Night Shyamalan.
- Emma (2020): A stylish Jane Austen adaptation.
- The Menu (2022): A sharp-witted culinary thriller.
- Furiosa (2024): A prequel to the Mad Max legend.
- The Gorge (2025): A genre-bending action-romance on Apple TV+.
- Sacrifice (2025/2026): A thriller directed by Romain Gavras.
Anya Taylor-Joy Net Worth
As of early 2026, Anya Taylor-Joy’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $12 million. This reflects her status as a high-demand lead actress, her roles in major franchises, and her lucrative brand ambassadorships with Dior and Tiffany & Co.
Family
Anya is the youngest of six siblings, four from her father Dennis’s previous marriage and one full sibling. She remains incredibly close to her parents; her father is a former banker and powerboat racer, while her mother, Jennifer, is a psychologist. Anya often credits her multi-cultural upbringing for her ability to pick up accents and feel at home anywhere in the world.
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Relationships and Dating History
Anya Taylor-Joy and Eoin Macken
Early in her career, Anya was in a relationship with Irish actor and director Eoin Macken. They were rumored to be engaged in 2017 after she was seen wearing a ring, but the relationship ended around 2018. Reports later surfaced that the breakup was difficult for Anya, but it ultimately led her to focus more deeply on her craft.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae
Anya found her soulmate in musician and actor Malcolm McRae. The two share the same birthday (April 16), though Malcolm is two years older. They secretly wed in a private New Orleans ceremony on April Fools’ Day in 2022, later hosting a lavish second wedding in Venice, Italy, in October 2023. As of 2026, they remain one of Hollywood’s most stylish couples, frequently sharing their “spy-oriented” private life on social media.
Controversies
Anya’s most notable controversy occurred during the Dune: Part Two press tour in early 2024. Her custom Dior ensemble, which featured a sheer hood and veil, sparked online debate regarding “cultural appropriation” and “Orientalism,” with some critics suggesting it resembled a burka. Anya and her team clarified that the look was a tribute to a 1961 vintage Dior design inspired by Roman roots, though the conversation sparked a wider debate about fashion and political sensitivity.
Anya Taylor-Joy Age and Instagram
As of January 2026, Anya Taylor-Joy is 29 years old (turning 30 in April). She is a magnetic presence on Instagram (@anyataylorjoy), where she has over 11 million followers. Her feed is a curated gallery of high-fashion Dior looks, glimpses of her life with Malcolm, and behind-the-scenes snaps from her latest film sets.
Conclusion
Anya Taylor-Joy has proven that “strange and fascinating” is the new standard for a Hollywood leading lady. From the chessboards of the 1960s to the post-apocalyptic wastelands, she continues to move with a grace and intensity that few can match. As she prepares for her next set of “scams and swindles” in her upcoming 2026 projects, the world is clearly still under her spell.
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