Early Career and Star Wars Breakthrough
Daisy Ridley began her acting journey with minor television roles in shows like Youngers, Toast of London, Silent Witness, Mr Selfridge, and Casualty. She also featured in short films such as Blue Season and the interactive Lifesaver, which earned a BAFTA nomination.
Her life changed in 2014 when cast as Rey in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. The film shattered box office records, reaching $1 billion faster than any before, cementing Ridley's status as a leading actress.
She continued as Rey through the trilogy, sharing scenes with icons like Mark Hamill in The Last Jedi. This era defined her early success and opened doors to major projects.
Recent Projects and Personal Revelations
Post-trilogy, Ridley starred in Chaos Walking (2021) opposite Tom Holland, voiced Cottontail in Peter Rabbit (2018), and led Sometimes I Think About Dying (2023) and The Marsh King's Daughter (2023). In 2024, she embodied Gertrude Ederle in Disney's Young Woman and the Sea.
In 2024, Ridley publicly shared her Graves' disease diagnosis, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid, highlighting her advocacy for health awareness amid a demanding career.
Upcoming, she stars in Magpie, a noir thriller penned by partner Tom Bateman, and a biopic, showcasing her versatility.
Latest Star Wars Developments
Though she once said farewell to Rey after The Rise of Skywalker, Ridley remains tied to Star Wars. On December 16, 2025, she revealed that 'The Hunt for Ben Solo' was a big surprise, referencing Adam Driver's Kylo Ren/Ben Solo arc.
This comment fuels speculation about her potential return, given the franchise's vast storytelling potential. Fans buzz over how this could expand Rey's legacy.
Ridley's ongoing connection underscores her enduring impact on sci-fi cinema and her openness to new narratives.