Ella Purnell (born Ella Summer Reed Purnell) is a talented English actress known for her compelling performances across major streaming series and films. She has gained recognition for her lead roles, including Lucy MacLean in Fallout and Jackie in Yellowjackets, where she brings a mix of charm and emotional intensity to complex characters.
She has also voiced Jinx in the acclaimed animated series Arcane and expanded her creative influence by serving as an executive producer on Sweetpea. Her work highlights her versatility, allowing her to excel in dystopian, horror, and thriller genres while continuing to rise as a prominent star.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Ella Summer Reed Purnell
- Stage Name: Ella Purnell
- Born: September 17, 1996
- Age: 29 years old
- Birthplace: Whitechapel, London, England, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Ethnicity: British
- Occupation: Actress, Producer, Director
- Height: 165 cm (5 ft 5 in)
- Religion: N/A
- Parents: Simon Reid and Suzy Purnell
- Siblings: Noa Purnell, Enzo Reid and Leon Reid
- Spouse: Not Married
- Children: None
- Relationship: Dating
- Net Worth: $3 million USD
Early Life and Education
Ella Summer Reed Purnell was born on September 17, 1996, in Whitechapel, London, England, United Kingdom. She was brought up by her parents, Simon Reid, a businessman, and Suzy Purnell, a yoga instructor, in Bethnal Green after her parents separated shortly after her birth.
She grew up with three younger half-brothers: Noa Purnell, Enzo Reid and Leon Reid from her mother’s second marriage.
Ella attended Bethnal Green Montessori, Forest School, and the City of London School for Girls, and trained at the Young Actors Theatre in Islington and Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she studied acting, singing, and dance.
This supportive yet creative London upbringing and dedicated performing arts training propelled her from child theatre roles into professional acting at a young age.
Career
Ella Purnell began her professional career as a child actress, performing in the West End production of Oliver! at the age of 12.
She made her film debut in Never Let Me Go and went on to appear in projects such as Intruders, Kick-Ass 2, Maleficent, and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, gradually building recognition for her performances.
Ella gained wider attention through roles in series like Sweetbitter and the film Army of the Dead, showcasing her ability to transition from supporting roles into a more prominent screen presence.
Her major breakthrough came with her role as teen Jackie in Yellowjackets (2021–2025), along with voicing Jinx in the critically acclaimed animated series Arcane. These roles highlighted her versatility across both live-action and voice acting.
She reached global stardom starring as Lucy MacLean in Fallout (2024–2026), which became one of the platform’s most successful and highly rated shows. In the same period, she led the dark comedy-thriller Sweetpea on Sky/Starz, also serving as an executive producer, with its second season released in 2026.
Her recent and upcoming projects include the British comedy horror The Scurry, the teen comedy Hot Ted, which she also produces, the cosmic romantic comedy That Time We Met, starring Pete Davidson, and the thriller The Return of Stanley Atwell, starring Nicholas Galitzine.
She continues to expand her range across acting and producing, earning recognition such as the Madame Figaro Rising Star Award.
Social Media
- Instagram: @ella_purnell
Personal Life
Ella Purnell, 29, is currently in a relationship with musician, actor, and filmmaker Max Bennett Kelly, whom she has been dating since around 2022. They have collaborated creatively and occasionally share public moments together.
Her past relationships include actors Rob Raco (2019–2020) and Asa Butterfield (2015–2016); she was also briefly rumoured to be linked to others, such as Gabe Kennedy in 2025, though details remain private.
She has no children and keeps much of her personal life low-key, focusing on her family ties with her mother and half-brothers. Her height is 165 cm (5 ft 5 in).
Net Worth
Ella Purnell’s net worth is estimated at $3 million USD. Her income primarily comes from lead acting roles in major series like Fallout and Yellowjackets, voice work in Arcane, producing credits on Sweetpea, film appearances, and growing brand opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
- Fallout (2024–2026) as Lucy MacLean
- Sweetpea (2024–2026) as lead (also executive producer)
- Yellowjackets (2021–2025) as Teen Jackie
- Arcane (voice as Jinx)
- The Return of Stanley Atwell (upcoming)
- That Time We Met (upcoming) as lead
- Hot Ted (upcoming, also producer)
- The Scurry (upcoming)
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
- Maleficent (2014)
- Kick-Ass 2 (2013)