Vanessa Kirby was born in Wimbledon, London, England, on April 18, 1988. Growing up in a supportive environment with her father, a urologist, and mother, a former editor of Country Living magazine, she developed an early interest in acting. This formative period laid the foundation for her future pursuit of a career in the performing arts, fostering a love for storytelling and performance.

After being rejected from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Kirby took a gap year travelling before studying English at Exeter University. Despite the initial setback, she persevered in her acting ambitions. She turned down her place at LAMDA after being signed to a talent agency, paving the way for immediate professional stage work. This decision marked a pivotal moment, showcasing her determination and setting her on a path towards early recognition in theatre.

Kirby quickly gained recognition for her stage performances. She started her professional career in 2009 at the Octagon Theatre Bolton, starring in 'All My Sons' and then moved on to other productions, including 'Ghosts' at the Royal & Derngate. These early roles were crucial in honing her skills and establishing her reputation as a promising young talent in British theatre. The positive reviews she received solidified her confidence and opened doors to more significant opportunities.

Kirby made her television debut in the BBC drama series 'The Hour' in 2011. This marked her entry into the world of screen acting, providing her with valuable experience in a different medium. While a smaller role, it exposed her to a wider audience and helped build her profile within the industry, laying the groundwork for future television projects.

Kirby began securing more prominent roles in film. Some of her early film credits include 'Charlie Countryman' (2013), 'About Time' (2013), and 'Queen and Country' (2014). These roles, while not leading parts, gave her the opportunity to work with established actors and directors, further refining her craft and expanding her visibility within the film industry. They demonstrated her versatility and ability to handle diverse characters, setting the stage for her future success.

Kirby's portrayal of Princess Margaret in the first two seasons of Netflix's 'The Crown' (2016-2017) catapulted her to international stardom. Her nuanced and captivating performance earned her widespread critical acclaim and a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2018. This role was transformative, showcasing her ability to embody complex and iconic figures and establishing her as a major talent on the global stage.

Kirby won the British Academy Television Award (BAFTA TV Award) for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'The Crown' in 2018. This was a significant milestone in her career, validating her talent and hard work, and further solidifying her position as a leading actress. The award brought her even greater attention and opened doors to even more prestigious projects.

Kirby showcased her versatility by taking on the role of Hattie Shaw in the action film 'Hobbs & Shaw' (2019), a spin-off of the 'Fast & Furious' franchise. This departure from her previous roles demonstrated her range and ability to adapt to different genres. The film's global success exposed her to a wider audience and broadened her appeal as a leading actress capable of handling both dramatic and action-oriented roles.

Kirby received widespread critical acclaim for her performance in the drama film 'Pieces of a Woman' (2020). Her portrayal of a woman dealing with the tragic loss of her newborn child earned her numerous awards nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, and the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. This performance solidified her reputation as a serious and accomplished actress capable of handling emotionally demanding roles.

Kirby starred as Empress Joséphine in Ridley Scott's historical epic 'Napoleon' (2023), alongside Joaquin Phoenix. This high-profile role allowed her to further demonstrate her ability to embody complex historical figures and work with acclaimed directors. 'Napoleon' continued to showcase Kirby's dramatic and nuanced acting abilities on a large scale, and further solidified her prominence in mainstream cinema.