Essie Davis
Biography
Essie Davis is an Australian actress born in Hobart, Tasmania. She is the daughter of artist George Davis. Davis graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney and the University of Tasmania's Old Nick Company. Her acting career began after her role in the 1995 film Dad and Dave: On Our Selection, which starred Geoffrey Rush, Leo McKern, and Joan Sutherland. Davis is known for her work in several notable films, including The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, and Richard Flanagan's 1998 film The Sound of One Hand Clapping. She is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art and the University of Tasmania's Old Nick Company.
Career overview
Essie Davis is an Australian actress born in Hobart, Tasmania. She is the daughter of a locally famed artist George Davis. Davis graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. Her acting career began after a role in the Australian film Dad and Dave: On Our Selection, which also starred Geoffrey Rush, Leo McKern, and Joan Sutherland.
Davis's notable film roles include appearances in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, as well as Richard Flanagan's 1998 Tasmanian film The Sound of One Hand Clapping. Her early career emerged from the Old Nick Company at the University of Tasmania in the late 1980s.
Throughout her career, Essie Davis has accumulated a significant number of acting credits. Born on January 19, 1970, in Hobart, Tasmania, Davis has established herself as a prominent figure in Australian and international film. Her extensive experience in the industry has led to her being known for her acting work.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
57 titles- Alien: Earth (2025) as Dame Sylvia
- The Narrow Road to the Deep North (2025) as Lynette Maison
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2025) as Natalie Dal-Bello
- One Day (2024) as Alison
- Faraway Downs (2023) as Cath Carney
- Fungi: The Web of Life (2023) as Narrator (voice)
- Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022) as Nancy Bradley
- Nitram (2021) as Helen
- The Justice of Bunny King (2021) as Bunny King
- Babyteeth (2020) as Anna
- Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears (2020) as Phryne Fisher
- Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears (2020) Associate Producer
- Lambs of God (2019) as Sister Iphigenia
- True History of the Kelly Gang (2019) as Ellen Kelly
- Emu Runner (2019) Thanks
- The White Princess (2017) as Elizabeth Woodville
- Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams (2017) as Vera Herrick
- The Last Post (2017) as Martha Franklin
- Assassin's Creed (2016) as Mary Lynch
- Mindhorn (2016) as Patricia Deville
- They Call Him Mister Babadook: The Making of The Babadook (2015) as Self
- The Babadook (2014) as Amelia Vanek
- A Poet in New York (2014) as Caitlin Thomas
- Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012) as Phryne Fisher
- Game of Thrones (2011) as Lady Crane
- The Slap (2011) as Anouk
- Burning Man (2011) as Karen
- Cloudstreet (2011) as Dolly Pickles
- Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010) as Marella (voice)
- South Solitary (2010) as Alma Stanley
- The Wedding Party (2010) as Jane
- Australia (2008) as Katherine
- Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger (2008) as Grace Blueburger
- Charlotte's Web (2006) as Mrs. Arable
- The Silence (2006) as Juliet Moore
- Sweeney Todd (2006) as Mrs Lovett
- Isolation (2005) as Orla
- The Matrix Revolutions (2003) as Maggie
- The Matrix Reloaded (2003) as Maggie
- Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) as Catharina Bolnes Vermeer
- Code 46 (2003) as Doctor
- The Pact (2003) as Helene Davis
- After the Deluge (2003) as Beth
- After the Deluge (2003) as Beth
- Young Lions (2002) as Julie Morgan
- Kings in Grass Castles (1998) as Mary Costello
- The Sound of One Hand Clapping (1998) as Jean
- Blackrock (1997) as Det. Gilhooley
- The Ripper (1997) as Evelyn Bookman
- The Two-Wheeled Time Machine (1997) as Young alice
- River Street (1997) as Wendy Davis
- Lilian's Story (1996) as Zara
- Dad and Dave: On Our Selection (1995)
- Halifax f.p. (1994) as Alison Blount
- The Custodian (1994) as Jilly
- Play School (1966) as Self
- Unspeakable as Judith
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Essie Davis best known for?
Essie Davis is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Alien: Earth (2025), One Day (2024), Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022), Babyteeth (2020).
When and where was Essie Davis born?
Essie Davis was born on January 19, 1970 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
How many credits does Essie Davis have?
Essie Davis has accumulated over 57 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1966 to 2025.
What is Essie Davis's background in cinema and television?
Essie Davis is an Australian actress born in Hobart, Tasmania. She is the daughter of artist George Davis. Davis graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney and the University of Tasmania's Old Nick Company. Her acting career began after her role in the 1995 film Dad and Dave: On Our Selection, whic...