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The Crown’s Rebel Princess: 7 Ways Vanessa Kirby’s Princess Margaret Performance Changed Her Career Forever (And What She’s Doing Now In 2025)

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The captivating performance of Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret in Netflix's *The Crown* remains a pivotal moment in modern television history, despite her tenure ending after only two seasons. Her electrifying portrayal of the rebellious, witty, and deeply vulnerable younger sister to Queen Elizabeth II catapulted her from a respected stage actress to an international star, setting the stage for a blockbuster career that continues to soar with major new projects in 2025. This article dives deep into the legacy of her role and the latest updates on the actress herself. As of late 2025, Kirby is not only one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, but also preparing for a new personal chapter, having recently confirmed her first pregnancy at a major industry event in May 2025. This personal news, combined with her upcoming superhero role, ensures that the actress who first charmed audiences as the Royal Family's "wild card" is now a global powerhouse.

Vanessa Kirby: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Vanessa Nuala Kirby, born in Wimbledon, London, is an English actress known for her versatility across stage, television, and film. Her career trajectory is a masterclass in building prestige, culminating in a series of high-profile roles following her breakout success on *The Crown*.

  • Full Name: Vanessa Nuala Kirby
  • Date of Birth: 18 April 1988 (Note: Some sources cite 1987)
  • Place of Birth: Wimbledon, London, England
  • Breakout Role: Princess Margaret in *The Crown* (Seasons 1 & 2)
  • Key Awards & Nominations:
    • BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress (*The Crown*)
    • Primetime Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (*The Crown*)
    • Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress (*Pieces of a Woman*)
  • Major Filmography Highlights: *The Crown*, *Mission: Impossible - Fallout*, *Pieces of a Woman*, *Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw*, *Napoleon*.
  • Current & Upcoming Projects (2025):
    • *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* (as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe)
    • *Night Always Comes* (Netflix)
    • Executive Producer roles with her company, Aluna Entertainment

The Fire and Vulnerability: Why Kirby’s Princess Margaret is Unforgettable

Kirby's two-season portrayal of Princess Margaret, covering the years from 1947 to 1964, is widely considered one of the most compelling performances in the entire series. She navigated the complex emotional landscape of a woman trapped by royal duty but yearning for personal freedom, perfectly capturing the dichotomy of the "rebel princess".

Capturing Margaret’s Tragic Romance with Peter Townsend

The emotional core of Season 1 revolved around Margaret’s forbidden romance with Group Captain Peter Townsend (played by Ben Miles). Kirby masterfully conveyed the intense passion and subsequent devastation of having to choose between the man she loved and her royal title, a choice dictated by her sister, Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy). This storyline established Margaret as the tragic figure of the early monarchy—a vibrant personality stifled by the Crown itself.

The Iconic Scenes That Defined Her Performance

Kirby’s work is studded with memorable moments that cemented her legacy. These scenes showcase her range, moving from cutting wit to profound sadness:

  • The Confrontation with Elizabeth: A powerful scene where Margaret challenges Elizabeth's authority, giving the Queen "a taste of her own medicine" and highlighting the deep-seated sibling rivalry and love.
  • The Proposal from Tony Armstrong-Jones: The moment Margaret accepts the proposal from photographer Tony Armstrong-Jones (Lord Snowdon, played by Matthew Goode) is less about romance and more about defiance and a desperate need for a new life, a path of her own choosing.
  • The Heartbreak of Billy Wallace: A scene where Margaret, still reeling from the Peter Townsend heartbreak, receives a disastrous proposal from Billy Wallace (Tom Durant Pritchard), showcasing her emotional instability and the pressure she was under.

The Pay Gap Scandal and the Legacy of The Crown

While her performance was critically lauded, Kirby’s tenure on *The Crown* was also associated with a significant industry controversy: the gender pay gap. It was revealed that Claire Foy, who played the lead role of Queen Elizabeth II, was paid less than her male co-star, Matt Smith (Prince Philip), a scandal that shocked the industry.

Although Kirby's specific salary was not the primary focus, she was a vocal proponent of addressing the issue. Kirby publicly stated that it was "really important" to discuss the gender pay gap and that the controversy, while unfortunate, "incited a change" in the industry's approach to equal pay. This public stance demonstrated her commitment to social issues, adding another dimension to her professional profile beyond acting excellence.

From Royal Rebel to Hollywood Powerhouse: The Post-Crown Career Surge

The success of *The Crown* served as a massive launchpad for Kirby, immediately transitioning her to major action and prestige film roles. Her career trajectory is a clear example of how a high-profile, critically acclaimed TV role can open doors to A-list opportunities.

Action Star and Oscar Nominee

Immediately following her departure from the role (which was recast with Helena Bonham Carter for later seasons), Kirby joined the *Mission: Impossible* franchise as the mysterious and deadly White Widow in *Mission: Impossible - Fallout*. This role proved her commercial viability and ability to handle major action sequences. She then cemented her status as a serious dramatic actress with the 2020 film *Pieces of a Woman*, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, a rare feat for a recent TV star.

The Fantastic Future: Marvel and Beyond in 2025

Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be one of Kirby’s biggest years yet. Her casting as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, in the highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe film *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, places her at the center of one of the world's largest entertainment franchises. Additionally, she has other major projects in the pipeline, including the Netflix film *Night Always Comes*, showing her dedication to both blockbuster cinema and prestige drama.

In short, Vanessa Kirby’s Princess Margaret was more than just a role; it was a career defining moment that showcased her extraordinary talent. It provided the critical acclaim (BAFTA, Emmy nomination), the international visibility, and the platform to become the versatile, powerful leading lady she is today, making her one of the most exciting actresses to watch in 2025 and beyond.

vanessa kirby the crown
vanessa kirby the crown

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